U.S. Drone Laws: The Complete Pilot's Guide
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Flying a drone in the U.S. means clearing three layers of rules — federal FAA regulations, your state's statutes, and local city or county ordinances. Pick your state below for the full breakdown, with primary-source citations.
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Tap a highlighted state for its full drone-laws guide. Dimmed tiles are still in research.
50 of 50 state guides published. Don't see your state yet? Start with the federal baseline — it applies in all 50.
The three layers of U.S. drone law
Every flight sits inside three layers. The first applies everywhere. The second varies state to state. The third varies city to city — and sometimes park to park within the same city. Every state guide here walks all three in the same order.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
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All U.S. states — A to Z
An alphabetical index in case the map isn't your preferred way in.
Alabama
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Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Colorado
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Florida
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Georgia
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Hawaii
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Idaho
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Iowa
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Maine
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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Mississippi
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Missouri
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Montana
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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New Mexico
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New York
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North Carolina
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North Dakota
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Ohio
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Oklahoma
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Oregon
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Pennsylvania
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Rhode Island
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Tennessee
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Texas
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Utah
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Vermont
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Virginia
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Washington
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West Virginia
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
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Stay current
Drone law changes fast. Get the free compliance guide and update notices as states are reviewed.
CityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.