Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office warns public about no-drone zones during FIFA World Cup events
Key Points(5)
- The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) is reminding residents and visitors that strict federal restrictions on drone operations will be in effect during FIFA World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium and activities surrounding the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park.
- In a statement issued June 14, MDSO said Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be enforced around both venues, making unauthorized drone operations within designated restricted airspace prohibited.
- Authorities are urging drone operators to check airspace restrictions before flying by using FAA-approved B4UFLY applications or reviewing current restrictions through the FAA's Temporary Flight Restriction system.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is serving as the lead agency for investigating and enforcing violations involving unauthorized drone activity during FIFA World Cup events.
- MDSO said it is working alongside the FBI, FAA and other law enforcement partners to support enforcement efforts throughout the tournament.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) is reminding residents and visitors that strict federal restrictions on drone operations will be in effect during FIFA World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium and activities surrounding the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park.
Miami is one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will stage seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium. The venue is scheduled to host group-stage matches on June 15, June 21, June 24 and June 27, followed by a Round of 32 match on July 3, a quarterfinal on July 11 and the tournament's third-place match on July 18. The FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park is running from June 13 through July 5.
In a statement issued June 14, MDSO said Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be enforced around both venues, making unauthorized drone operations within designated restricted airspace prohibited.
Authorities are urging drone operators to check airspace restrictions before flying by using FAA-approved B4UFLY applications or reviewing current restrictions through the FAA's Temporary Flight Restriction system.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is serving as the lead agency for investigating and enforcing violations involving unauthorized drone activity during FIFA World Cup events. MDSO said it is working alongside the FBI, FAA and other law enforcement partners to support enforcement efforts throughout the tournament.
According to officials, authorized personnel have the authority to detect, intercept and seize drones operating in violation of FAA restrictions.
The sheriff's office warned that individuals who violate the restrictions could face significant penalties, including civil fines of up to $75,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, up to one year in prison, and confiscation of their drone.
MDSO is also encouraging members of the public to report any suspicious or unauthorized drone activity by calling 911 immediately.
"Public safety remains our highest priority as South Florida hosts the FIFA World Cup," the agency said.
