The sponsor of a bill to ban the use of unmanned drone aircraft by Florida law enforcement says he won't compromise on an exception for crowd control.

Senator Joe Negron, a Stuart Republican, on Wednesday said he'll vote against his own bill rather than see it amended to allow drones at large-crowd events.

Representatives of the Florida Sheriff's Association and Florida Police Chiefs Association told a Senate panel today that drones are a cheaper, safer alternative to helicopters.

But Negron – although working with law enforcement on other exceptions – said he won't budge on what he considers the protection of liberty.

"Can you imagine if King George had sent a drone to hover over the Boston Tea Party to see what the American patriots were up to", asked Negron. "It's not what this country was founded on."

Negron has already agreed to exceptions in the bill…including using drones with a search warrant or in special circumstances, such as rescuing a child.

The bill also already has an exception for national security.