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FLORIDA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its 2024 report on laser strikes against aircraft, revealing Florida ranks third in the nation for these dangerous incidents.
Last year, pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes across the U.S.—a slight 3% decrease from 2023—but still considered alarmingly high by aviation officials.
In Florida alone, 810 cases were reported, trailing only California (1,489) and Texas (1,463).
Laser strikes, often involving handheld devices pointed at aircraft, can temporarily blind or disorient pilots during critical moments like takeoff or landing.
The FAA has tracked 328 pilot injuries from lasers since 2010.
Shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense.
Offenders can face civil penalties up to $11,000 per incident, with total fines reaching $30,800 for repeat violations.
Criminal charges may also apply, with potential prison time of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000.
In one recent Florida case, a 61-year-old man in St. Pete Beach was arrested for allegedly pointing a green laser at a sheriff’s helicopter.
Deputies say he admitted to the act and was charged with felony misuse of a laser device.
The FAA encourages the public to report laser strike incidents to local authorities and through its dedicated reporting system.
Pilots and crew members are also urged to document detailed information, including the aircraft’s location and the origin of the laser.
Officials continue to stress that even minor laser misuse can have life-threatening consequences in the air.