Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🚁 Drone Rules/Commercial Drones

Commercial Drones: Dover vs Tampa

How do commercial drones rules compare between Dover, FL and Tampa, FL?

Tampa has fewer restrictions than Dover.

Dover, FL

Hillsborough County

Heavy Restrictions

Commercial drone operation in Hillsborough County requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Tampa International Class B airspace requires LAANC or ATC coordination. MacDill AFB restricted airspace prohibits commercial flights without military authorization. FL 934.50 restricts surveillance of private property.

View full Dover rules β†’

Tampa, FL

Hillsborough County

Some Restrictions

Commercial drone operations in Tampa require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Tampa's complex airspace around TPA, MacDill AFB, and other airports makes LAANC authorization essential. Florida law supports commercial drone use while protecting privacy.

View full Tampa rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDoverTampa
CertificateFAA Part 107-
TPALAANC required-
MacDillRestricted airspaceHighly restricted military airspace
Night OpsAnti-collision lights-
Critical InfraFL 934.50-
Certification-FAA Part 107 required
Airspace-Complex β€” TPA, MacDill AFB, Peter O. Knight
LAANC-Required in most areas
Business Tax-May be required for local operations

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Dover FAQ

Who enforces this in Hillsborough County?

Hillsborough County code enforcement at (813) 272-5900 handles complaints.

Who enforces this in Hillsborough County?

Hillsborough County code enforcement at (813) 272-5900 handles complaints.

Tampa FAQ

What do I need for commercial drone work in Tampa?

An FAA Part 107 certificate and LAANC authorization for Tampa's controlled airspace. Special coordination may be needed near MacDill AFB.

Can I fly commercial drones near MacDill Air Force Base?

Flights near MacDill AFB are highly restricted. Unauthorized flights in military airspace trigger severe federal enforcement. Specific DOD coordination may be required.

Compare other topics

See how Dover and Tampa compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool