How to hire a drone pilot for photos or video
When you hire a drone pilot for paid work, such as real estate, construction, or event footage, make sure they hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, fly a drone registered with the FAA, carry liability insurance, and check the airspace and any flight restrictions before they show up. Then agree in writing on what you'll receive and how you're allowed to use it.
Drone rules in the U.S. are set by the Federal Aviation Administration, and they apply in Florida like everywhere else. Here's what each piece means for you as the customer.
Check for an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Anyone flying a drone for business in the U.S. needs a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA under the agency's Part 107 rules. That includes flying for real estate listings, even when the pilot is also the agent. To get the certificate, pilots pass an FAA knowledge test, and they have to keep their knowledge current with recurring training.
Ask to see the certificate. It's a normal request and a professional pilot won't mind.
Make sure the drone is registered
Drones flown under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number has to be marked on the outside of the drone. Recreational rules are different, but a paid job falls under Part 107.
Ask about insurance
Ask for proof of liability insurance before the flight. If a drone damages a roof, a car, or a person, you want the pilot's insurance responsible. Some property managers, builders, and event venues require a certificate of insurance naming them before any drone flies on their site, so ask the venue early if that applies.
Airspace near airports and flight restrictions
Much of the airspace around airports is controlled, and drones need FAA authorization to fly there. Central Florida has several airports, including in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Sanford, and Orlando, so plenty of properties sit in controlled airspace. Pilots can often get authorization through the FAA's LAANC system, which can approve many requests quickly. Others need a manual request that takes longer.
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) can also close airspace for a period of time, for reasons like major events, VIP movements, emergencies, and rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. A good pilot checks for these when you book and again on the day of the shoot.
Basic Part 107 limits you should know
A few rules shape what shots are possible:
- Drones generally stay at or below 400 feet above the ground, with some exceptions near tall structures.
- The pilot or a visual observer must keep the drone in sight.
- Flying over people is restricted, and depends on the drone and the type of operation.
- Night flights are allowed for certified pilots with the right training and anti-collision lighting.
The rule on flying over people matters most for events. If you want aerial video of a crowd, ask the pilot how they'll plan the flight to stay within the rules. Sometimes the answer is different camera angles, or keeping guests out of a marked area during flights.
Florida also has its own laws on drone use, including privacy protections and restrictions near certain facilities. A local pilot should know them.
Questions to ask before booking
- Can you show me your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and proof of insurance?
- Have you checked whether this location needs airspace authorization?
- What's included: number of photos, video length, editing, and delivery format?
- How long until I get the finished files?
- What happens if weather or a flight restriction cancels the shoot?
- Who owns the photos and video, and how can I use them?
- Can I see samples of similar work?
Weather and rescheduling
Drones don't fly well in strong wind or rain, and Central Florida summers bring frequent afternoon storms. Agree on a rescheduling policy up front, and schedule morning flights when you can. Fog and low clouds can also delay early shoots, especially near the coast.
Ownership and licensing
Many pilots license their footage for a specific use rather than handing over full ownership. That's common in photography. Just make sure the license covers how you plan to use the files: a single listing, your company's marketing, social media, or a client presentation. Get it in writing.
Hiring a pilot in Central Florida
If you need aerial photos or video in New Smyrna Beach or elsewhere in Central Florida, send us your request and we'll connect you with a local pilot. Pilots are independent businesses, so use the questions above when you talk with them. For real estate shoots, read what real estate drone photos include and how to prepare a property too.