Puerto Rico Drone Regulations/Laws

While it may seem like a complicated process to learn about flying a drone in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican drone laws follow the same basic rules and regulations set forth by the FAA.

As a US Territory, Puerto Rico does deviate from some state-level laws, but drone laws largely defer to the regulations already set by the United States’ FAA, which makes the process of using drones in Puerto Rico fairly simple and straightforward.

What are the drone rules and regulations currently enforced in Puerto Rico?

Drone Use in Puerto Rico: Registration and Insurance

Before making concrete plans to fly our drone in Puerto Rico, attend to the very first step in enjoying recreational drone use: drone registration.

In Puerto Rico, drone registration with FAA is considered mandatory, just like in any other part of USA.

Drones may be registered online, after paying a small fee, and all registration applications are approved for 3 years, at which point another registration fee and process is necessary.

Drones, once registered, must also be readily identified with the number given to you at registration.

Failure to place the registration in a clear, prominent area could result in being hit with fines or other penalties.

Insurance is not required for drone use in Puerto Rico, but insurance is often recommended to prevent being hit with any lawsuits or other issues that can arise on the heels of an accident occurring with drone operation.

Following registration, you may have your drone insured, but it is not a requirement for registration in Puerto Rico.

Although drone registration is necessary to safely utilize drones in Puerto Rico, there are no current restrictions placed on bringing drones into Puerto Rico, though it is usually suggested to limit drones to one per person.

Drones must also be brought as carry-on baggage, and is not permitted to be among your checked baggage.

A proper case that adheres to flight carry on restrictions is important to make sure you are not forced to leave your drone behind prior to your visit.

Space Restrictions

Drone use in Puerto Rico is subject to several different restrictions regarding space.

Drones may not be used within 5 miles of an airport without prior notice or permission, in order to avoid any issues with the control tower or any aircraft already in the air.

The same rule applies to helipads and other areas dedicated to active aircraft.

The restrictions regarding use near an airport are the same with recreational and commercial drones, but other issues may differ.

Commercial drones, for instance, are restricted to heights of 400 feet, but the same restriction is not given for recreational drone use.

Drones are also restricted to use in areas that are not crowded, or a part of private property.

Private events and emergencies are also prohibited, as the likelihood of causing harm if a drone fails or stutters is far greater and poses more risks.

Recreational and commercial drone use is not appropriate as a means of photographing or videotaping large events or people, and should instead be regarded as useful for landscapes and other situations that do not run the risk of causing harm to others or interfering with local events and populations.

Drones are also not allowed to be used in natural disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires.

Using drones in these situations poses a hazard to the drone pilot, as they are exposed to close contact with potentially harmful substances and situations, and drones can also interfere with any emergency vehicles or personnel trying to bring relief to local residents or attend to the matter at hand.

While it may be tempting to try to get aerial shots of the devastation such storms and disasters can bring, doing so can cost you your ability to pilot your drone and may even result in penalties and charges.

Drones must be kept within the line of sight of the drone pilot at all times.

Although the FAA site may not specifically identify night or cloud cover as problematic issues for drone use, the restrictions regarding lines of sight clear up any confusion in this department.

Because your drone must be kept within your line of sight at all times, you should not fly your drone during the night, when your drone can easily get “lost” during excursions, nor should you fly your drone when cloud cover can negatively impact your ability to keep a close eye on your drone’s location.

Size Restrictions

Although there are not precise dimensions provided for recreational or commercial drones that may be used in Puerto Rico, there are weight limits placed on commercial drones in the absence of registration or permits.

Recreational drones over 55 pounds may not be used by hobbyists or commercial drone pilots, though commercial drone pilots may apply for a use permit if they do exceed the 55-pound weight limit.

Those same commercial drones must also undergo a maintenance check to ensure that they are clear for use and are not at risk of malfunctioning during flight.

Puerto Rico Flight Regulations

Puerto Rico is a common destination for drone use.

With stunning beaches and unbelievably beautiful views, plenty of drone owners flock to Puerto Rico in search of an experience that surpasses the usual experience garnered by merely visiting a place.

Although drones are certainly permitted in Puerto Rico, there are many different restrictions placed on the use of drones.

These restrictions were developed with safety in mind, and are typically enforced to prevent accidental damage to property—such as planes and other aircraft—invasion of privacy, and accidental harm to others.

Drone accidents may not be common, but they are possible, and Puerto Rico restrictions work hard to minimize the likelihood of finding yourself in an accident with your drone.

Puerto Rico flight restrictions are not the strictest regulations in the world, and adhering to all requirements for recreational and commercial use will ensure that your drone use in Puerto Rico is as enjoyable and issue-free as possible.

With some foresight and consideration, your next Puerto Rico-bound drone excursion can be enjoyable and safe, and yield breathtaking results.