Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance

Without debate or dissent, the House unanimously sent Gov. Rick Scott a bill forbidding random use of unmanned drone aircraft in police surveillance Wednesday.

Scott has said he looks forward to signing the “Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act” when it reaches his desk.

The bill forbids law-enforcement use of drones except in cooperation with investigations authorized by the Department of Homeland Security or in short-term emergencies. Police could get search warrants for aerial video spying on specific people, locations or vehicles — and the flying vehicles could still be used in a search for a missing child or elderly person, or an escaped convict or in hostage situations.

But any evidence gathered by simply flying over a large gathering, or spying on a criminal suspect without first getting a warrant, would be inadmissible in court. Residents could get a court injunction to stop unwarranted surveillance, if police routinely fly drones over their neighborhoods.

The bill by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, (SB 92) passed the Senate last week. Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, had a companion measure (HB 119) pending on the House calendar and he substituted Negron’s Senate-passed bill for his own — so the bill can go straight to Scott for his signature.

There was no debate or opposition to the bill in either chamber.