Criminal Justice Grants

FY24-25 Drone Replacement Program

CLOSED: June 30, 2025

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS: If your agency received a FY23-24 award based on the current value of the noncompliant drone, and you are seeking supplemental funding based on new program guidelines, please complete the Supplemental Funding Request Form. If your agency has additional noncompliant drones to relinquish, please complete a Drone Certification Form. Both forms should be submitted to tennillerobinette@fdle.state.fl.us.

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. This grant provides funding for the Recipient to replace drones that are not in compliance with Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative Code.

In accordance with revised program guidelines established in the 2024 legislative session, the first two functional drones of each make and model relinquished to the Department, will be provided to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida (USF) for analysis. All drones relinquished to the Department and not subsequently provided to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity will be destroyed.

Additionally, under the new program guidelines established in 2024-228, Section 44, the Department will use a portion of these funds to increase awards previously provided in fiscal year 2023-2024, which were based on the noncompliant drone’s current value.

Eligibility

This program is open to law enforcement agencies, fire service providers, ambulance crews, and other first responders.

Awards

Available funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, until all funds are expended. The Recipient will be awarded funds in an amount commensurate with the replacement cost, not to exceed $25,000 per compliant drone, for each noncompliant drone relinquished to the Department.

Funds received under this program must be used for the acquisition of new, compliant drones for the participating agency.

Project Period

Awards will be for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025.

How to Apply

The steps for applying and receiving funding under this program are as follows:

Complete and execute the Drone Program Funding Assistance Agreement and email to OCJGSFA@fdle.state.fl.us.
Prepare and execute the Drone Certification Form with required attachments and email a copy to OCJGSFA@fdle.state.fl.us to earmark your funding.
Deliver the relinquished drone(s) to either Tallahassee or Tampa. The completed and signed Drone Certification Form, along with any manufacturer operational manuals, must accompany the relinquished drones when turning them over to FDLE.
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.)