Friday, April 19, 2013

Florida limits drone use

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida is the newest state to pass legislation restricting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by local or state agencies except in cooperation with investigations authorized by the Department of Homeland Security or in short-term emergencies. The bill, unanimously passed by the House, prevents law enforcement use of drones unless a judge has issued a warrant or in cases where there is a "high risk of terrorist attack," or a case of imminent danger. The Senate passed the bill a week ago. Virginia has also put restrictions on drone use by police, as have the cities of Seattle and Charlottesville, Va. (Sources: The Florida Current, 04/17/13, The News Service of Florida via Pensacola News Journal, 04/18/13)