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Drone Rules for Ocala National Forest

Marion County, Florida (FL) • United States
Ocala National Forest, Florida 32179, USA
Lat: 29.1669 • Lng: -81.7915
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Ocala NF has no Wilderness designation but contains Florida scrub-jay critical habitat (endangered). Three freshwater springs (Silver Glen, Alexander, Salt) are popular swim areas where drone conflicts are common.

Drone Rules - Ocala NF, Florida

No Wilderness prohibition, but Florida scrub-jay ESA critical habitat and spring swimming areas restrict practical UAS operations.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Big Scrub (largest sand pine scrub in the world) is prime Florida scrub-jay habitat; drone proximity triggers alarm calls and chick abandonment
  • Silver Glen Springs and Alexander Springs attract thousands of swimmers daily; low-altitude drone overflight over crowded swimming areas is hazardous under 14 CFR 107.39
  • Ocala International (OCF) Class D is ~10 NM west; Forest is predominantly Class E/G

Key Rules

  • Avoid flying over designated swimming areas entirely (14 CFR 107.39 moving people prohibition)
  • Florida scrub-jay nesting season (February-July): avoid Big Scrub tracts with active territories
  • USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial aerial photography

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