SB 44, filed on Dec. 28, 2020, could expand the authorized uses of drones by law enforcement agencies, a state agency or political subdivision, or by certified fire department personnel for specified purposes if passed as Florida state law.

If the proposal clears through Tallahassee, police could use drones to:

• Provide an aerial perspective of a crowd of 50 people or more.

• Assist with traffic management; however, a law enforcement agency acting under this paragraph may not issue a traffic infraction citation based on images or video captured by a drone.

• Facilitate collection of evidence at a crime scene or traffic crash scene.

The bill would also allow the use of drones by a state agency or political subdivision for the assessment of damage due to a flood, a wildfire, or any other natural disaster or for vegetation or wildlife management on publicly owned land or water, and by certified fire department personnel to perform tasks within the scope and practice authorized under their certifications.