Florida lawmakers consider bill allowing homeowners to use “reasonable force” against drones

04/26/2025 / By Laura Harris

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation allowing property owners to use “reasonable force” against drones they believe are violating their privacy, responding to growing unease over unexplained drone sightings.
The Biden administration dismissed concerns about mysterious drones in 2024, stating they posed no security threat, while President Donald Trump suggested they were likely FAA or hobbyist-operated.
The bill, introduced by State Sen. Keith Truenow, would allow homeowners to take action against drones over their property and further restrict drone flights near sensitive locations – though law enforcement would be exempt.
The bill may clash with federal law, as the FAA regulates U.S. airspace and prohibits drone interference, warning that shooting at drones poses safety risks and could lead to legal penalties.
If passed (effective October 2025), Florida would be the first state to explicitly permit such measures, potentially sparking legal battles and influencing other states amid rising drone privacy concerns.

Florida lawmakers are weighing a controversial bill that would permit property owners to use “reasonable force” to take down drones they believe are violating their privacy as unease grows among residents over surge of mysterious drone sightings across the United States.

In 2024, an increase in unverified drone flights sparked frustration among Americans, who demanded answers on the origin and regulation of these unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs). The Biden administration dismissed concerns at that time, stating the drones did not pose a national security threat and were not linked to foreign adversaries.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested they were likely operated legally by the the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or hobbyists – though no clear explanation was provided.

As a response, State Sen. Keith L. Truenow (R) introduced a legislation in March that cleared multiple Senate committees and was added to the legislative calendar on April 16. It follows growing unease among residents over the surge in mysterious drone sightings across the U.S., many of which remain unexplained despite federal assurances.

The bill seeks to redefine property rights by allowing landowners to act against drones lingering over their property. This would further restrict drone flights near airports, prisons, ports, refineries and gas pipelines. Notably, these rules would not apply to law enforcement agencies, which routinely deploy drones for surveillance, particularly at public gatherings of 50 or more people.

Florida already has laws like the Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act, which prohibits drone operators from recording private property without consent. However, the new bill takes it further by allowing homeowners to act against drones in real-time.

If approved, it would take effect in October 2025. It would make Florida the first state to legalize such measures, setting a precedent for other states grappling with the rapid rise of drone technology and privacy concerns.

Florida could clash with FAA if drone safety bill passes

This Florida bill could clash with the FAA, which maintains exclusive authority over U.S. airspace and strictly prohibits shooting down drones.

Under federal law, drones operating in unrestricted airspace may legally fly over private property unless they pose a direct hazard. Additionally, deliberately interfering with an aircraft – even an unmanned one – can result in criminal charges and hefty fines.

“A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard,” the agency wrote on its website. “An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground or it could collide with other objects in the air.” (Related: Superpower USA supposedly can’t shoot down “mysterious” drones, but we have no problem shooting down our own $30 million F-18 fighter jets.)

“Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement.”

In other words, the possible passage of Florida bill could set the stage for a potential legal battle between the state and federal authorities.

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