Overview
Key West is located in Florida. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.
State Regulations & Statutes
Florida Statute § 934.50, the Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act, prohibits the use of drones to conduct surveillance of individuals or private property without consent. Florida broadly preempts local drone ordinances, meaning most Key West municipal restrictions are limited to City-owned property (parks, beaches, rights-of-way). Key West presents one of the most complex drone airspaces in the continental United States: Key West International Airport (KEYW) creates Class D airspace over much of the island, and Naval Air Station Key West (KNQX) — one of the most active naval air stations in the US — creates significant restricted and military airspace. The Dry Tortugas National Park (~70 miles west) and Everglades National Park (accessible from the Keys) are both subject to NPS 36 CFR § 1.5 drone prohibitions. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and other Florida State Parks prohibit drone operations. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes
- F.S. § 934.50 — Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act: prohibits drone surveillance of persons or private property without consent; criminal penalties
- F.S. § 330.41 — Florida Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act: state preempts local regulation of drone operations; municipalities limited to regulating City-owned property
- KEYW Class D airspace — Key West International Airport: FAA LAANC authorization required for flights near the airport
- NAS Key West (KNQX) — Active naval air station: restricted military airspace; no drone operations without explicit military authorization; R-2916 and associated restricted areas
- Dry Tortugas National Park — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5: drones absolutely prohibited without Special Use Permit
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — Florida State Parks: drones prohibited without special use permit
- 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial drone operations
Permits & Registration
Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. NAS Key West operations are strictly off-limits — the Navy actively monitors and enforces airspace around KNQX. LAANC authorization available for KEYW Class D airspace via FAA DroneZone; however, much of Key West island falls within Class D. Florida State Parks require a special use permit for drone operations — contact Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 245-2157 or floridastateparks.org. Dry Tortugas NP Special Use Permit: contact (305) 242-7700. City of Key West commercial filming permit required for filming on City property — contact (305) 809-3981.
Official Statute Links
Local Ordinances
The City of Key West has limited standalone drone ordinances due to Florida's state preemption law (F.S. § 330.41), but regulates drone operations on City-owned property including beaches, parks, and the historic downtown area. The Key West City Commission has passed resolutions discouraging drone operations near residential neighborhoods and Duval Street. The combination of KEYW airport Class D airspace, NAS Key West restricted airspace, and the island's small footprint (~2 miles by 4 miles) means that virtually the entire island requires airspace authorization before flying. The Navy has actively enforced its airspace perimeter around KNQX.
Local Restrictions & Rules
- City parks and beaches (Higgs Beach, rest beaches) — City of Key West: drone operations on City property require advance authorization
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — Florida State Parks: drone operations prohibited without special use permit
- NAS Key West (KNQX) — 7 mi from city center: highly active naval airspace; R-2916 restricted area; no drone operations
- Key West International Airport (KEYW) — Class D airspace: LAANC authorization required; covers most of the island
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge (west of the island) — USFWS: drone operations may disturb protected bird and marine habitat
- Duval Street / Historic District — high pedestrian density; City discourages drone flights over crowds
- Private property throughout Key West — F.S. § 934.50 surveillance restrictions apply
Local Contacts
- Parks & Planning: City of Key West Parks and Beaches — (305) 809-3981, cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Nearby Airports & Airspace
Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.
Key West International Airport (KEYW) — 2 miles away
Tower Frequency: 118.2
Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.
Naval Air Station Key West (Boca Chica Field) (KNQX) — 7 miles away
Tower Frequency: 126.2
Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.
Local Flying Guide
Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.
Potential Safe Flying Locations
- Middle Keys area (Marathon, ~50 mi northeast) — outside Key West Class D and NAS restricted zones; check Marathon Airport (KMTH) airspace
- Private waterfront property with explicit owner consent — ensure outside Class D and away from NAS Key West
- Stock Island (~2 mi east) — partially outside some restrictions but still check LAANC for KEYW Class D coverage
Areas to Avoid
- NAS Key West (KNQX) — R-2916 and associated military restricted airspace: absolutely prohibited without military authorization; Navy actively enforces
- Key West International Airport (KEYW) Class D — covers virtually all of Key West island: LAANC required
- Dry Tortugas National Park — NPS: drones absolutely prohibited without Special Use Permit
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — FL State Parks: permit required
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge — USFWS: sensitive nesting habitat
- All residential neighborhoods — F.S. § 934.50 privacy law applies
Weather Considerations
Key West has a tropical maritime climate — the only truly tropical city in the continental US. Humidity is extreme year-round, which can affect drone electronics. Trade winds blow from the east at 10–20 mph most of the year. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 — tropical systems can arrive with little warning. Afternoon sea breeze convergence creates daily afternoon thunderstorms May through October. Temperatures are mild in winter (65–75°F) making January–March the calmest flying season. Salt air is highly corrosive to drone components — rinse and dry after coastal flights. Check NWS Key West (weather.gov/key).
Seasonal Tips
BEST: December–April — dry season, moderate trade winds, low humidity, no hurricane risk. Early morning (7–10 AM) provides calm winds and beautiful light over the Gulf and Atlantic. AVOID: June–October hurricane season and afternoon thunderstorm window (2–6 PM). AVOID: flying over open water alone without a spotter. Protect drone components from salt air corrosion after every coastal flight.
Compliance Checklist
- ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
- ✓ Florida state regulations
- ✓ Key West local ordinances
- ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
- ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
- ✓ Property owner permission
- ✓ Weather safety