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FAA Cracks Down on Rogue Drones with Fines and License Revocations

The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed significant fines and taken license enforcement actions against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized flights. Violations included operations near major events like the Super Bowl, interference with emergency wildfire responses, and incursions into restricted airspace. The agency's Chief Counsel emphasized a policy of decisive action and full accountability for such safety risks. The FAA has also updated its enforcement policy for 2026 to mandate legal action for operations that endanger the public or violate airspace.

Key Points: FAA Fines Drone Operators, Suspends Licenses for Safety Violations

  • Fines up to $36,770 issued
  • Licenses suspended or revoked
  • Violations near Super Bowl, wildfires
  • Updated 2026 enforcement policy
3 min read

FAA steps up drone restriction enforcement ahead of Super Bowl

FAA enforces drone rules with fines up to $36,770 and license actions for unsafe flights near Super Bowl, wildfires, and restricted airspace.

"The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators who ignore safety rules or operate without authorisation. - Liam McKenna"

Washington DC, February 7

The Federal Aviation Administration has fined multiple drone operators and suspended or revoked pilot licenses in 2025 for unsafe and unauthorised operations, including flights near major sporting events, emergency response activities and in restricted airspace, an official statement said.

Super Bowl LX, one of the major sporting events in the US, is set to be held on Sunday in Santa Clara, California.

The FAA said such violations pose serious safety risks to other aircraft, first responders and the public, stressing that drone operators are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable regulations.

"The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators who ignore safety rules or operate without authorisation," FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna said. "These unsafe operations create serious risks, and the FAA will hold operators fully accountable for any violations."

According to the release on Friday, fines ranging from USD 1,771 to USD 36,770 were imposed for 18 drone operations that violated regulations from 2023 to 2025. Among the penalties were a USD 36,770 fine for flying a drone near emergency response aircraft during a wildfire on April 4, 2023, and a USD 20,371 fine for operating in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago on January 13, 2025.

Other violations included operating a drone over people at the Sunfest Music Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2024, which resulted in the aircraft striking a tree, and flying near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the Super Bowl on February 12, 2023.

In addition to monetary penalties, the FAA took license enforcement action against eight remote pilots in 2025. These included license suspensions for incidents such as a drone becoming entangled with a paraglider in January 2025, multiple safety violations during a drone light show in Orlando in December 2024, and flying a drone over people during an NFL game in Baltimore in November 2024. The agency also revoked a license for operating a drone in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago in September 2025.

The FAA noted that in 2026, it updated its enforcement policy to require legal action when drone operations endanger the public, violate airspace restrictions or are conducted in furtherance of another crime. The revised policy strengthens deterrence and reinforces the agency's commitment to protecting the National Airspace System.

Drone operators who fly unsafely or without authorisation can face fines of up to USD 75,000 per violation, the FAA said, adding that enforcement action can be taken even against operators who do not hold a pilot license.

The agency encouraged the public to report unsafe drone operations to their local Flight Standards District Office, noting that all credible reports are reviewed and investigated as appropriate.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) fined and suspended or revoked the licenses of multiple drone operators in 2025 for unsafe and unauthorised operations, including flights near major sporting events, emergency response activities, and in restricted airspace.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the FAA taking such strong action. In India, DGCA also has strict drone rules, but enforcement is sometimes inconsistent. Maybe we need to adopt a similar zero-tolerance policy for major events. Safety first! 👍
A
Aman W
Flying near emergency response during a wildfire? That's just reckless and selfish. These operators deserve every bit of the fine. Hope Indian authorities are watching and learning for our own disaster management protocols.
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Sarah B
While safety is paramount, I hope this doesn't stifle legitimate drone use for photography and journalism. There should be a clear, accessible process for getting authorization, not just heavy penalties.
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Vikram M
$75,000 per violation is no joke! This will definitely make people think twice. In our cities, you still see drones flying near airports sometimes. We need public awareness campaigns along with strict fines.
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Karthik V
The part about operating in furtherance of another crime is crucial. Drones can be used for smuggling or surveillance. Glad they are updating the policy. Technology is advancing fast, and regulations must keep pace.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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