Recreational drone use in Seminole is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 and FS 934.50. Florida preempts most local drone rules, but Seminole parks may restrict takeoff and landing on city property.
Florida Statute 934.50 (Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act) and FS 330.41 substantially preempt local drone regulation. The FAA controls airspace under Title 14 CFR Part 107 and the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) requirement for hobbyist pilots. Recreational drone operators must register drones over 0.55 lbs, fly below 400 feet, stay within visual line of sight, and avoid restricted airspace. Pinellas County is near multiple controlled airspace zones (KSPG, KPIE), requiring LAANC authorization for many flights. Seminole may regulate takeoff and landing from city parks and properties under property management authority, even where preempted from regulating flight itself.
FAA penalties can reach $27,500 civil and $250,000 criminal per violation. Florida surveillance violations under FS 934.50 carry criminal penalties.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle recreational drones.
See how Seminole's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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