NaviGATORing the Skies: Legal Aspects of UAV Operations at the University of Florida and Beyond

Technological advances, better affordability, and improved efficiency have led to more and wider use of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in many industries. UAVs have uses in forestry, natural resource management, and agriculture, including mapping terrain and soil erosion, forest planning and management, hurricane recovery, wildfire and flooding damage assessment, crop spraying and pollinating, farm and ranch security, livestock monitoring, and infrastructure inspection, to name a few. To reduce risk and preserve privacy, UAV technology is subject to various laws and regulations worldwide. This publication provides an overview of federal and state UAV regulations in the United States that define pilot qualifications, operational guidelines, equipment requirements, airspace restrictions, and safety protocols, fostering a standardized approach to UAV operations. The publication also discusses specific guidelines for UAV operations at the University of Florida.