Try to fly one over the Super Bowl or the World Series ... or a Taylor Swift concert. See how local law enforcement & the FAA react.

Go fly one of Disney World or the Grand Canyon or any National Park.

Apparently large groups of people (or area) are entitled to privacy, but the Developer of TV isn't.

Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina & Washington, all impose restrictions from drones from taking video of private property, without permission of the land owner.

None of those restrictions have to do with privacy.

The laws are more specific than "don't take pictures of private property." It remains to be seen whether the drone operators around TV are violating the specific restrictions of the current laws.

I cheated and used Chat GPT.

In March 2025, The Villages' legal representatives issued cease-and-desist letters to drone operators, including Sumter County Commissioner Don Wiley, citing Florida Statutes Section 934.50. This statute prohibits the use of drones to record images of privately owned property without the owner's written consent if there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations can lead to civil actions and financial penalties. ​
However, this situation has sparked a legal debate over the balance between state privacy laws and the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) authority over navigable airspace. The FAA maintains exclusive control over U.S. airspace, which complicates the enforcement of state-level drone restrictions. ​

Given these complexities, it's advisable for drone operators in Sumter County to:​
Stay Informed: Regularly review both federal and Florida state drone regulations.​
Respect Privacy: Avoid flying over private property without consent, especially in areas like The Villages where privacy concerns have been legally asserted.​

Consult Authorities: Engage with local authorities or legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to stay updated on any new regulations or legal interpretations.​
By taking these steps, drone pilots can navigate the evolving legal landscape and operate responsibly within Sumter County.​

Drone Ban in The Villages Sparks Legal Battle Over Airspace, Privacy, and Press Freedom |
The Villages Issues Cease And Desist To Drone Pilots: Complex Legal Battle Takes Flight

and of course more can be found on the banned site.

Best summary I've seen yet. Legal beagles far more knowledgeable than the posters here will end up hashing this out.

Bottom line though...it seems to me that the developer doesn't have to win. All he (she?) has to do is not lose, and in the meantime draw things out as long as possible. The developer no doubt has salaried attorneys who do work as it comes up, but the drone guys have to hire theirs. So it all comes down to the cost of this particular "justice" and whose money runs out first.

You nailed it. Might be a good use of a go fund me campaign. Strange that the developer is taking on Don Wiley.

I'm a drone pilot and nowhere have I seen a 50' rule. What's your source?

Don, we so appreciate your hard work and effort that you show through your so-informative videos of TV. We have always enjoyed them and look forward to the next, and next.

We're always supportive of the 'little guy' and the 'underdog'. The group of videographers who conduct their private businesses honorably and provide a service to the community certainly are a positive to The Villages. Both the residents, and those considering moving to TV.

Appears that the ONLY reason the Developer team is forcing these actions is to CONTROL all Media within their geography. Uncertain which, if any, laws support their argument. That certainly will be exposed soon. IMO, THEY are forcing your group to hire $$$ legal teams. THEY have virtually unlimited resources, so it's David vs. Goliath. So be it. But, it appears that THEY may have taken a position which will be negative to the public. I personally hope so and they will eventually stand down.

What if the Developer decided to take action against outside Real Estate firms? Issuing a threat that pre-owned homes within The Villages can ONLY be represented and sold by TV Agents??? Control.

We will be watching this issue closely, and if a Go Fund Me is opened, we will support as well.

--- a concerned Villager

Drones
 

After reading 6 pages of comments the only one that makes sense is the post that TV is upset that they aren’t getting their cut of any and all moneys made by the drone operators. I know some have sponsors to defray the cost of producing the videos can TV be so petty to want a cut which more than likely less than the cost of having a Lawyer firm on retainer. Get real folks these operators are doing this for a hobby and if they can defray their costs let them.

There is no arbitrary 50' rule.

There is a Supreme Court Decision from 1946 that is the controlling law at this point.

United States v. Causby - Wikipedia

& you are exactly right. The Developer doesn't have to "win", he only has to "not lose" or win by default, when the opposition gives up or goes broke.

I'm shocked by the general tone of this discussion. In a community that consists primarily of an older, conservative population, I would think that constituency would be more concerned with protecting privacy rights.

I suspect the tone would be entirely different, if the discussion involved their personal space and/or real estate and not the private space/property of the "big bad Developer".

Ethics are often situational.

He will not win this battle.

I don't understand why TV is concerned about this. The videos I have watched have been interesting and informative. Rather than drive around construction areas (not encouraged by anyone) it's nice to have an overview. I have to think the videos help rather than hinder home sales.

You go Don! Your videos are a huge reason why I will be moving to The Villages.

Cindy

SSDD

I expect privacy *within* my home, not out in my yard. Hiding behind a tree to pee is still out in the yard with no expectation of privacy.

