ORLANDO, Fla. — A new rule takes effect this week that will force several local law enforcement agencies to shelve millions of dollars in drones.
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The rule bans government agencies from using drones that are made in China.
Some Central Florida agencies say grounding the drones is unnecessary and costly.
The drones in question are made by DJI and manufactured in China.
The DJI drones have been used in recent years by governmental agencies across the state of Florida.
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Nearly $200 million in taxpayer money has been spent on DJI drones in Florida.
“I’m really sad to say that we have a fleet of 25, of which 19 are DJI,” said Lt. Mike Crabb with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “So, we are in process of purchasing more.”
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However, the price to purchase drones on the list of approved manufacturers, most of which are U.S. based, is more expensive.
A Seminole County Fire Department spokesperson told Channel 9 they recently replaced their three drones at a cost between $10,000 and $15,000 each.
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