Legislation will allow operation of autonomous delivery drones in Florida
Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) today filed Senate Bill 460, personal delivery devices, authorizing autonomous delivery drones to operate in Florida. If adopted, Florida could be among the first states to officially embrace this new technology. This legislation on personal delivery devices builds on Senator Brandes’ continued focus on innovative, autonomous technology policy.
“With this legislation Florida continues to lead in transportation policy,” stated Senator Brandes. “This technology could revolutionize home delivery and will usher in new business models. This type of innovative technology should be embraced by policymakers, and I am excited to focus Florida on the future.”
Personal delivery devices operate on sidewalks, at low speeds, and deliver goods directly to consumers. The devices operate autonomously, with remote operators monitoring them for safety and compliance with applicable local ordinances and laws. The devices operate on sidewalks and, when necessary, bike paths or crosswalks. SB 460 defines a personal delivery device in statute and exempts the devices from registration requirements and other regulations that apply to automobiles. The proposed legislation allows local jurisdictions to implement ordinances restricting the use of a personal delivery device if deemed unsafe in a local area, and the bill requires operators of personal delivery devices to carry insurance in any event of an accident.
For more information on SB 460 please visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0460.
