TO: Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
David Johnson, Director of Emergency Services
FROM: Dustin Vangeison, Mitigation & Recovery Specialist
Department of Emergency Services
DATE: October 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Acceptance and Approval of FDLE Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Drone Replacement Program, established by the Legislature in 2023, provides funding to replace drones that do not meet the security standards outlined in Section 934.50, Florida Statutes, which prohibits the use of drones from “countries of concern” after January 1, 2023. Initially limited to law enforcement agencies, the program has expanded in the 2025-2026 grant cycle to include public safety and governmental agencies dedicated to safeguarding lives and property. This expansion now enables participation by county Emergency Management programs to strengthen incident response and recovery operations, supporting efforts to protect the community and its critical infrastructure.
ANALYSIS
Funding provided through the FDLE Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement will be used to expand the Emergency Management Drone Program within the Department of Emergency Services. This investment enhances operational efficiency and interagency coordination, strengthening the County’s capabilities across all phases of emergency management-prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The expanded program will directly support field operations, infrastructure assessments, and situational awareness activities that safeguard the citizens and critical assets of Indian River County.
Under the terms of the grant, the only required deliverable is proof of purchase for compliant drones, with funding not to exceed $25,000 per drone, consistent with Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative Code. The total award amount of $125,000 will be provided through the FDLE Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement. There is no county match requirement, and all costs will be fully covered by the awarded grant funds.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding, not to exceed $125,000, will be allocated via budget amendment to the General Fund/Emergency Management/Other Machinery & Equipment account, number 00120825-066490. The reimbursement from FDLE will be recorded in the General Fund/FDLE - Drone Replacement Grant account, number 001033-334234.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Public Safety
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the approval of the FDLE Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement and the acceptance of funds in the award amount of $125,000.