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The FBI Miami confirmed this Sunday that it has fined seven drone operators and confiscated nine unmanned aircraft for violating the no-fly zones set up around the venues of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Florida.
The information was released through an official infographic under the concept "Counter-UAS: The Figures," summarizing the results of the active enforcement operation surrounding the Hard Rock Stadium and the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park.
The operation was formally announced on June 8, when the FBI Miami published an official statement on its website warning about the consequences of flying drones in restricted areas.
"The FBI is enforcing drone prohibition zones in South Florida to support the World Cup matches and the Fan Festival," stated Brett Skiles, special agent in charge of the FBI Miami.
"Public safety is our top priority. Our agents and law enforcement partners have the authority from the Department of Justice to use specialized mitigation tools to intercept and confiscate drones that violate these Temporary Flight Restrictions," they added.
The penalties for violating these restrictions are severe: civil fines of up to $75,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, up to one year in prison, and the confiscation of the device.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a no-fly zone of three nautical miles around Hard Rock Stadium—up to 3,000 feet above ground level—on game days, and a one-nautical-mile zone around Bayfront Park from June 13 to July 5.
The operation in Miami is not an isolated case. The FBI in Atlanta reported the seizure of drones from three operators for similar violations, and the FBI in Los Angeles also cited and confiscated aircraft near SoFi Stadium during the tournament.
Florida allocated $16 million for drone detection equipment and radio frequency signals as part of a security package for the World Cup that exceeds $80 million in the state.
The detection system is multi-layered and includes radar, optical and infrared cameras, fixed antennas, portable receivers, and artificial intelligence software. The FBI's Ground Interception Teams locate the pilot, interview them, assess the threat, and can confiscate the aircraft on the spot.
The FBI recommends that those wishing to fly drones check airspace restrictions using the B4UFLY app, approved by the FAA, or by visiting the site tfr.faa.gov before operating any unmanned aircraft.
The agency also urges the public to report any suspicious drone activity by calling 9-1-1. Miami-Dade expects to receive between 750,000 and one million visitors during the World Cup festivities, making aerial security a critical priority for federal and local authorities.
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