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 enacted a rule banning state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from using Chinese-made drones like DJI due to national security concerns about potential espionage.
This ban faces strong opposition from local agencies that have heavily invested in and rely on DJI drones for critical operations, now grappling with grounded equipment and concerns about approved alternatives.
The Florida prohibition aligns with a broader, escalating trend of federal restrictions against Chinese drone manufacturers since 2019, driven by bipartisan concerns over their ties to the Chinese military and data security.
This move signals a growing national effort, with other states considering similar bans and further federal legislation anticipated to restrict Chinese drone technology in public sector use.
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.
