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Jacksonville, FL Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Primary airport
JAX Class C
Military airspace
NAS Jax, Mayport
Authorization tool
FAA LAANC
Max FAA fine
$32,666 per flight
Park launch
Permit required

Summary

FAA airspace blankets Jacksonville International, Cecil, Craig, and Herlong airports plus NAS Jacksonville and NAS Mayport. Recreational and Part 107 pilots must obtain LAANC authorization before flying any drone within five miles of those facilities.

Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly. LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers . You can get access through one of the FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers . There are two ways to use LAANC : Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports (available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers) . Submit a "further coordination request" if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet . You can apply up to 90 days in advance of a flight and the approval is coordinated manually through the FAA (available to Part 107 pilots only) .

Source: FAA LAANC AuthorizationView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Federal regulation 14 CFR Part 107 and the FAA Reauthorization Act preempt all aviation-airspace rules. Jacksonville International (JAX) sits in Class C airspace while NAS Jacksonville and NAS Mayport carry strict military restricted airspace. Cecil Airport, Craig Municipal, and Herlong Recreational add Class D and Class E surface-area rings. Pilots must use LAANC instant authorization through B4UFLY, Aloft, or Airmap. Surface-grid altitude ceilings range from zero feet near runways to 400 feet several miles out. Jacksonville Ord. Code 614.142 prohibits drone takeoff from city parks without permit, but cannot regulate airspace itself. Violators risk FAA civil penalties beyond city fines.

Violations & Fines

FAA civil penalties reach $32,666 per unauthorized airspace flight under 49 USC 46301. Park launch violations bring city fines around $250. Reckless flight near JAX or NAS supports criminal charges with up to one year imprisonment plus drone confiscation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need FAA approval for a drone in my Jacksonville backyard?
Likely yes if near JAX, NAS Jax, NAS Mayport, Craig, or Cecil. Use B4UFLY to check; most urban Jacksonville requires LAANC authorization regardless of altitude or recreational status.
Does Jacksonville issue its own drone-airspace permits?
No. Federal law preempts local airspace rules. Jacksonville can regulate launch and landing on city property, but only the FAA grants airspace authorization through LAANC or Part 107 waivers.

Sources & Official References

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