What is drone delivery?
Drone delivery uses unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to transport small packages directly from a business to customers. These aircraft operate under FAA regulations and are flown by approved commercial operators using advanced technologies.
When will drone delivery begin in Orlando?
Commercial drone delivery service is expected to begin in 2026 at select locations in Central Florida.
Walmart has partnered with Wing, an FAA-certified drone delivery provider, to offer package delivery from several stores, including the Walmart Supercenter on Kirkman Road within Orlando city limits. Additional locations throughout the region may be added as service expands.
Are delivery drones different from recreational drones?
Yes. Commercial delivery drones operate under different federal regulations than recreational drones and are subject to additional FAA certification and both operational and safety requirements.
Can the city regulate drone operations?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has exclusive authority over the nation's airspace and regulates most aspects of drone operations, including aircraft certification, flight paths, operating altitudes, and pilot qualifications.
Wing Aviation operates under FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification, which authorizes commercial drone delivery services.
Florida law also governs drone operations through the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Florida Statutes Section 330.41) which limits the authority of local governments to regulate drones.
The City of Orlando reviewed and approved the proposed site plan for a drone operations facility on Kirkman Road through its development review process. However, the city does not have authority to regulate drone flight operations or determine where drone delivery providers choose to operate.
What is a drone delivery hub?
A drone delivery hub is a facility where delivery drones are stored, maintained, loaded with packages, and dispatched for deliveries within a designated service area.
How high and how fast do delivery drones fly?
The FAA generally limits drones to a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level unless otherwise authorized.
While FAA regulations permit certain drones to travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour, most commercial delivery drones typically operate between 40 and 70 miles per hour.
Is drone delivery safe?
Yes. Commercial drone operators must comply with strict FAA safety standards before beginning operations.
FAA certification includes evaluations of the aircraft, software systems, maintenance programs, operating procedures, personnel training, and ongoing safety management practices.
What are the benefits of drone delivery?
Drone delivery has the potential to:
- Improve access to everyday goods through faster delivery.
- Reduce vehicle trips for certain deliveries.
- Help decrease traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.
- Support innovation and emerging technologies within the region.
- dvance the City's Future Ready initiative by encouraging the responsible deployment of new transportation technologies.
Can I fly my own drone around my neighborhood?
All recreational and commercial drone operations must comply with FAA regulations and applicable Florida law.
Anyone operating a drone should become familiar with current federal and state requirements before flying. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provides information and resources to help drone operators understand applicable laws, safety guidance, and registration requirements.
What is the Orlando Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program?
The Orlando Police Department's Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program is a public safety investment designed to improve emergency response times, officer decision-making, and overall public safety outcomes for residents during the first critical minutes of 911 calls.
The program uses Skydio X10 DFR drones, strategically placed throughout the city, allowing OPD to get eyes on any scene within city limits in seconds. Unlike traditional drone programs that require officers to transport and set up equipment, DFR drones are housed in permanent docking stations and remain charged and ready to launch at all times.
When certain 911 calls are received, DFR drones fly directly to incident locations using GPS coordinates and transmit live video to OPD's Crime Center, where sworn, FAA-certified officers monitor the scene and provide real-time information to responding units.
This technology helps officers assess threats, allocate resources more effectively, locate suspects, and make better-informed decisions before arriving on scene.
DFR drones are not used for random patrols or mass surveillance. Deployments occur only in response to specific calls for service, mirroring OPD's traditional patrol response.