Fort Lauderdale officials launch outreach effort to educate drone pilots about airspace rules
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Deputies and federal aviation authorities are working harder to keep the air near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport safe.
They are focusing on both enforcement and education. Authorities have been meeting directly with drone operators around the airport in the past few months to give them advice on how to avoid making fatal mistakes before they happen.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Airport District and the Transportation Security Administration’s Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service are working together on this project to promote safe drone use in one of South Florida’s busiest air traffic areas.
The awareness effort is meant to remind both hobbyists and professional pilots that operating a drone near active airport airspace comes with a lot of responsibility.
For the previous seven months, the police have already taken action against unlawful drone activities around Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Since July 2025, over ten persons have been arrested for flying unmanned aircraft systems in the airport’s restricted airspace.
Officials said these examples show how important it is to know the rules before flying a drone.
But deputies have been striving to stop such occurrences by talking directly to drone users instead of just punishing them. During a recent outreach operation, police talked to people who were flying near commercial aviation routes and emphasized why it is so important to follow Federal Aviation Administration rules when flying near these routes.
Using a drone the wrong way can be quite dangerous. A small drone flying into restricted airspace could get in the way of flights that are taking off or landing, putting passengers, crew members, and those on the ground in danger. Officials believe there is almost no room for error around airports.
As part of the teaching endeavor, officials gave drone pilots a few important FAA safety tips. Operators should keep their drones below 400 feet, always be able to see their aircraft, and never fly over people, cars, or moving traffic.
People who fly drones must also get permission from the FAA before flying in regulated airspace and make sure their drone is registered when it has to be. It is also important to stay away from emergency response activities and temporary flight limitations.
BSO Airport District Captain Brian Montgomery emphasized that safe drone operation is a shared responsibility.
“If you fly drones, do it safely,” BSO Airport Capt. Brian Montgomery said. “Follow the rules and never take risks that could endanger others. If you see unsafe drone activity near the airport, report it. Let’s all work together to keep the skies safe.”
Officials encourage drone operators to review FAA guidance and confirm where they are allowed to fly before taking off. The goal, they say, is simple: prevent accidents and ensure the airspace around Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport remains safe for everyone.
