Seaport Security Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Patronis, Jimmy [R-FL-1]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a 1,000-foot no-drone zone over major seaports to bar unauthorized unmanned aircraft and give authorities tools to detect and stop violators. The bill would define covered seaport airspace, list narrow exemptions, and set rules for enforcement and permitted operations.
Show full summary
- Seaports and their contractors could run approved drone operations for operational, safety, or security purposes after notifying the FAA and the Coast Guard. Ports and the FAA would be able to detect, mitigate, seize, and disable unauthorized unmanned aircraft in covered airspace.
- Unauthorized drone operators would face civil penalties up to $25,000. Criminal penalties could include prison time up to 10 years if the violation is tied to surveillance, damage, disruption, or terrorist activity, and unmanned aircraft may be seized or forfeited.
- Federal agencies like DHS and DOD could operate in the zone under existing authority, and state or local law enforcement could operate with prior notification to the FAA and Coast Guard. The FAA Administrator would be required to issue implementing regulations and designate covered airspace within 180 days.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger penalties and drone seizure
If enacted, the FAA and seaport authorities would be able to detect, mitigate, disable, and seize unmanned aircraft operating in covered seaport airspace. You could face a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation, and drones may be seized or forfeited. Willful violations could bring fines and up to 2 years in prison, and up to 10 years if done to surveil, damage, disrupt, or help criminal or terrorist activity.
Drones banned over major seaports
If enacted, you would not be allowed to fly an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system in the covered airspace over qualifying seaports. Covered airspace means from the surface up to 1,000 feet above ground level, plus any additional space the FAA Administrator designates. The bill would also ban drone actions that interfere with seaport security or operations at any altitude. This prohibition would take effect upon enactment.
FAA exemptions and 180-day rule
If enacted, the bill would allow certain operations in covered seaport airspace. Federal agencies like DHS and DOD could operate under their authority. State or local law enforcement, seaport operators and their contractors could operate if they notify the FAA and the Coast Guard first. The FAA could also issue waivers and emergency responses would be allowed with prompt notice. The FAA Administrator would have 180 days after enactment to issue implementing rules and notification procedures.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Patronis, Jimmy [R-FL-1]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/9/2026
Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
MS • R
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov