Related videos:
Florida could become the first state to allow homeowners to use "reasonable force" to stop drones flying below 500 feet over their properties.
The bill, SB 1422, driven by state Senator Keith L. Truenow (R), aims to strengthen the privacy of residents in response to the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems.
The legislation, added to the Senate calendar on April 16, would expand no-fly zones, protecting both residential areas and critical infrastructure such as airports and refineries.
Although the text does not specify what is meant by "reasonable force," the ambiguity has raised concerns about potential misinterpretations, particularly regarding the use of firearms.
However, downing drones remains illegal under federal regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies drones as aircraft, and shooting at them can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. "An impacted drone could cause serious damage or accidents," the agency warns.
According to the site interestingengineering.com, during a committee debate, Senator Jason Pizzo warned about the risks of ambiguity in the proposal: "I don't want anyone to think they can shoot things down from the sky, which could cost them up to 20 years in federal prison."
The bill arises in an atmosphere of growing public concern over the unauthorized use of drones for surveillance. With over one million registered drones in the United States, the pressure for stricter regulations continues to rise.
If approved, this project could come into effect in October 2025, setting a precedent for the management of air privacy in the country.
Filed under: