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The Florida Senate

CS/HB 659 — Drones

by Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and Rep. Fischer (CS/SB 822 by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and Senator Albritton)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Environment and Natural Resources Committee (EN)

The bill creates an additional exception from the prohibition in existing law against law enforcement agencies using drones to gather evidence or information. The bill authorizes the use of drones by a non-law enforcement employee of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or of the Florida Forest Service for the purposes of managing and eradicating invasive exotic plants or animals on public lands and suppressing or mitigating wildfire threats.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2020.

Vote: Senate 40-0; House 114-0