Tampa Bay's Premier Drone Club
Important Note:
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Your Drone Must Be Registered & Transmit RID If Over 250g Before Flying Learn More About FAA Regulations Here
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The TRUST (FAA Recreational Safety Test) is Required Before Your First Flight. Take The Course Online For Free Here.
2. Checking Airspace
Always Check Airspace Before Flight. A Temporary TFRs Can Pop up around special airspace events and additional restrictions apply during select events. Pilots are required to follow all FAA Regulations Including Monitoring For Restricted Airspace.
Use an FAA Approved App Such As Aloft:
Always Request To Fly In Controlled Airspace Via L-A-A-N-C. FAA Approved Apps Will Allow you to submit this request instantly and often get approved in minutes.
Failure To Request Airspace Authorization Can Be Subject To FAA Laws & Big Fines!
3. Legal & Safe Operations
You should always fly your sUAS In a safe manner; avoid people, large groups, vehicles and any things you may damage. It all starts with you! fly safe and smart. You should alway fly in a controlled & safe manner, our hobby relies on safe pilots to do the right thing every day!
National Or State Parks
Critical Infastructure
Airports
&
Seaports
TFR's
Bridge
Or
Emergency Ops/Repairs
Sports Games
Natural Disasters
Active
Fire
Emergencies
Vehicle
Accidents
Restricted
Airspace
REMINDER: Do Not Fly In A Prohibited Flight Areas (As Some Shown Above) FSS 330.41 Prohibits Local Govt From Regulating Airspace.
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Florida State Statue Prohibits Flights In Or Near State Owned Facilities' Including Parks, and Critical Infrastructure.
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Local Ordinances Can Restrict Takeoff/Landing Points. Airspace is regulated by the FAA Not State Or Local Govt
Some Common Questions:
Q: Can A Local Agency/Non-GOVT Entity Regulate My Operation/Landing Point?
A: Yes, Under FSS 330.41 Local Governments' Or Private Entities May Regulate "Ground Use" This means you can be trespassed and additional charges can occur. The Local Government Does Not Regulate Airspace Or Operation Of Airspace.
Q: If I Fly From My Property Can I Fly?
A: (If you) are the legal property owner and no quasi governments (such as HOA's) have a ordinance or rules specifically against RC Operations, you may be able to operate assuming the airspace has no restrictions and you follow FAA Rules/Regulations. FSS 330.41 Prohibits Local Quasi Government's From Regulating Operation of UAS But does not restrict "ground-use".
Q: Where Can I Fly?
A: Tampa Bay Drone Club Pre-Screens Flying locations and works with local agencies, stakeholders, and private entities to provide safe and legal flying locations to its pilots. We advocate for safe and legal RC Flying and non-flying events. We keep a community flying map update on our website located here
You can learn more about our club and join online today here
Q: If my drone is over 250g do i have to register it with the FAA?
A: Yes, the FAA requires all sUAS over 250g to be registered with the FAA. The cost for hobbyists is 5$ per 3 years, and the provided number must be written on an external compartment. The registration portal can be located here.
4. Restricted Airspace
Do Not Fly In SUAS Restricted Airspace.
5. Additional Resources
Additional Courses Are Available On Our Website:
Official FAA Documents:
State Of Florida sUAS laws:
6. Register Your sUAS
If your sUAS is over 250g, it must be registered with the FAA. The number must be clearly visible on the external body of the drone, and cannot be hidden (such as in a battery bay)
Page Last Updated: 12/29/2025