Hillsborough County, FL Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- FAA Rule
- Part 107 / Exception
- TPA Airspace
- Class B LAANC required
- MacDill
- Restricted no-fly
- Altitude
- 400 feet AGL max
- FL Statute
- 330.41 and 934.50
Summary
Hillsborough County drone operation governed by FAA Part 107 and Florida Statute 330.41 (Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act). Tampa International Airport (TPA) Class B airspace covers most of central county. MacDill Air Force Base restricted airspace prohibits drones south of Gandy Boulevard. LAANC authorization required near TPA.
Other aircraft CAN & DO fly low — not just near airports. Recreational operators must fly their drone within visual line of sight so they can see if other aircraft are near them and safely avoid. T — Team up with your community Join an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO) to learn safe flying habits. Getting into the Details There are currently two sets of rules for small UAS. Commercial Operations. The rule for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones under 55.0 pounds in the National Airspace System (NAS) is 14 CFR Part 107 , referred to as the Small UAS Rule; this rule enables certificated remote pilots to fl y for work or business .
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
FAA preempts local drone airspace but county parks rules apply at ground level. Tampa International is Class B airspace with 30 nautical mile Mode C veil. Recreational flyers must use LAANC through B4UFLY app for authorized flights under 400 feet. MacDill AFB has designated special security airspace extending over Tampa Bay. Peninsular location creates significant no-fly zones. FL 934.50 prohibits drone use over critical infrastructure including port facilities.
Violations & Fines
FAA fines up to 27,500 dollars civil, criminal referral possible. MacDill intrusions may trigger federal law enforcement response. FL 934.50 violation is misdemeanor first, felony repeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly near Tampa International?
What about MacDill AFB?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida drone rules overview
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