Drone Photography in Central Florida.

Questions agents ask

Drone Photography, answered.

Do I really need drone photos to sell a house?

Drone photos aren't required for every listing, but they're essential for waterfront homes, properties on more than a quarter acre, gated communities, golf course homes, and anything where the lot or location is the main selling point. For a standard interior subdivision lot under a quarter acre, drone shots add less value and can sometimes hurt the listing by exposing a small backyard or a neighbor's roof.

In Central Florida specifically, drone footage is almost mandatory for listings in Lake Nona, Windermere, Reunion, Celebration, anything on Lake Tohopekaliga or the Indian River, and any home within sight of theme parks or downtown skylines. Aerial Shots Media flies under FAA Part 107 commercial certification, which is the legal requirement for any drone footage used to sell a property — agents who hire uncertified shooters are exposing themselves to FAA fines and MLS compliance issues.

Are drone photos legal? Do I need a licensed pilot?

Yes, drone photos used in real estate listings are legal — but only if the pilot holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, the drone is registered with the FAA, and the flight complies with airspace restrictions. Hiring an unlicensed friend with a DJI is an FAA violation and an MLS compliance risk for the listing agent.

Central Florida has specific airspace constraints to know about. Anything within 5 miles of Orlando International (KMCO), Orlando Executive (KORL), Melbourne International (KMLB), Sanford (KSFB), or Kissimmee Gateway (KISM) requires LAANC authorization before flight. The airspace around Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base has additional restrictions and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during launches. Aerial Shots Media handles all LAANC requests as part of the booking — agents don't need to think about it.

Do I own the photos and can I use them after the home sells?

You own a license to use the photos for marketing the listed property — including MLS, your personal brand, and your portfolio — but Aerial Shots Media retains the underlying copyright. After the home sells, you can continue using the images for your portfolio, social media, and brand marketing indefinitely.

The seller doesn't own the photos and can't transfer them to a new agent if the listing changes hands without compensating us — this is standard industry practice and protects both you and us. If a builder, developer, or commercial client needs full copyright transfer for ongoing marketing across multiple properties, we offer buyout pricing as an add-on. Always check your local MLS rules — Stellar MLS and Space Coast MLS both require the listing agent to confirm proper licensing before uploading media.

Can you shoot in gated communities and HOAs?

Yes, we shoot in gated communities daily — Lake Nona, Windermere, Bay Hill, Isleworth, Reunion, ChampionsGate, Eagle Creek, Baldwin Park, Heathrow, Alaqua Lakes, Suntree, Indian River Colony Club, and dozens more across Central Florida. We just need the gate code, listing agent name on the access list, or a scheduled gate pass at least 24 hours before the shoot.

Some communities (Isleworth, Lake Nona's Golden Oak, Bella Collina) have strict drone restrictions that override standard FAA Part 107 rules — we check community-level restrictions before flying and will let you know if drone footage requires HOA pre-approval. For shoots requiring HOA notification, we recommend the listing agent submit the request, since HOAs respond faster to property owners and listing agents than to outside vendors.