Lee Miller from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0
Florida now bans state and local government agencies from using drones from “foreign countries of concern.” This means that the thousands of DJI drones used by the public safety department cannot be used.
Continue reading below or listen to:
The ban went into effect on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. This ban does not affect commercial and personal drone use.
Florida law is an underfunded mandate requiring individual public agencies to raise funds to replace their drone fleets and train staff on new technology.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has repeatedly argued that Chinese drone technology poses security risks. drone responder indicates that over 90% of public safety agencies in Florida are now using DJI drones, as is the case nationwide.
Today’s ban is met with a huge negative reaction as users and stakeholders are calculating the value of hardware that needs replacing.According to one Local Florida News Stationn, “The Broward Sheriff’s Office grounded 63 drones purchased at a cost of $300,000, while the Miami-Dade Police Department and Fire and Rescue Service grounded 41 drones that cost more than $200,000.” had to be grounded.”
Florida’s Administrative Services Department We have published a short list of approved drone providers:
Pursuant to Florida Statute Section 934.50(7)(b), the Department hereby publishes a list of approved manufacturers from which drones may be purchased or otherwise acquired for use by government agencies under Florida Statute Section 934.50. Offers.
- Skydio
- parrot
- Altavia
- teal drone
- Vantage Robotics
This list appears to be based on the Department of Defense DIU’s “Blue sUAS” list, but it is a list of manufacturers, not platforms. This list does not include all US made or NDAA compliant drones.
The Florida ban is the latest move in China’s ongoing war on drone technology. DeSantis, in particular, has issued a statement about “espionage”, but amid mounting geopolitical pressures, the US government has made efforts to limit government exposure to Chinese technology that is part of the “Huawei effect.” It’s been going on for several years. DJI has introduced technical safeguards into its system that allow users to keep data on their local cards without connecting to the internet or uploading data, but concerns expressed by the US government It is an existing law in China that Chinese government agencies say they may require. Access to data for companies based in China.
This ban does not affect private companies or commercial interests and is only relevant to Florida and local government agencies.
read more:
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, please email Miriam.
twitter:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to Drone Life here.
