ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Drone deliveries are coming to Central Florida, offering a glimpse at how technology could change the way people shop.
Walmart and drone delivery company Wing demonstrated the new technology Tuesday at Orlando City Hall, showing residents how packages could soon be delivered from the sky.
“You have just witnessed the first official drone delivery in the city of Orlando this morning,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “So you can mark that down in your calendars.”
Last week, Clermont approved zoning changes to allow Walmart to launch a drone delivery hub. Tuesday’s demonstration in Orlando offered a preview of what that hub could make possible.
The drones, which weigh about 11 pounds and can carry up to 2 pounds, are designed for small, everyday items, and it can deliver them right to your front door in about 30 minutes.
The drones can fly up to 60 mph, cruising 150 feet above the ground before dropping packages safely at customers’ feet.
“We have FAA approvals. We are safe. That is our number one priority. And we’re here just to try to make their lives a little bit better,” said Jessie Polle-Strang with Wing.
Experts say public education about drone safety is critical. Last year, a man in Clermont was arrested for shooting down a Walmart drone.
“When you shoot a drone out of the sky, the federal government sees that the same as shooting an aircraft… you’re endangering people and property on the ground,” drone expert Andrew Kobza said.
Could drone deliveries become the future of retail?
“It could. It certainly could be. I think it’d be… disingenuous to say it’s not going to be,” Kobza said.
Drone deliveries could start as early as 2026.