Real Estate Drones
Florida drone pilots have been receiving more exemptions from the Federal Aviation Association, leading the country in usage of real estate drones. With 97 exemptions for drone pilots in the state, Florida is second in the country overall for drones, behind California.
The FAA gives exemption to pilots who abide by their restrictions. Operators must have their pilot’s certificate, and keep drones in their lines of sight and operate in daylight only. The drones must weigh less than 55 pounds and fly no higher than 400 feet.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida has 45 exemptions for real estate uses, making that the leading use of drones in the state, according to the report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International.
“I think the certificate is legitimizing the industry to companies who want to use this technology to help advertise, whether it’s real estate or television stuff or movies,” videographer Brandon Horgeshimer said. “It’s kind of like you hire a plumber and you’d like him to have a plumbing license.”
Unmanned drones for commercial use were not legalized until summer 2014.
The use of drones in the real estate market can give potential buyers a bigger picture of a home they are interested in. The drones, which have the ability to fly above homes, can better show things like distance to a neighbor’s home or scenic views.
“From an aerial perspective, you get a better perspective of a home,” said Douglas Trudeau, a pioneer of the real estate drone photography, according to an article by the NW Times. After getting the scope of the exterior, Trudeau said it’s easier to transition to the interior. “Now let’s go inside. Let’s look at this kitchen. People see the home as a living space,” he said.
Having drones will help real estate agents and home sellers to showcase their properties better, and give potential buyers a realistic and large view of a home without even having to visit the property.