Florida Bans Wx Modification Aircraft at Public Airports

Florida has begun enforcing a new state law prohibiting weather modification and geoengineering activities within state lines, directing all 125 public-use airports in the state to report aircraft equipped for such operations. Some Florida airports have posted such restrictions via FAA notices.

In a July 14 letter to airport operators, Attorney General James Uthmeier said Senate Bill 56, signed into law in June, bans “the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.” Violators face fines up to $100,000.

Uthmeier told airports to comply with new reporting requirements to the Florida Department of Transportation starting last Wednesday. “We need your help to keep our state free and make sure the skies belong to the people,” he wrote, adding that airports must report any aircraft “equipped with any part, component, or device” capable of emitting chemicals into the atmosphere.

FAA National Airspace System notices show that Palm Beach International (KPBI) and Daytona Beach International (KDAB) have both posted closures to aircraft “equipped with weather modification or geoengineering equipment.” Each requires prior permission for entry.

According to PolitiFact, companies that conduct weather modification activities must submit reports to NOAA, and none in Florida have been reported to the agency since this requirement was enacted in 1957. “Many of the activities reported to NOAA in 2024 have to do with rainfall enhancement or increasing precipitation. Contrary to claims and conspiracy theories, there’s no evidence that these have caused hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters,” it reported.