To the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis:

Let Florida lead from the front. We, the undersigned, urge immediate action to close a dangerous gap in Florida law that leaves political candidates, elected officials, and the public vulnerable at rallies, speeches, and civic gatherings.

Under current Florida law (§ 934.50, F.S.), licensed security officers and FAA-certified remote drone pilots cannot legally use drones to scan rooftops or elevated positions for threats. The current law treats these protective sweeps as “surveillance,” even when the goal is to prevent a sniper attack or provide life-saving information during a hostile incident.

This restriction puts lives at risk.

• In 2024, a rooftop sniper attempted to assassinate Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump.
• On September 10, 2025, political influencer Charlie Kirk was murdered while addressing a college audience.
• Florida has seen tragedies like the Pulse nightclub and Parkland school shootings, where faster situational awareness could have saved lives.

Drones are a proven tool for rapid, real-time threat detection. Seconds matter — and the law should empower trained, licensed professionals to use drones responsibly for protection, not tie their hands.

We Call For:

Legislative Action in 2026 — Pass new law, entitled "Charlie Kirk Aerial Protection Act," authorizing licensed security personnel and contracted FAA-certified drone pilots to conduct protective drone sweeps.

Executive Action Now — Governor DeSantis can issue an executive order to bridge the gap until legislation takes effect, authorizing protective drone operations under FDLE oversight.

Balance and Accountability — Protective drone use must include privacy safeguards, strict limits on data retention, and Good Samaritan protections for operators acting in good faith.
 
Why This Matters

This is not about politics. It is about protecting people. Florida can lead the nation in responsibly using drone technology to save lives, safeguard free speech, and ensure that no family has to endure another preventable tragedy.

We urge the Governor and Legislature: act now, before it’s too late.