Over the past year, there has been increasing discussion around proposed and enacted restrictions on certain drone manufacturers, including DJI. These developments have raised questions for property owners, real estate professionals, and businesses that rely on aerial data and imagery.
Recent federal actions have focused primarily on government procurement and use of specific drone platforms. In most cases, these restrictions apply to federal agencies and federally funded programs — not to private commercial operators or property owners.
In January 2026, the FCC clarified its position regarding software updates for affected drone platforms. This update confirmed that software support for existing drones does not automatically render private commercial operations illegal. For most small businesses and property owners, there is no immediate operational impact.
If you are hiring a licensed, insured drone operator for real estate photography, inspections, or documentation, you can continue to do so without disruption. Responsible operators stay current on FAA, FCC, and local regulations to ensure all flights remain compliant.
Drone regulations continue to evolve. That’s why it’s important to work with professionals who monitor regulatory changes and understand how they affect real-world operations — not just headlines.
At Sky Scout Drones, we stay informed on regulatory updates so our clients don’t have to. If you have questions about drone use for your property or project, we’re always happy to talk.
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