Office of Criminal Justice Grants

FY23-24 Drone Replacement Program

ON HOLD: This program is currently on hold pending approval of the legislative changes proposed in HB5003, Section 44 (Line 1593): https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/5003/BillText/er/PDF
 

Overview
In past sessions, the Florida Legislature amended Section 934.50, Florida Statutes to require governmental entities to only utilize drones meeting the requirements outlined in Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative Code. This change required governmental agencies who use drones for various purposes to cease the use of any drone that is not in compliance with the Rule. 

During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was appropriated approximately $25 million in nonrecurring funds to implement the Drone Replacement Grant Program. Funds under this program will be awarded to reimburse Florida law enforcement agencies (LEAs) who relinquish noncompliant drones to FDLE that will be provided to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida (USF). The Center for Cybesecurity will be analyzing if the drones present any cybersecurity concerns. 
 
Eligibility
This program is open to law enforcement agencies in the State of Florida.
 
Awards
Available funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, until all funds are expended. Reimbursement amounts for the relinquished drone(s) will be based on the initial purchase price and the total number of flight hours as attested by the Chief Official of the law enforcement agency. 

Funds received under this program must be used for the acquisition of new, compliant drones for the participating law enforcement agency. 
 
Project Period
Awards will be for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
 
How to Apply
The steps for applying and receiving funding under this program are as follows:
 
  1. Complete and execute the Drone Program Funding Assistance Agreement and email to OCJGSFA@fdle.state.fl.us. 
  2. Prepare and execute the Appendix B - Drone Certification Form with required attachments and email a copy to OCJGSFA@fdle.state.fl.us to earmark your funding. 
  3. Deliver the relinquished drone(s) to either Tallahassee or Tampa. The completed and signed Appendix B - Drone Certification form, along with any manufacturer operational manuals, must accompany the relinquished drones when turning them over to FDLE. 
  4. Prepare and execute either the Reimbursement Request Form (Option 1) or the Cash Advance Request Form (Option 2). Send the completed form with required documentation to OCJGSFA@fdle.state.fl.us.
 
Additional Information and Attachments
NOTE: All forms below must be signed by the Law Enforcement Agency Chief Official (i.e. Sheriff, Police Chief, Director, etc.)


Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.