Florida government agencies told to stop using drones made in China

ORLANDO, Fla. — A new rule takes effect this week that will force several local law enforcement agencies to shelve millions of dollars in drones.

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The rule bans government agencies from using drones that are made in China.

Some Central Florida agencies say grounding the drones is unnecessary and costly.

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The drones in question are made by DJI and manufactured in China.

The DJI drones have been used in recent years by governmental agencies across the state of Florida.

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Nearly $200 million in taxpayer money has been spent on DJI drones in Florida.

“I’m really sad to say that we have a fleet of 25, of which 19 are DJI,” said Lt. Mike Crabb with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “So, we are in process of purchasing more.”

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However, the price to purchase drones on the list of approved manufacturers, most of which are U.S. based, is more expensive.

A Seminole County Fire Department spokesperson told Channel 9 they recently replaced their three drones at a cost between $10,000 and $15,000 each.

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