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Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) at FSU

The Federal Aviation Administration and relevant state and federal laws regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, including drones and model aircraft. Additionally, both the Department of State (under International Traffic in Arms Regulations or ITAR) and the Department of Commerce (under Export Administration Regulations or EAR) regulate export control over various forms of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology. Florida State University will ensure compliance with those legal obligations for the safety and welfare of its students, employees, and visitors.  

Questions should be addressed to Curtis Sommerhoff, Director of Emergency Management, (850) 644-7055.

NOTE: Because the University's Main and Southwest Campuses are located within a 5-mile radius of the Tallahassee International Airport, FSU will NOT approve flight operations for this area unless an Airspace Authorization has been approved by the FAA. Additional information on obtaining Airspace Authorizations and Part 107 Waivers can be found HERE.


Federal Information

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Home Page

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Unmanned Aircraft Program

White House Fact Sheet: New Commitments to Accelerate the Safe Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, 08/02/16

NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) Voluntary Best Practices for UAS Privacy, Transparency, and Accountability (PDF) 06/21/16

Contact Us

Mary Sechrist, Director
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1330
m.sechrist@fsu.edu
research-compliance@fsu.edu