The Miami division of the FBI announced on Sunday that it has fined seven drone operators and confiscated nine unmanned aerial vehicles for violating no-fly zones established around the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Florida.
Details were released through an official infographic titled "Counter-UAS: The Numbers," summarizing the results of an active enforcement operation near Hard Rock Stadium and the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park.
This operation was formally announced on June 8, when FBI Miami issued an official statement on its website warning of the repercussions for flying drones in restricted areas.
Strict Enforcement Measures
"The FBI is enforcing drone no-fly zones in South Florida to support World Cup matches and the Fan Festival," stated Brett Skiles, the Special Agent in charge of FBI Miami.
"Public safety is our top priority. Our agents and law enforcement partners are authorized by the Department of Justice to use specialized mitigation tools to intercept and seize drones that breach these Temporary Flight Restrictions," they added.
The penalties for violating these restrictions are severe: civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and confiscation of the drone.
Comprehensive Security Measures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a three-nautical-mile exclusion zone around Hard Rock Stadium—up to 3,000 feet above ground level—on game days, and a one-nautical-mile zone around Bayfront Park from June 13 to July 5.
Miami's operation is not unique. The FBI in Atlanta reported seizing drones from three operators for similar violations, and the FBI in Los Angeles also cited and confiscated drones near SoFi Stadium during the tournament.
Florida allocated $16 million for drone detection equipment and radiofrequency signals as part of a security package for the World Cup that exceeds $80 million in the state.
The detection system is multilayered and includes radar, optical and infrared cameras, fixed antennas, portable receivers, and artificial intelligence software. FBI Ground Interception Teams locate the pilot, conduct interviews, assess the threat, and have the authority to confiscate the drone on the spot.
Guidelines for Drone Operators
The FBI advises those who wish to fly drones to check air restrictions using the FAA-approved B4UFLY app or by visiting tfr.faa.gov before operating any unmanned aerial vehicle.
The agency also urges the public to report any suspicious drone activity by calling 9-1-1. Miami-Dade is expecting between 750,000 and a million visitors during the World Cup festivities, making air security a critical priority for federal and local authorities.
Drone Regulations and Enforcement in South Florida
What are the penalties for flying drones in restricted areas during the World Cup?
Penalties include civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and confiscation of the drone.
How can drone operators ensure they are compliant with regulations?
Operators should verify air restrictions using the FAA-approved B4UFLY app or by checking the tfr.faa.gov website before flying their drones.
What measures has Florida implemented for drone detection during the World Cup?
Florida has invested $16 million in a multilayered drone detection system that includes radar, cameras, antennas, portable receivers, and AI software.