57 - State-mandated Security Standards for Drone Use and Its Impact on Mosquito Control Operations in Florida

Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), or drones, have assumed a critical role in mosquito control programs throughout Florida. However, owing to the nature of emerging technologies, the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing drone usage by government entities have struggled to keep pace with their use-cases. In 2021, the Florida Legislature passed legislation aimed at bolstering security and accountability regarding the use of drones by government agencies. This statute imposed the obligation to adhere to security standards and outlined a timetable for the grounding of drones produced by unapproved manufacturers, which indirectly affected mosquito control programs reliant on drones. While the intent behind the statute was to enhance security, its implementation resulted in operational disturbances and financial burdens for mosquito control programs. This presentation highlights the impact of state-mandated security standards on mosquito control drone operations and discusses the role played by the Florida Mosquito Control Association in minimizing disruptions to mosquito control drone activities.