U.S. legislators at both the state and federal levels have made it clear they view DJI and other Chinese drone makers as threats to national security. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
Florida has implemented a new rule banning state and local government agencies, including law enforcement and fire departments, from using Chinese-made drones like those from market leader DJI, citing fears of Chinese espionage and national security threats.
The ban has caused frustration among local agencies, who have invested millions in DJI drones and are concerned about the cost of replacing them and the comparable safety and capability of approved alternatives.
This state-level ban is part of a broader, ongoing trend of federal restrictions against Chinese drone manufacturers in the U.S. since 2019, driven by bipartisan concerns over national security, with further legislation and similar state bans (like in Mississippi) expected.
On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration pushed forward with the enforcement of an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) Minimum Security Requirements rule under Section 934.50 of the state’s statutes.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
