Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: April 16, 2024
PURPOSE
For the comfort, safety and privacy of our team, guests and neighbors, as well as the protection of sea turtles, Drone use is prohibited at The Breakers, subject to discretionary authorization procedure below. This prohibition applies to all drone uses, including but not limited to light shows, surveillance, and/or photography.
SCOPE
Drone use is prohibited over The Breakers’ private property. This includes a drone launched from a location other than The Breakers’ property for the purpose of flying over or viewing from The Breakers’ private property.
On a case-by-case basis, with advance approval from the Senior Director – Conference Services and Event Sales (for meetings and events), the Director of Communications (for media), or the Senior Director of Marketing (for any other purpose), The Breakers may provide specific authorization for the use of drones.
If approved by The Breakers, in addition to any parameters and restrictions set forth by The Breakers, the following legal standards must be followed:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls the requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which covers commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. As long as a drone weighs less than 55 pounds, it can be used for work or business by following 14 CFR Part 107.
- To operate a drone for commercial use, a vendor must comply with all the requirements on 14 CFR Part 107, including becoming an FAA Certified Drone Pilot and Registering the Drone with the FAA. Additionally, a vendor must comply with all the requirements of the State of Florida and the Town of Palm Beach Ordinance 31-2017. Given the proximity of The Breakers to Palm Beach International Airport, and the current residence of former President Donald J. Trump, airspace restrictions can be more restrictive and frequently changing. Airspace restrictions can always be checked by using the FAA safety application, B4UFLY Mobile App.
- Additionally, in accordance with Palm Beach Ordinance 74-223, “all oceanfront property owners are required to ensure that no artificial light shall illuminate any area of the beach or water that may be used by nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. In order to accomplish this, the town requires that all lighting shall be positioned or shielded so that light is not visible from the beach or water during the period from March 1 through October 31 of each year.”
PROCEDURE
Requirements by The Breakers to Request Drone Use
- Comply with all requirements provided by The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Comply with all requirements provided by the State of Florida and the Town of Palm Beach Ordinance 31-2017.
- Comply with all requirements provided by the Town of Palm Beach Ordinance 74-223.
- Provide a current Certificate of Insurance, valid On-Site Working Conditions and a Drone Flight Request Form to the appropriate Breakers’ contact - at least 30 days in advance of requested flight and comply with approved locations and times.
- Drones may operate between sunrise and sunset. Requests to operate drones after sunset may be approved at the sole discretion of The Breakers.
This Policy & Procedure is subject to change based on management discretion and circumstances.