The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on February 6 that it fined and suspended or revoked the licences of multiple drone operators in 2025 for unsafe and unauthorised operations, including flights near major sporting events, emergency response activities and in restricted airspace.
The FAA levied fines ranging from USD 1,771 to 36,770 for 18 operations with violations that occurred between 2023 and 2025. Among the fines are:
- USD 36,770 for operating a drone near emergency response aircraft during a wildfire on April 4 2023.
- USD 20,371 for operating a drone in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago on January 13 2025.
- USD 20,370 for operating a drone over people at the Sunfest Music Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, on May 5 2024, resulting in the aircraft striking a tree.
- USD 14,790 for operating a drone near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the Super Bowl on February 12, 2023.In addition to fines, the FAA took license enforcement actions in 2025 against eight remote pilots for violations, including:
- Licence suspension for operating a drone that became entangled with a paraglider on January 7 2025, forcing the paraglider pilot to make an emergency landing.
- Licence suspension for committing multiple safety violations during a drone light show at Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida, on December 21 2024.
- Licence suspension for operating a drone over people during an NFL game in Baltimore on November 3 2024.
- Licence revocation for operating a drone in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago on September 7 2025.
The FAA has recently 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. Drone operators who fly unsafely or without permission can be fined up to USD 75,000 per violation. The FAA can also suspend or revoke their pilot’s licence. If they are found to not have a licence, the FAA can still fine the operator or their company.
The FAA encourages people to report unsafe drone operations to their local Flight Standards District Office.
For more information
US Federal Aviation Administration
Image: A drone pilot was fined USD 14,790 for operating a drone near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the Super Bowl on February 12, 2023. (State Farm Stadium photo)
