Delivery drone bill unanamously passes House

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Legislation that would allow so-called “delivery drones” to operate in Florida passed unanimously in the House Wednesday, 115-0.

The proposal, sponsored by Pace Republican Jayer Williamson (HB 601), focuses on ground drones, or “personal delivery devices.” Such a unit is defined as a “motorized device for use primarily on sidewalks and crosswalks at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, which weighs 50 pounds or less excluding cargo.”

These drones operate with electric engine tops out at 4 mph and ride exclusively on sidewalks and crosswalks. It would specialize in urban areas.

Companion legislation in the Senate is sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes (SB 460). That bill has passed through two committees, with its next stop in the Rules Committee.

“We think that it would allow consumers choice and provide some really interesting delivery options,” Brandes says.

Mitch Perry

Mitch Perry has been a reporter with Extensive Enterprises since November of 2014. Previously, he served five years as political editor of the alternative newsweekly Creative Loafing. Mitch also was assistant news director with WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa from 2000-2009, and currently hosts MidPoint, a weekly talk show, on WMNF on Thursday afternoons. He began his reporting career at KPFA radio in Berkeley and is a San Francisco native who has lived in Tampa since 2000. Mitch can be reached at [email protected].



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