You’ve probably got a drone in your truck right now. For years, they’ve been your eyes in the sky on job sites across Central Texas, saving you time and money. However, you’ve also been hearing whispers about new rules and regulations, which are creating some confusion around the construction of drone legislation.
These aren’t just minor tweaks to the rulebook. The federal government is making significant changes that will impact the types of commercial drones you can purchase and where you can fly them. Understanding this new framework for drone legislation construction is now part of the job for all construction companies.
This shift in drone regulations impacts everything from data collection on construction projects to daily construction workflows. For every remote pilot and project manager, staying ahead of these changes is vital for maintaining compliant drone operations. The era of flying drones with few concerns is rapidly coming to a close.
The Government Is Changing The Rules for Drones
Recently, two significant executive orders were issued, shaking things up. They have official-sounding names, but their goals are pretty straightforward. The government aims to promote American drone manufacturing and address potential data security risks.
The first order, named “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” is all about building up the drone technology industry right here in the U.S. It pushes federal agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fast-track approvals for American drone companies. A significant part of this is to reduce our reliance on technology from other countries, especially China.
The second order is called “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” and it focuses on security. It establishes a special group to identify sensitive areas, such as military bases, power plants, and other critical infrastructure. Soon, flying foreign-made drones over these restricted zones could be banned altogether, creating new flight restrictions for many drone operators.
So, why the sudden push? It’s a mix of economic and security concerns, primarily managed by the aviation administration. The government believes that having our drone supply chain controlled by foreign companies is a risk, particularly regarding the drone data that is collected. They want to make sure the unmanned aircraft technology used on essential construction projects is secure and reliable.
This focus extends to how unmanned aircraft interact with manned aircraft in the national airspace. The FAA is actively working on rules to manage air traffic better. These airspace regulations are designed to enhance safety for everyone, from recreational flyers to commercial drone pilots conducting site surveys.
Upcoming Drone Legislation Construction Pros Must Watch
Beyond those executive orders, there’s a significant piece of legislation working its way through Congress that construction firms need to be aware of. It’s called the Drones First Responders Act, and it has some serious teeth. This law is aimed directly at phasing out Chinese-made drones from American skies, affecting not just emergency response teams but also the commercial construction industry.
The act proposes a series of escalating tariffs on drones imported from China. It would start with a 30 percent tax, which is pretty steep for businesses that rely on this equipment. After a couple of years, the tariff would increase to 50 percent, significantly raising the cost of a commercial drone.
But it doesn’t stop there. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to cut ties completely. By 2031, the bill would require all drones imported into the U.S. to be totally free of any Chinese-made parts. This represents a significant shift from the current market landscape, compelling many to reassess their drone operation strategies.
The Senate version of the bill is even more aggressive. It wants to ban the government from buying Chinese drones by 2028. You can learn more about these legislative efforts and their goals from government sources covering trade and technology.
It’s not all bad news for your budget, though. Both versions of the bill include a provision that is very important for businesses like yours. They set aside money to create grant programs to help you buy new, American-made drones, which is good news for many licensed drone pilots.
This funding would be available for first responders, infrastructure companies, and construction contractors to help ease the financial burden of switching equipment. Acquiring a compliant drone will become a significant priority. This support can help businesses invest in new technology without facing the full cost upfront and reduce financial risk.
Safety Training Classes
ABC Central Texas offers safety classes for our members online and in person. We offer OSHA training through a partnership with UT Arlington with classes held in our office. We also hold monthly CPR classes.
What About Your Current DJI Fleet?
If you’re in the construction industry, chances are you’re flying DJI drones. They dominate the market because they capture high-resolution images, are reliable, and offer competitive pricing. What happens to the equipment you already own and depend on for your daily drone flights?
This is where things get a bit messy due to potential privacy concerns. The Department of Defense (DoD) has placed DJI on a list of “Chinese Military Companies” (CMCs). The government argues this designation is necessary because of the company’s alleged ties to the Chinese military and the sensitive drone data that drones collect.
DJI strongly disagrees with this assessment. In October 2024, the company filed a lawsuit to challenge this listing. They argue that the DoD lacked sufficient evidence to classify them as a military company, and that this label is causing significant damage to their reputation and business in the United States.
The legal battle is still ongoing, and it raises questions about potential legal repercussions for companies that use their products. In March 2025, DJI requested a summary judgment, a procedure that allows the court to rule in its favor without a full trial. The case is being handled by a federal court in Washington, D.C., and everyone is waiting for a final decision.
