Legislature Passes Bill Which Limits Police Drones
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A bill that would set limits on when police departments in the state could deploy remotely controlled aircraft known as drones has passed in the Florida Legislature.
The House unanimously approved the Senate's bill (SB 92) 117-0 on Wednesday with no debate.
It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott. The governor has previously said he would sign it into law.
The measure restricts the use of drones to the prevention of imminent danger to life — a kidnapping or a missing child — or serious damage to property.
It also makes police get search warrants before using drones to collect evidence. An exception would be a credible threat of terrorist attack.
Only three law enforcement agencies in Florida, including Miami-Dade Police, are currently licensed by the federal government to fly drones. None are yet using them.
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