FAA proposes permanent flight restrictions near Mar-a-Lago

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed establishing long-term Special Air Traffic Rules to create a controlled airspace around Mar-a-Lago, the Florida residence of President Donald Trump. The proposal follows a request from the U.S. Secret Service, citing intelligence regarding security threats from unauthorized aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.

The proposed restrictions would cover a radius of approximately 1.6 kilometers (one nautical mile) and extend from the ground to an altitude of about 610 meters (2,000 feet). These permanent rules are intended to replace temporary flight restrictions that have been in place since October 2025.

To avoid disrupting the operations of the nearby President Donald J. Trump International Airport, the FAA is not proposing a total no-fly zone. Instead, civil aircraft may still transit the area provided they obtain prior authorization, maintain two-way radio communication with air traffic control, and use appropriate transponder codes. Exceptions will be made for law enforcement, emergency, and lifesaving aircraft.