Recreational drone pilots in St. Petersburg must follow FAA Part 107 hobbyist rules, complete the TRUST exam, and avoid takeoff or landing in Pinellas County parks without written permission.
Recreational drone operations in St. Petersburg are governed primarily by federal FAA rules and Florida statutes 330.41 (Drone Surveillance Act) and 934.50, with local restrictions adding park-specific limits. Hobbyists must register drones over 0.55 lb with the FAA, pass the TRUST exam, fly at or below 400 feet, and yield to manned aircraft. Pinellas County prohibits takeoff or landing on county-owned parks, beaches, and preserves without prior written authorization. Pilots must avoid flying over people, stadiums, and critical infrastructure, and must not capture images of private property in violation of Florida's drone privacy laws.
Violations can result in FAA civil penalties, county trespass citations, and state criminal charges under Florida Statute 934.50 for unauthorized surveillance or imagery.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle recreational drones.
See how St. Petersburg's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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