CONDO LAW
By Roberto C. Blanch
Condo Associations Responding to Soaring Popularity of Drones
T
he growing popularity of
Privacy concerns were addressed by a new
drones is leading to the adop-
Florida law stipulating that drones with cam-
tion of new rules and re-
eras may not be used to record images of
strictions
federal
privately owned properties or of the own-
government, state governments and com-
ers, tenants or occupants of properties in
munity associations. Questions regarding
violation of their reasonable expectations
to 7 million in 2020, according to a report
safety, property damage and privacy abound
of privacy without their written consent.
from the FAA. With the continued growth
by
the
with drones, and associations are responding by establishing clear parameters for their use by unit owners.
The implementation of new drone rules and restrictions by associations should begin with a discussion that is open to all of
Roberto C. Blanch
in their popularity, now is the time for associations to work together with their members in order to develop and implement the rules and restrictions that make the
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administra-
the unit owners at a board meeting. Associ-
tion enacted new regulations requiring that
ations should consider the establishment of
drones be flown only below 400 feet and al-
designated take-off/landing sites, restrict-
Roberto C. Blanch is a partner with the South
ways within sight of the operator, and ban-
ing the use of drones to daylight hours, de-
Florida law firm Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman,
ning them from use near other aircraft and
veloping penalties for violations, and clarify-
Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel who has
airports as well as over groups of people,
ing that the association is not liable for any
focused on community association law since
stadiums, sporting events, or emergency
property damage caused by these aircraft.
2001. The law firm focuses on community as-
response efforts.
Sales of drones to consumers in the U.S. are expected to grow from 2.5 million in 2016
most sense for their specific community.
sociation law, represents more than 800 community associations in Florida, and maintains offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. www.srhl-law.com, www. FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, 305-442-3334.
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OPULENCE
Spring 2017