Recreational drone use in Jacksonville is primarily regulated by federal law (FAA Part 107 and the Exception for Recreational Flyers). Florida Statute §330.41 preempts local governments from regulating drones except around critical infrastructure and in certain limited circumstances. Jacksonville cannot enact its own drone ordinances beyond state law. Drone operators must follow FAA airspace restrictions, particularly near NAS Jacksonville, NAS Mayport, Cecil Airport, and Jacksonville International Airport.
Recreational drone use in Jacksonville is primarily regulated by FAA rules. All drones weighing over 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. Recreational operators must follow the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certification requirement. Key rules include: maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight at all times, no flying over people or moving vehicles, no operations near airports without LAANC authorization, and yielding to manned aircraft. Jacksonville may impose additional local restrictions in city parks, public events, and near critical infrastructure. Night flying requires anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Photography and videography from drones must respect privacy — surveillance of individuals on private property may violate Florida state privacy laws.
FAA violations: $1,100–$27,500 civil penalties. Local park violations: $100–$500 fine. Privacy violations: civil lawsuit potential under state law. Unregistered drones: $27,500 civil, $250,000 criminal.
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