None, I don’t care one way or they other.

The FAA sees things a bit differently. From this FAA Airspace 101 page:

FAA rules apply to the entire National Airspace System -- there is no such thing as "unregulated" airspace.

Drones can fly below 400' in the uncontrolled Class G airspace but the FAA does have authority over that airspace.

But as you point out, for the most part the issue is the videography and not the actual flight.

Sorry I only do simple google searches.

Quote From Google



AI Overview
Learn more
While you can't directly "register" land as a no-fly zone, you can take steps to discourage drone use over your property and potentially seek legal recourse if necessary, focusing on local ordinances and privacy laws.
Here's a breakdown of how to approach this:
1. Understand the Legal Landscape:
Federal Regulations:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates drone operations, but it's generally legal to fly drones over private property, as long as certain rules are followed (e.g., staying below 400 feet, maintaining visual line of sight, registering drones over 0.55 pounds, and obtaining a Part 107 certificate for commercial use).
State Laws (Florida):
Florida has the Florida Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (330.41) that generally preempts local drone laws, but cities and municipalities can still pass laws on specific topics like privacy and harassment.
Local Ordinances:
Check for any specific ordinances in The Villages or The Villages area that might restrict drone use, especially regarding privacy or harassment.
2. Take Preventative Measures:
Clear Signage:
Post "No Drone Zone" or similar signs on your property to deter drone operators.
Communicate with Neighbors:
Discuss drone concerns with neighbors to foster a sense of community awareness and potentially coordinate efforts.
Document Drone Activity:
If you observe drone activity that you believe is violating your privacy or property rights, document the time, date, location, and any relevant details.
3. Seek Legal Advice and Enforcement:
Contact Local Authorities:
If you encounter drone activity that violates local ordinances or state laws, contact the local police department or relevant authorities.
Consult with an Attorney:
If you believe your privacy or property rights have been violated, consult with an attorney specializing in drone law to explore legal options.
Consider Privacy Laws:
Florida has laws regarding the use of drones to capture images of private property without consent, and you can explore these laws to protect your privacy.
Drone Laws in Florida (2025) - UAV Coach
This ordinance also requires that commercial drone pilots register with the town police department before doing any kind of commer...
UAV Coach

Florida Drone Laws - Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys
Florida Law 330.41 – Florida Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act A large portion of Florida drone law comes from the Florida Unmanned Ai...
Jack Bernstein Injury Law

Part 107 Waivers - Federal Aviation Administration
Step 3: Submit the waiver application. * Log in or create an account online at FAADroneZone. Click on the button labeled “Add a S...

Federal Aviation Administration (.gov)

Show all
Generative AI is experimental. For legal advice, consult a professional

However, the land/lot had to paid for in advance. We had to put 10% down to secure the lot and the balance paid once the home building contract was signed. For those of us that built, we paid the lot off before the first concrete pour was even planned.

There's part of the problem. Generative AI gives a guess at a summary based on whatever text it was trained on. Guesses at summaries can be wrong, details matter.

Had no idea you have to pay in full that early

It's still not yours until the transaction closes. You may feel differently, but these are legal definitions.

I could be wrong and I'd be interested to hear if I am ... but

I believe you are required to "deposit" the amount of the land cost, prior to construction, but there is no "deed" (Grant) involved.

Which would mean you have an equitable interest in the land, but no "ownership" of the land.

If there was an actual "closing" and you took possession of the land and then signed a new contract for "construction", that would be a different story.

In essence, I'm saying the same thing as VAtoFLA said, above. It may sound like semantics, but there's a significant legal difference in those 2 processes.

Who thought it was OK?
 

Who thought it was OK to actually fly inside a building under construction? That's just common sense and downright inconsiderate!

The fact that even the "Homeowner" that is contracted to purchase the home is not really the "Homeowner" until the home is completed and closed would be a problem for me. If I contract to build a home I will be on site pretty much everyday if possible. I couldn't handle having a house built and not be allowed on site during construction.

Yes
 

Correct, the lot is paid for before a home is ever constructed. We bought our lot in Moultrie Creek. We had to put money down, then we had a design appointment, then we had to pay for the lot in full before we left for them to build.

A shout out to Goldwingnut, we love what you do and are glad you didn’t cave to the builder. Keep em coming. You do a great service for us all.

I wonder how low Don Wiley will go in showing new homeowner the house under construction? Does he actually fly inside the house? I saw Don flying a drone inside a rec room and he does have great control over the drone.

Flying in the Villages and following the FAA Rules is legal, I have been flying for years but what you need to understand is your living in the villages where people have nothing better to do than to complain about anything and everything, Follow the FAA rules and regulations and you’ll be fine , as a courtesy don’t fly over people or cars or the squares when there’s an event use common sense always fly safe safely and enjoy your flight. Maybe the powers to be in the villages don’t want you flying over their sites for reasons that might legally come back to them in a negative way!

Keep Them Comimg
 

We were greatly influenced by your videos Don. Keep them comimg.

Developer sent letters to only drone pilots.
No letters to anyone else posting videos of the area.
No letters to anybody posting their opinions online, such as this forum. Many of those posts are very negative towards what happens here.
No letters to anyone else doing very similar activities.

Putting info on social media is constitutionally protected free speech. Kindly explain how that "is the issue" considering their actions were taken only against drone operators. That does not fit the events that have happened.

Unless folks were flying around with jet packs on their backs, I'm not sure how they could produce the same sort of video as a drone can produce.

TV construction sites are almost always posted with "No Trespassing" signs, which means unless the videographers have the aforementioned "jet packs" or are using a drone to take video ... it can't be done.

You suspect some movie starlet is nude sun bathing on her rooftop and want to see her and sell some photos to the National Inquirer ... but her home is posted with "No Trespassing" signs? How do you get to see her? Use your Jet Pack or Drone to beat the No Trespassing signs and take the photos.

The public is prohibited from peeking in the windows of your home and taking photos, but any clown with a Drone has no such prohibition?

Therein lies the issue. That exactly fits the events. Otherwise unavailable videos, were posted on the internet. One's 1st Amendment rights of free speech, are tempered by the obligation to obtain the information legitimately. See Lee v. Internet Entertainment Group, Inc., 33 F. App'x 886