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, enforced by Gov. Ron DeSantis, banning state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from using Chinese-made drones like those from DJI, citing national security concerns and fears of espionage.
The ban has drawn strong opposition from local agencies, who have invested hundreds of millions in DJI drones and are now forced to ground them, raising concerns about cost, operational capabilities, and officer safety with approved alternatives.
This Florida rule is part of a broader trend of increasing federal restrictions and potential state-level bans against Chinese drone manufacturers in the U.S., driven by bipartisan concerns over national security 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.
