Maybe not but I am not taking a chance. I don't want the trouble or potential trouble. They shut me down within 10 mins. It's obvious that quad pilots are not wanted there. When I say banned from the island I mean flying there, of course. They told me I would be fined if I flew again, that is the exact way they said it. If you google palm beach drone ban there are some articles about it. It says the 2nd offense is $500.
According to the news articles I could find, the city is imposing general aircraft rule to drones. Here is what it appears they are using:
Sec. 14-31. - Minimum altitude.
Exclusive of taking off and landing and except as specifically permitted in this Code, no aircraft shall be operated within the police jurisdiction of the town at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet
According to the news, the city stated they were asked if drones could monitor the eroding beach and the above ordnance was used to say, no.
But review the ordinance:
"Exclusive of taking off and landing..."
So you can launch and land a drone within the city.... it's specifically allowed. Then read the ending part:
"... no aircraft shall be operated within the police jurisdiction of the town at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet"
The local police have jurisdiction over any/all aircraft flying under 1000'? I don't think so (say Federal US Code). IMHO that ordinance is not only vague but it's not worded very well. For example:
"Sec. 14-34. - Taking off, landing.
It shall be unlawful to take off or land any aircraft in the town other than at a location duly designated for such activity.
Designated by whom? Is this designation the same for all aircraft? Or perhaps different spaces exist for airplanes and drones. Why can't a property owned designate his/her own land for a drone?
IMHO, its all crap. But this is certainly not the first time a city has attempted to intimidate drone fliers. It won't be the last.