NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE
SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
RULE NO.: 8.23 RULE TITLE: Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in School Settings
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To modify the existing policy and to update procedures relating to authorized drone use at and around school facilities, certification, and student participation in drone activities.
SUMMARY: These revisions update certification requirements for drone operators, parental consent for participation in drone activities, and procedures for getting authorization to use a drone.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The School Board has determined that this rule will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: No SERC is required at this time by FS 120.54 or FS 120.541. In the event a SERC becomes required, the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida will promptly prepare one.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding the statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.41(2), 1001.43(4), Fla. Stat.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Sections 1001.42(11), 1001.43(4), 330.41, 934.50 F.S., Title 49 U.S.C §§40101, 40102 and 40103, 14 C.F.R § 1.1
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN CONFORMANCE WITH FS 120.54(3) AND 120.81(1)(d).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Chris Parenteau, Supervisor, Government Affairs, Sarasota County Schools. 1960 Landings Blvd, Sarasota, FL, 34231. 941.927.9000
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:


I. The Sarasota County School District has established that safety for students, employees, and visitors is a high priority of the district. Technology-based (and other) innovations must be monitored and regulated to retain and maintain a high level of safety for all persons throughout the district, including instructional settings.

II. Unmanned aircraft (drones) are defined as any powered, aerial vehicle that when operated outdoors is subject to Federal and/or State regulations.
III. A person may not knowingly or willfully operate a drone over a Sarasota County School District public, charter or private school serving students in any grade from prekindergarten through grade 12 except as expressly permitted under this policy and in compliance with federal and state law.
IV. A person may not knowingly or willfully allow a drone to make contact with a school, including any person or object on the premises of or within a school facility.
V. All approved drones and drone operators must register with the Office of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (SSEM) prior to operating a drone on any school district property.

VI. Prior to any drone flight on school property all approved drones and drone operators must call the Sarasota County Schools Operations Communications Center at 941-966- SAFE (7233) to notify them of the location, duration, and reason for the flight.

VII. Staff and students shall only operate drones in accordance with this policy and applicable Federal guidelines. Any inappropriate use must be reported to the Superintendent or designee.

VIII. Student participating in drone instruction or activities must have signed parental consent acknowledging risks, safety requirements, and potential data collection.

IX. A teacher wishing to use/demonstrate any remotely controlled aerial system technology in an instructional related setting must adhere to the guidelines of this policy and applicable Federal guidelines. A clear connection between drone technology and the approved course curriculum must exist.

X. Drone Use Pre-Qualification Guidelines

a. Any staff member who has been granted permission to use drones in their curriculum or athletic program must obtain remote operator certificate (FAA Part 107 Guidelines). Certification must be renewed every two years, and proof of renewal must be submitted to SSEM.

b. All drones owned and operated by the District are to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

c. Only drones produced by approved drone manufacturers can be used for educational purposes and by the District for operations and maintenance of District property.

d. Contractors, vendors, or community groups may not operate drones on district property without prior written approval from the school principal. Such operators must provide proof of liability insurance and name the district as an additional insured.

XI. Operation Guidelines

a. Staff and students shall not operate drones within five (5) miles of any airport without prior notification and acknowledgment from airport authorities. Written documentation for notification should be logged and kept on file by the notifying staff member.

b. Students operating drones on school grounds must: be enrolled in a program that includes the use of drones in its curriculum, have been trained in the use of drones, and have authorization from the Department of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management and school principal.

c. Students shall not operate drones without the direct supervision and presence of a teacher.

d. All proper safety equipment must be used by any operator(s) and observer(s) to include eye and ear protection.

e. Drone operators (staff and students) must maintain safe control and line-of-sight at all times during operation and are prohibited from flying drones over playing fields, seating and spectator areas where and when people are present, as well as parking areas where and when people and/or vehicles are present. Broadcast from a remote location does not constitute line of sight.

f. Staff and students shall not operate drones above an altitude of 400 feet above ground level or within 400 feet of a structure as outlined in FAA Part 107 guidelines.
g. Any district or teacher provided drone operated on school grounds must be of relatively low power, be equipped with blade guards, weight less than 0.55 lbs., and not be subject to FAA registration requirements. Staff and students shall not operate a drone with a weight of more than 55 lbs.

h. Staff and students shall not operate drones before sunrise or after sunset or in adverse weather conditions.

i. Staff and students shall not operate drones within proximity to or above individuals, crowds, or vehicles, to include parking lots.
j. Students are not permitted to bring drones to school.

k. If the drone were to be flown/blown onto a building roof, off-campus location, or another restricted area, the teacher/coach must report it immediately to school administration and appropriate support staff, i.e. custodial staff, or technical services if the drone is located on the roof. Students shall not be used to retrieve the drone under any such circumstances.

l. Any variance from this policy requires the prior written authorization from both the Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management and the Supervisor of Risk Management.
XII. Inappropriate Use

a. Staff and students shall not operate drones under circumstances where profit would be generated.
b. Staff and students shall not operate drones broadcasting or recording images of people or property where the reasonable expectation of privacy exists or over areas that are normally deemed private by social norms, such as restrooms, locker rooms, or residential areas.

c. Staff and students shall not operate drones indoors, i.e. no flying in classrooms.

d. Any photos, videos, or recordings made by district drones are considered district property. Recordings that identify students may be considered education records under FERPA and will be handled in accordance with federal law and district policy. Recordings shall not be publicly released without written authorization from the Superintendent, Chief of Police, or a court order/subpoena.

XIII. Drone Injuries or Incidents

a. Any injuries or property damage resulting from District drone use shall immediately be reported to the operator’s direct supervisor and to the Risk Management Department. Further use of the drone in question will be suspended until an investigation of the events takes place and clearance for use is provided.

b. Any scenarios not addressed within this policy shall be governed by the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
c. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action for staff and/or students and/or revocation of drone use privileges.
d. The Department of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management is responsible for enforcement of this policy. Violations shall be documented and reviewed with Risk Management
XIV. Exceptions

a. This policy shall not apply to a law enforcement agency that is in compliance with FS 934.50 or a person under contract with or otherwise acting under the direction of such law enforcement agency.



STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 1001.41(2), 1001.42(11), 1001.43(4) F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1001.42(11), 1001.43(4), 330.41, 934.50 F.S.
Title 49 U.S.C §§40101, 40102 and 40103
14 C.F.R § 1.1
Federal Aviation Administration Advisory
Circular AC 91-57A Public Law 112-95
Code of Federal Regulation Part 107 – Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Florida High School Athletic Association
Guideline Handbook F.S.


HISTORY: ADOPTED: 07/19/16
REVISION DATE(S): 11/06/18, 05/2024, 09/2025
FORMERLY: NEW
NOTES:
Refer to: Procedures and Operational Checklist



NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Chris Parenteau, Supervisor, Government Affairs in conjunction with Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor.
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: The School Board of Sarasota County, Florida
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: Approved for advertising on October 21, 2025. Final approval by School Board of Sarasota County, Florida is to be determined.
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FS 120.81(1)(d): September 23, 2025.