Miami-Dade County, FL Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restriction zone
- 1 mile off runway ends, 0.5 mi centerline
- Governing section
- Miami-Dade County Code § 25-11
- Scope
- Countywide, including all 34 municipalities
- Enforcement
- County-wide; concurrent with cities in incorporated areas
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 16-8, effective January 20, 2016
Summary
Miami-Dade County bans flying drones within one statute mile of runway ends and a half-mile of runway centerlines at every county airport, plus anywhere on or above airport property.
UA/UAS Restriction Zone shall mean the areas encompassing one statute mile from each end of every runway at each Airport and one-half mile in each direction from the centerline of every runway at each Airport. ... No person may operate, or cause to be operated, an Unmanned Aircraft or an Unmanned Aircraft System within the UA/UAS Restriction Zone at any Airport.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 25-11 prohibits flying an Unmanned Aircraft System on or above any Miami-Dade airport property and within the UA/UAS Restriction Zone -- one statute mile from each runway end and one-half mile from each runway centerline -- at every county airport, including Miami International. Federally authorized operations and County-approved tenants or contractors that notify the control tower and Aviation Department are exempted. The rule applies both inside and outside city limits: unincorporated areas are enforced solely by the County, while the 34 municipalities enforce it concurrently alongside the County. Violations are prosecuted under the Chapter 8CC civil-penalty and enforcement process.
Violations & Fines
Violating the drone restriction is enforced under Chapter 8CC's civil citation and hearing process, which can carry fines, civil penalties, and attorney's-fee liability for repeat or willful violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone near Miami International Airport?
Does this drone rule apply inside cities like Miami or Hialeah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida drone rules overview
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