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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Jacksonville (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Jacksonville, Florida.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Jacksonville, Florida.

If you live in (or are traveling to) Jacksonville, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.

fly drone Jacksonville

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Jacksonville, FL. Source: VFR Map

Jacksonville Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Jacksonville (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.

When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.

Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

So those are the federal rules.

But what about local Jacksonville drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Florida. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Jacksonville. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.

Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Where to Fly a Drone in Jacksonville

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Jacksonville area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.

1 — Metropolitan Park

1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Metropolitan Park is located along the St. John’s River in Jacksonville, Florida. The property offers 23 acres of open green space along the riverfront. It hosts a multitude of festivals and concerts throughout the year. There is also a Marina that provides a unique perspective of ferry boats and yachts traversing the river to their next destination. Drone pilots will enjoy this beautiful park and the scenic views of the surrounding area.

fly drone Metropolitan Park

Source: Google Maps

2 — Reddie Point Preserve

4499 Yachtsman Way, Jacksonville, FL 32277

Reddie Point Preserve is a 102-acre park located on the banks of the St. John’s River in Jacksonville, Florida. It features a few ponds, nature observation areas, mature trees, and a 700-foot wooden fishing pier that creates a picturesque setting. Not only does this location provide stunning views of the river, but it also includes a nice view of Goat Island. With so many filming opportunities, it is easy to see why this location is ideal for drone pilots.

3 — William F. Sheffield Regional Park

3659 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226

William F. Sheffield Regional Park is the site of a former dairy farm located in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 385 acres, this location offers a little something for everyone to enjoy. There are a few ponds and the beautiful Lake Dumont. The lake’s pristine deep waters are surrounded by a dense pine forest that makes the area feel remote. Drone pilots will like that there are open green areas which will allow for easier take-off and landing.

Source: Google Maps

4 — Mandarin Park

14780 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Mandarin Park is located along the Julington Creek in Jacksonville, Florida. There is a boat launch at the south end of the park which opens up to a breathtaking view of the pier and the Mandarin Holiday Marina. This hidden gem is a favorite among locals who watch as the sun falls below the horizon. Drone pilots will enjoy this often quite location and numerous footage opportunities.

Julington Creek Bridge Aerial Film

5 — Oceanfront Park

429 1st St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Oceanfront Park is located right off of the beach in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. It has a unique circular shape surrounded by mature palm trees. The wooden boardwalk leading to the beach and the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean create a phenomenal view. The center of the park features a bronze dolphin statue with a boy riding the dolphin. It was designed to represent the cities ongoing effort to preserve access to the oceanfront for generations to come.

fly drone Oceanfront Park

Source: Veronica_Kaupert

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Jacksonville

If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Jacksonville area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.

Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Jacksonville.