To fly a drone commercially in Florida, you need to have a drone license (FAA part 107 certification). And to obtain the licence, you must pass a written exam administered by the FAA.
Steps to Get a Drone License in Florida
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the eligibility requirements
- Sign up on IACRA to get your FTN
- Locate and register at a nearby FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Start preparing for the examination
- Put in the effort to ace the test
- Fill and submit Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the eligibility requirements
Start by checking if you meet FAA’s eligibility requirements.
- Must be 16 years or older
- Capable of understanding how to fly a drone
- Proficient in English – reading, writing, speaking and understanding
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Sign up on IACRA to get your FTN
Sign up for IACRA to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This will stay with you throughout your career in drone flying.
Register on the IACRA website, fill out the necessary details, agree to the terms of service, and then wait for a confirmation email. After confirming, you’ll see your FTN in your account.
3. Locate and register at a nearby FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Locate an FAA Knowledge Testing Center near you. You can use the PSI site to find a center in your vicinity.
After finding a center, register for the FAA exam there. This requires creating an account on PSI’s page. After successful registration, you’ll receive confirmation via email.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like CET Institute – Tampa, Global Pilot Academy Inc, A.T.P. Inc. – PIE, and Clearwater Aviation. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Start preparing for the examination
Start prepping for the examination after booking a date. This test is tough, but with diligent studying, you can pass it in your first attempt.
There are plenty of online drone pilot license courses available to help you. Choose one that fits your budget.
5. Put in the effort to ace the test
On the day of the test, come prepared. I recommend you to find out the exact location of your FAA Knowledge Testing Center beforehand.
The UAG exam will have 60 multiple-choice questions. You’ll be provided with necessary materials like blank paper, a marker, and a pencil. You’ll get your results on IACRA, which may take up to three weeks.
6. Fill and submit Form 8710-13
After passing the Part 107 exam, fill and submit the FAA Form 8710-13 on IACRA to apply for your temporary commercial drone license. You’ll need your Knowledge Test Exam ID for this.
After submitting the form, the TSA will run a background check. Once cleared, you’ll receive a printable temporary license via email.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need to provide your personal details, drone make and model, and pay a registration fee of $5 per drone. This registration is valid for three years.
You have to be 13 years or older and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to register a drone. For foreign operators, the FAA registration is a recognition of ownership.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Florida.
For safe drone flying, you need to follow certain rules. These rules come from the FAA, your state, and your town.
The FAA rules are the same everywhere, but each state has its own rules, and so does Florida. To know about the drone laws in Florida, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Florida, you can read our guides about getting a drone license in some other states as well:
FAQs
1. Do I require a drone license to operate a drone in Florida?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Florida. The license is known as a Remote Pilot Certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
2. What licenses do I need to fly my drone in Florida?
To fly your drone in Florida, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Additionally, registration of your drone with the FAA is required if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs.
