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 Chinese-made drones, particularly from DJI, for use by state and local government and law enforcement agencies, citing fears of Chinese espionage.
This ban significantly impacts local police and fire departments, who have heavily invested in DJI drones and are now forced to ground their fleets, raising concerns about financial losses and the capabilities of approved alternative drone models.
The Florida regulation is part of a broader, escalating trend of federal restrictions and bipartisan legislative efforts targeting Chinese drone manufacturers due to national security concerns and alleged ties to the Chinese military.
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.
