The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office in San Juan received authorization, effective October 8, 2026, to issue citations for certain violations of federal rules on unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Puerto Rico. The FBI said on social media that the citations are federal notices of violations that could carry serious consequences. Infractions include unsafe drone operation, unauthorized flights in exclusion zones around airport runways, using aircraft to photograph protected military installations, and operating over restricted federal grounds or buildings under conditions set by law.
National defense airspace violations and tactical flight restrictions are also covered. The FBI urged operators to check active restrictions in their area before every flight and to report suspicious drone activity to local authorities or the San Juan field office at 787-987-6500. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires drones to follow U.S. airspace rules; many flights can occur below 400 feet, but operating near airports may require authorization.
Sections 39B, 796 and 1752 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code address dangerous interference with aircraft, photographing military sites, and entering restricted areas such as those tied to the president or Secret Service protectees. The FAA can set temporary flight restrictions for public safety, emergencies, disasters or national protection. Elsewhere, the Northern District of Texas federal prosecutor and the FBI in Dallas reminded the public of drone limits during the FIFA World Cup in June 2026, and federal authorities charged a man in October with repeatedly flying a drone near two Dallas airports.
The Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security departments also announced a one-year temporary flight restriction along the Mexico border, starting as soon as October 19, covering airspace from the surface to 400 feet within one nautical mile north of the border line. The FAA published instructions on October 16 to request exceptions through Customs and Border Protection (CBP), at least 48 hours ahead.