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Most of Crosby and Associates' property listings are rural, distant from strip malls, fast food restaurants and warehouses. The Winter Haven firm specializes in agricultural services with acreage, crops and cows. It's one of the largest land brokers in the state.
Sounds like a great opportunity for drones.
Owner Ben Crosby, a licensed private pilot, knew using the flying cameras could save money and time when creating images and videos for property listings. But he was hesitant because he'd heard there was a high level of difficulty in obtaining FAA approvals.
The company forged ahead, led by sales associate and land specialist Caleb McDow, a former U.S. Navy pilot. After three months, a 30-page application and reams of research on previous approvals and denials given to other realty agencies, Crosby and Associates got the go-ahead. It's the third realty group in Florida to receive an FAA drone-use exemption.
The FAA exemption allows the company to fly drones for commercial use — with the stipulations to stay away from crowds and non-participants. Another requirement: only licensed pilots can fly the drone. The firm plans to use the drone for 80% to 90% of its listings.
“The day after we received the exemption approval, we went out and videoed a Plant City farm listing for our website using the drone,” says McDow.
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