In this blog post we’ll share all drone laws links & known rules around recreational & commercial drone use in Puerto Rico (San Juan). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in our Puerto Rico Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Puerto Rico
✅ Puerto Rico is an unincorporated USA territory and follows the same drone's regulations of the United States of America (minus the registration bit). When it comes to the onsite contacts, you can contact Puerto Rico's local authorities via:
Phone: (+1) (787) 729 8715
Mail: PO Box 362829, San Juan, PR 00936-2829
Can I travel to Puerto Rico with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Puerto Rico as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Puerto Rico?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Puerto Rico "If you have more information about this, please let us know in "Puerto Rico Drone Discussion Group". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way based on your flight intentions organised with a colour scheme.
Puerto Rico drone fly map
🚨 In any case, you can be sure that's its illegal to fly without authorisation:
in National Parks (including marine sanctuaries).
closer than 8.1 km from any airport.
military installations & sensitive areas.
the White House, Washington, D.C. and New York City.
near a wildfire firefighting operation.
5 km near to stadiums (only 1H before/after games or events).
🦅 National Park flights might be controlled independently and you might need to find the local authority's approval for all kind of flights in these areas.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Puerto Rico.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Puerto Rico
✅You do not need a permission or a license for drone recreational use in the Puerto Rico (unless you fly within 8.1 km close to an airport).
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 121 m above the ground.
fly your drone at least 8.1 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only fly your drone during permitting weather, within your sight at all times.
fly away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
fly your drone away from National Parks without authorization.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Puerto Rico's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Puerto Rico! Have fun & safe flight! #puerto #rico #puertorico #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Puerto Rico Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
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Other resources
Kiribati drone fly map (Airmap)