This lawsuit is necessary because its outcome could impact how quickly and strictly these new rules are enforced, potentially creating a legal gray area. For a deeper look into the legal arguments, news reports from publications like Reuters offer detailed timelines of the case. Regardless of how the court rules, the government’s direction is clear: they want a shift to a domestic drone industry to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized sharing.
A Practical Plan for Central Texas Builders
With all these changes on the horizon, sitting back and waiting isn’t a great strategy. These policies will impact how you acquire new construction drones, how you maintain regulatory compliance, and what equipment is available. This is especially true if you work on projects that have government funding, ranging from real estate developments to infrastructure projects.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) supports growing the American drone market. But we also understand that you can’t just flip a switch overnight. American-made drone options are still catching up in terms of features and affordability, which is a significant factor for project management and budgeting.
So, what should you do right now to prepare your business? The best advice is to start making a transition plan for your drone operations. Don’t wait until these laws are entirely in effect to determine your next move and avoid potential legal action.
Audit Your Current Drone Fleet
The first step is a comprehensive inventory of your existing unmanned aircraft. You need to know precisely what you have, where each drone originated, and what type of software it uses for data collection. Document the registration number for every registered drone, especially for drones weighing over 0.55 lbs.
This audit should also review your data handling protocols. Where is your drone data stored? Who has access to it? Understanding these details is crucial for data security and addressing potential privacy issues on a construction site.
Review Your Contracts & Insurance
Next, carefully review your current and upcoming construction project contracts. Look for any new clauses that specify the origin of technology used on site. Government contracts are the first place you will see these requirements, but they may also appear in private sector work soon.
This is also a good time to review your insurance coverage. Discuss with your provider how these new drone regulations may impact your liability. Ensuring you have adequate coverage is a key part of managing risk and avoiding costly legal issues.
Start Budgeting for New Equipment
The switch to American-made drones will be an investment, even with potential grant money. Begin setting aside funds now for new equipment, software, and training. A licensed drone pilot with a remote pilot certificate must be proficient in the latest technology.
Research U.S.-based drone manufacturers to find replacements for your current fleet. Compare their features, including high-resolution image quality, flight time, and suitability for tasks like drone surveying. Creating a budget now prevents a financial scramble later.
Educate Your Team on New Protocols
Your team of drone pilots needs to be fully aware of these changes. Make sure your remote pilot certificate holders and project managers understand the new rules and why the company is planning a change. Education is critical for smooth and compliant drone operations.
Training should cover new safety protocols, emergency procedures, and federal aviation rules. It’s essential that everyone on the construction site can understand airspace restrictions and knows the difference between various airspace classifications. This knowledge helps to enhance safety for everyone involved.
Develop a Comprehensive Compliance Strategy
A formal strategy will guide your transition and ensure ongoing compliance with construction law. This plan should outline your company’s approach to technology procurement, data management, and pilot training. It should be a clear roadmap for every member of your team.
Your strategy must include protocols for secure storage of all collected data to protect sensitive information. This plan should also define how your company will approach new airspace regulations and flight restrictions in controlled airspace. Having a well-documented plan demonstrates due diligence and helps reduce risk of legal repercussions.
| Area of Focus | Action Item | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Inventory all current drones and begin researching U.S.-made alternatives. | Prepare for procurement changes and avoid supply chain disruptions. |
| Data Management | Establish clear protocols for secure storage and handling of drone data. | Protect sensitive project information and mitigate privacy concerns. |
| Personnel | Ensure all drone operators have a valid remote pilot certificate and are trained on new regulations. | Maintain a team of licensed drone pilots for compliant operations. |
| Legal & Insurance | Review project contracts for tech origin clauses and update insurance coverage. | Reduce risk of contractual penalties and ensure adequate liability protection. |
| Operations | Update safety protocols and emergency procedures to reflect new airspace rules. | Enhance safety on construction sites and ensure compliance with FAA rules. |
The change is coming, and it will happen faster than you think. Getting your company ready now will save you a lot of headaches later on. It keeps your operations smooth and makes sure you remain a trusted partner for any project, private or public.
Conclusion
The rules for using drones in construction are being rewritten. The federal government’s focus on security and promoting American manufacturing is driving major policy shifts. This changing drone legislation construction landscape means contractors in Central Texas need to pay close attention and prepare for a new way of operating.
A proactive approach is the best defense against the challenges of this transition away from foreign-made drones. By auditing your current equipment, researching American alternatives, and budgeting for the future, you can keep your business compliant and competitive. Being prepared for this new era of federal aviation oversight is essential for any construction company flying drones.
Ultimately, navigating these new drone regulations successfully will put your business a step ahead. It ensures your drone program can continue to provide value through enhanced safety and efficient data collection. Staying informed and planning now is the best way to thrive in the future of commercial drone use.
