HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 Authorization to Apply for the FDLE Drone Replacement Program Grant
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 7, 2025
Item #: 4
Contact Name: Charles Van Camp Department Director: Thomas Smothers
Contact Number: Ext. 2006 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Authorization to Apply for Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Drone
Replacement Program Grant. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
Background Summary: The Fire Department is requesting authorization to submit an application to the
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Drone Replacement Grant Program for a compliant public-
safety drone and necessary operational accessories; to execute all related documents; and to take all actions
necessary to accept and administer awarded funds.
The Fire Department purchased two drones in 2020 (DJI Mavic – $3,850; DJI Mini – $5,000). Due to State
restrictions that were enacted well after the Fire Department purchased the drones, these aircraft are no
longer permitted for operational use, leaving the department without an aerial situational awareness capability.
The FDLE's Drone Replacement Grant Program is currently accepting applications from all eligible first-
responder agencies. The program provides up to $25,000 per compliant drone, including operationally
necessary accessories. The replacement aircraft must comply with Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative
Code. OFD seeks to acquire the following equipment package from Skydio:
• Skydio X10 Ready Kit with controller, case, batteries, chargers, and autonomy software
• Skydio NightSense attachment (low-light operations)
• Skydio Spotlight and Speaker
• Skydio Care 1-year protection plan
• Skydio Fleet Manager and Model Viewer subscription (12 months)
• Skydio Connect 5G Range Extender (12 months)
• Shipping
Total Project Cost: $25,087.15
This system meets FDLE compliance requirements and provides significant enhancements over prior
capabilities.
Approval of this item will allow the department to apply for a grant for one compliant aircraft and restore
mission-critical aerial capabilities for structure fires, large-area searches, hazardous incidents, major events,
and disaster assessments. An annual subscription cost of $120.00 will allow the department to utilize video
streaming and flight/telemetry data.
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize the Fire Department to submit a drone
replacement application grant to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize the Fire Department to submit
a drone replacement grant to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and authorize the Mayor, City
Manager, or designee to execute all required documents.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
Grant Request: $25,000 maximum reimbursement from FDLE Drone Replacement Grant Program.
City Share: Approximately $87.15, representing costs exceeding the FDLE funding cap. This amount will be
absorbed within the fire department’s operating budget. The annual subscription cost of $120.00 will be
included in the department’s future budgets.
Type of Item: Consent