In an area that prohibits fences (for the most part) and hedges, has "kissing lanais," and can find a recent aerial view of their home on the property appraiser's page, few have any misconceptions about their yards being private.

Yes
 

Few things we agree on, but this is certainly one of them.

Every new thing needs regulation and the societies government is the body that does (or should do) that for the benefit of society as a whole. Nothing new about that.

Yes, it was a joke. But the point is that while most drone fliers have respect for the public, not all of them do. Picture my house from the street is one thing. Drones filming my backyard from overhead is another. It is a matter of privacy for many. It is an invasion of privacy, like someone reading over your shoulder. Intrusive behavior by some means regulation for all.

No Regulation Coming
 

There isn’t any regulation coming. At the very least, the freedom of the press or of speech would be infringed upon.

I personally think the builder has done A Lot for all our communities. Infringing on freedom of videos or press or speech or whatever was just a wrong move. We all make them.

Or maybe it is something about the workers?

Not everyone in TV has "kissing" lanais". I have a small pool and deck in a "birdcage" surrounded by tall plants that provide privacy from the street and from my neighbors. I, for one, would find a drone circling overhead to be rude, intrusive, and a possible/probable invasion of privacy for possible nefarious or illegal purpose. Can you say "telephoto lens"?
Go hover over a golfer getting ready to tee-off, or try to make a 15 ft putt for a birdie an a win on a championship course. Then ask how they like drones. I play, and I would not like it one bit.

What would the builder be afraid of? The builder is getting free advertisement.

Some regs are already in place. Some need "fine tuning" to deal specifically with "drones". More will be added as necessary. Drone Pilot License? Wait and see. Once upon a time you could drive a car without a license. Once upon a time you could fly a plane without a license. Once you could own a dog ...
See where this is going.

Yes, I can say, "telephoto lens." It isn't a very difficult word to pronounce. But what is your point?

If you hover over a golfer you are violating the FAA rules. If you are flying near enough to him that it physically affects him then you are violating FAA rules. If he becomes annoyed because he doesn't like drones and it offends his delicate sensibilities.... that sounds like a "him" problem and not a drone problem.

You can drive a car/vehicle without a license on your own property. This is common on large farms or ranches.

Maybe build quality or worker type?

You are being intentionally obtuse, I believe. You can also fly "tiny " planes and helicopters and gyro-copters in certain instances without a license. Even own a dog. But not in most urban areas, like TV. Google/tube tiny planes you don't need a license to fly.
Laws and regulations only matter if you get caught breaking them. At least that seems to be the mindset of some folks.

Possible interference or distraction making for an unsafe or dangerous work environment? Higher insurance rates?

What "type of worker" can you see from a drone?

And what can a drone tell you about "build quality"?

Depends on how good your telescope is, I would suppose.

There could be hints something like a fire station, sewage processing, power distribution facility, future commercial site, etc. they don't want buyers to be aware of prior to selling nearby homes.

Don't forget the prison. 😲😳🥺

Just trying to help. 🥺

Agreed. My wife made me watch 50 or so of Don Wylie’s videos before convincing me to sell our beachfront condo in Destin and buy in the Villages for our vacation home. I can’t imagine a greater Villages ambassador than Don. As much as I am in awe of the Morse family, I just don’t understand why they could not find a way to accommodate a person that has created so much excitement for the Villages. I hope the developers do the right thing by moving this conversation from their attorney’s conference room to the family kitchen table.

One can hope but they did start something with a fellow who is a Sumter country commissioner who does have a certain amount of power.

Don is basically a cheer leader for the villages so rather surprised the developer is doing this.

Not necessarily about Don. But some drone enthusiast certainly PO'd someone somehow.

Agree. Lots of guesses and questionable information have been put out there. I think "The Developer" had enough and felt it was time to try to shut things down. Don certainly cannot be excluded, that would not fly (no pun intended).

The Sun will be giving us the developers side of things dressed up like news sooner rather than later.

What could that possibly tell you (and please excuse me if I missed any sarcasm in your post)...

Don's latest video was here he made a bit of a reference to this and now do not see the thread.

Don made some good statements in his latest live stream video. Apparently, some of the drone channels have been flying dangerously - through/inside buildings under construction, between large cranes and their load, etc. I am not a lawyer, but these sound like violations of the FAA pilot rules. The proper response would be to cite those specific instances and file complaints with the FAA and/or appropriate governing body. Instead, The Developer's lawyer sent out a blanket cease, desist & remove letter to several prominent drone pilots.

I believe The Developer has vastly overreached their perceived control/authority. Hopefully, the drone pilots can afford enough lawyering to put The Developer in their place.

You can tell that from Drone footage? Impressive!