Miami, FL Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Weight limit
- 5 lbs without AMA membership
- Over 5 lbs
- Must be registered AMA member
- Event no-fly zones
- Half-mile radius, large venues
- Enforcement
- Impoundment + code board hearing
Summary
Miami caps hobbyist drones at 5 pounds unless the pilot is an AMA member, and bars flights over stadiums and large public events under Sec. 37-12.
a.UAS may not be larger than five pounds including any attachments, and may not be equipped with detachable cargo, releasable payload, or any device equipped to carry a weapon. Any modifications to a UAS must be pursuant to FAA approval and registered via the city's application process.b.UAS over five pounds may be operated only by a registered member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), if the operator is subjected to and compliant with AMA rules.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
The city's UAS ordinance exempts legitimate hobbyists flying under FAA rules from its event no-fly zones, but still limits drone weight: a UAS can't exceed five pounds, carry detachable cargo or a releasable payload, or carry any weapon-mounted device without an FAA-approved modification registered through the city's application process. Fly a drone heavier than five pounds and you must be a registered, rules-compliant member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The half-mile no-fly zones around Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium and Calle Ocho Festival apply during large venue events regardless of drone weight.
Violations & Fines
Flying an unregistered drone over 5 lbs without AMA membership, or in a prohibited event zone, is enforceable under Sec. 1-13 penalties and the city's code enforcement board; the drone itself can be impounded pending a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a hobby drone in Miami without registering with the city?
Do I need AMA membership to fly in Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida drone rules overview
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Recreational Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle recreational drones.