The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making one thing clear in 2026: if you fly a drone recklessly, expect consequences. The FAA fined multiple drone operators and suspended or revoked several remote pilot licenses in recent months over unsafe and unauthorized flights. The violations ranged from flying near emergency response aircraft during wildfires to operating over packed NFL games and major music festivals. And the penalties aren’t small.
Big fines for high-risk drone flights
According to the agency, 18 operations that occurred between 2023 and 2025 resulted in fines ranging from $1,771 to $36,770.
The largest penalty of $36,770 was issued to an operator who flew near emergency response aircraft during a wildfire in April 2023. Drones in wildfire zones can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding air operations and putting lives at risk.
Another operator was fined $20,371 for flying in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago in January 2025. The area frequently carries Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), especially when high-profile individuals are present.
Large public events were also a focus. One operator was fined $20,370 for flying over people at the Sunfest Music Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, in May 2024. That drone ultimately struck a tree. Another case involved a $14,790 fine for operating near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the Super Bowl in February 2023 — one of the most tightly secured sporting events in the country.
In each case, the FAA said the operations posed risks to people on the ground, other aircraft, and public safety.
Drone licenses suspended, and revoked
Financial penalties weren’t the only enforcement tool. The FAA also took action against eight remote pilots in 2025, suspending or revoking their certificates.
One pilot had their license suspended after their drone became entangled with a paraglider in January 2025, forcing the paraglider pilot into an emergency landing. Another suspension followed multiple safety violations during a drone light show at Lake Eola in Orlando in December 2024.
Flying over sporting events remains a recurring problem. One pilot’s license was suspended for operating over people during an NFL game in Baltimore in November 2024.
In the most serious case, the FAA revoked a remote pilot’s license entirely for operating in restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago in September 2025.
Even operators who don’t hold a remote pilot certificate aren’t immune. The FAA can still fine individuals or their companies for violations.
Stronger enforcement policy in 2026
The crackdown doesn’t stop there.
In 2026, the FAA updated its enforcement policy to require legal action when drone operations endanger the public, violate airspace restrictions, or are conducted in furtherance of another crime. The policy formalizes a tougher stance and aims to strengthen deterrence.
“The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators who ignore safety rules or operate without authorization,” says FAA chief counsel Liam McKenna. “These unsafe operations create serious risks, and the FAA will hold operators fully accountable for any violations.”
Under federal law, drone operators can be fined up to $75,000 per violation. In addition, the agency can suspend or revoke pilot certificates.
For context, many drone pilots — whether hobbyists or commercial operators — are required to pass the Part 107 test and follow strict rules governing airspace, operations over people, and flights near emergency response activities. Temporary Flight Restrictions are frequently put in place around disasters, VIP travel, and major sporting events.
Drones have become more accessible than ever, but the airspace they operate in is shared with helicopters, medical evacuation flights, firefighting aircraft, paragliders, and commercial jets.
A drone flown near a wildfire can force firefighting aircraft to pause operations. A drone over a packed stadium can create panic or, worse, cause injury if it falls. And flying in restricted airspace can trigger significant security concerns.
The FAA says drone operators are responsible for understanding and complying with all regulations before they take off.
The agency is also urging the public to report unsafe drone activity to their local Flight Standards District Office. Officials say all credible reports are reviewed and investigated when appropriate.
For responsible drone pilots, the message is straightforward: check for airspace restrictions, avoid emergency scenes, don’t fly over crowds without authorization, and know the rules.
For those who don’t? The FAA appears ready to escalate.
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