Largo, FL Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Pilot License
- FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate required
- Pilot License
- F.S. 330.41 preempts local pilot licensing
- Requirement
- F.S. 934.50 prohibits unauthorized aerial surveillance
- Requirement
- County parks require advance commercial approval
- Requirement
- Class B/C airspace authorization required near KPIE and KTPA
Summary
Commercial drone work in Largo requires an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, compliance with Florida statutes 330.41 and 934.50, and county park permission for any takeoff or landing on public land.
330.41 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act. — (1) SHORT TITLE. — This act may be cited as the “Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act.” (2) DEFINITIONS. — As used in this act, the term: (a) “Critical infrastructure facility” means any of the following, if completely enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier that is obviously designed to exclude intruders, or if clearly marked with a sign or signs which indicate that entry is forbidden and which are posted on the property in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders: 1. An electrical power generation or transmission facility, substation, switching station, or electrical control center. 2. A chemical or rubber manufacturing or storage facility. 3. A mining facility. 4. A natural gas or compressed gas compressor station, storage facility, or natural gas or compressed gas pipeline. 5. A liquid natural gas or propane gas terminal or storage facility with a capacity of 4,000 gallons or more. 6. Any portion of an aboveground oil or gas pipeline. 7. A wireless communications facility, including the tower, antennae, support structures, and all associated ground-based equipment. (b) “Drone” has the same meaning as s. 934.50 (2). (c) “Unmanned aircraft system” means a drone and its associated elements, including communication links and the components used to control the drone which are required for the pilot in command to operate the drone safely and efficiently. (3) REGULATION. — (a) The authority to regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft systems is vested in the state except as provided in federal regulations, authorizations, or exemptions. (b) Except as otherwise expressly provided, a political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution relating to the design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, or operation of an unmanned aircraft system, including airspace, altitude, flight paths, equipment or technology requirements; the purpose of operations; and pilot, operator, or observer qualifications, training, and certification. (c) This subsection does not limit the authority of a local government to enact or enforce local ordinances relating to nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, or other illegal acts arising from the use of unmanned aircraft systems if such laws or ordinances are not specifically related to the use of an unmanned aircraft system for those illegal acts. (d) A person or governmental entity seeking to restrict or limit the operation of drones in close proximity to infrastructure or facilities that the person or governmental entity owns or operates must apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for such designation pursuant to s. 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016.
Full Breakdown
Operators flying drones for compensation or business purposes in Largo must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and follow federal flight rules, including airspace authorizations near St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport's Class C and the Tampa Class B shelves. Florida Statute 330.41 preempts city-level drone licensing, but real-estate, surveying, inspection, and aerial photography operators still need permission from any landowner where the drone takes off or lands. Pinellas County requires advance approval for commercial flights from county parks, and F.S. 934.50 prohibits drone surveillance of private property without consent, with limited exceptions for licensed professionals. Commercial general liability insurance is widely required by clients, and flights for newsgathering or government use carry additional carve-outs.
Violations & Fines
Flying commercially without a Part 107 certificate or proper airspace authorization can lead to FAA civil penalties, while county trespass and state surveillance violations may carry misdemeanor charges and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to photograph a Largo home for a real estate listing?
Can the city of Largo require its own commercial drone license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Largo
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Largo to another location·View the Florida drone rules overview
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Commercial Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle commercial drones.