Drone restrictions now in effect over school district sites

West Orange Times | By Annabelle Sikes | July 16, 2024

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act makes it a crime to operate a drone over a public or private school serving students in grades VPK through 12.

Drone restrictions are now in effect over school district sites, including Orange County Public Schools.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, which went into effect July 1, makes it a crime to operate a drone over a public or private school serving students in grades VPK through 12.

According to the act, exceptions may be granted with prior written consent of the school district.

A person who violates the statute commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. A person who violates the statute and records video of the school, including any person or object on the premises of or within the school facility, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Both are punishable as provided in the statute. Additional violations of the statute can include felony charges.