fbpx

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

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

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

If you live in (or are traveling to) Orlando, 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 Orlando

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

Orlando Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Orlando (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 Orlando 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 Orlando. 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 Orlando

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Orlando 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 — Tangerine Field (AMA)

203 W Keene Rd, Apopka, FL 32703

Tangerine Field is an AMA field located just outside of Orlando, Florida in Apopka. It consists of 50 acres and welcomes all types of RC aircraft. The airfield is run and operated by the Remote Control Association of Central Florida and the Orlando RC Helicopter SOC Torchs. It features a large runway and the rest of the property is wide open. This makes it a great location to meet up with other aviation enthusiasts and fly your drone. There are various sheltered buildings and even a concession area. Drone pilots will appreciate this well-maintained airfield that is enjoyed by so many.

A10 WartHog at RCACF

2 — Lake Street Park

E 4th Ave, Windermere, FL 34786

Lake Street Park is located within close proximity to Orlando Florida, in Windermere. It sits on the western shore of Lake Down. The park features a walking trail, a fishing pier, and stunning views of the lake. With a surface area of 886 acres, there are ample opportunities at this location for drone pilots.

3 — R.D. Keene Park

10900 Chase Rd, Windermere, FL 34786

R.D. Keene Park is located on Lake Isleworth just outside of Orlando in Windermere, Florida. The lake feeds into numerous lakes in the area, which offers some truly incredible views. The openness of this park makes this an ideal location for drone pilots who are looking for that picture-perfect shot.

fly drone R.D. Keene Park

Source: Google Maps

4 — Cherokee Point Conservation Area

2501 Cherokee Rd, St Cloud, FL 34772

Cherokee Point Conservation Area is located on the eastern shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, in St. Cloud, Florida. It is important to note that the northern section of the lake is Class D airspace. Always remain vigilant of air traffic and get authorization when it’s needed. The property was purchased by Osceola County in 2012 in order to preserve wetlands. The preserve features a variety of wildlife species, including many endangered birds. The wide-open space offers fantastic views of the wetlands and lake.

fly drone Cherokee Conservation Area

Source: Experience Kissimmee

5 — Hickory Point Recreation Park

27341 FL-19, Tavares, FL 32778

Hickory Point Recreation Park is located on Lake Harris in Tavares, Florida. It features open green areas and a phenomenal view of the lake from the boardwalk. At almost 14,000 acres, the lake offers plenty of room for flying a drone. The sandhills, wildlife areas, and mature cypress trees that border the water create a stunning landscape that any drone pilot would like to add to their portfolio. It is important to note that the northern part of the lake is controlled airspace.

fly drone Hickory Point Recreation Park

Source: Ebyabe

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Orlando

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 Orlando 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 Orlando.