Florida homeowners may soon have new legal tools to protect their privacy from unwanted drone surveillance. A proposed bill in the Florida legislature aims to grant property owners the right to use “reasonable force” to disable drones that intrude upon their private airspace. This legislative move responds to growing concerns over drones being used for unauthorized surveillance, harassment, and potential criminal activities.

Attorney Raul Gastesi of Gastesi, Lopez, Mestre & Cobiella, PLLC, recently shared his professional insights on this matter in a Fox News segment. He emphasized the delicate balance between protecting individual privacy rights and adhering to federal aviation regulations.

“The proposed legislation seeks to empower homeowners to defend their privacy without overstepping federal laws governing airspace,” Gastesi explained. “It’s crucial to establish clear guidelines that allow individuals to protect their property while ensuring compliance with overarching federal regulations.”

The bill, if enacted, would mark a significant shift in how Florida addresses the intersection of drone technology and personal privacy. Currently, federal law prohibits individuals from damaging or destroying aircraft, including drones. However, the proposed state legislation would carve out specific exceptions, permitting homeowners to take action against drones that pose a legitimate threat to their privacy and safety.

As drone technology becomes increasingly accessible, incidents of drones encroaching on private property have risen, leading to heightened public concern. The proposed bill aims to address these issues by providing homeowners with a legal framework to respond to such intrusions appropriately.

For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, including Attorney Gastesi’s full commentary, please watch the video below.