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.

• FSU Policy 4-OP-E-7: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation (Revised 10/13/22)
• Procedures for Requesting Approval for Flight Operations (06/07/22)
• FSU Flight Approval Request Form (04/06/23)
• Types of UAS Use on FSU Property (06/07/22)
• Which Authorization to Use (10/14/22)
• FAQ Related to Use of Drones at FSU (06/07/22)
• FSU Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program
• FSU Center for Disaster Risk Policy

Federal Information

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Home Page

• FAA FAQ
• FAA Advisory Circular 00-1.1A, Public Aircraft Operations, (PDF) 02/12/14
• FAA Clarification of June 13, 2014 Interpretation on Research Using UAS (PDF), 07/03/14
• FAA Clarification of UAS Operations by Public Universities for Aeronautical Research (PDF), 06/13/14
• FAA on Educational Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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