Mississippi Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Mississippi statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 · Next review 2026-10-31 · 2 official sources
Mississippi law focuses on the safe and ethical integration of drones through the Mississippi Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021. The state also maintains strict procurement requirements for government agencies to ensure the use of domestically manufactured technology.
Are drones legal in Mississippi?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Mississippi when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
Recreational pilots must follow FAA regulations, including registration and the TRUST safety test.
Miss. Code Ann. § 31-7-67 Commercial operators must adhere to FAA Part 107 rules and state procurement laws if contracting with public agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-1 The Mississippi Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021 addresses privacy and potential criminal misuse of drones.
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-1 State law restricts drone operations near correctional facilities.
State wildlife regulations generally prohibit the use of drones for hunting or scouting game.
Drone operation in state parks is subject to specific agency policies; check with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Local governments may have ordinances, but they must comply with federal preemption regarding navigable airspace.
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-9 Violations of state drone laws can result in criminal charges depending on the nature of the offense.
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.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
Mississippi State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
UAS Voyeurism and Peeping Tom Act
VerifiedIt is illegal to use a drone to look into a window or any private area where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Citation
- MS Code § 97-29-61
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement / County Sheriff
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the latter carrying up to five years in the state penitentiary depending on the age of the victim and previous offenses.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
WMA and Wildlife Protection
VerifiedDrones may not be used to assist in hunting or to disturb wildlife in management areas.
- Citation
- 40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 1.1
- Enforcement
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Citations and fines for wildlife harassment or illegal hunting methods; potential forfeiture of equipment.
Government Purchasing / Equipment
Government Procurement Restrictions
VerifiedMississippi state agencies are prohibited from purchasing or using drones manufactured by companies from 'covered countries' such as China.
- Citation
- MS Code § 31-7-13
- Enforcement
- Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Administrative non-compliance and potential loss of funding for state agency procurement.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
There is no blanket state-wide statute prohibiting drones in state parks, but individual park authorities often restrict drone use to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. Always contact the specific park office before flying.
Local Government Authority
Mississippi does not have a broad state-level preemption statute that explicitly strips all local authority, meaning municipalities may enact local ordinances provided they do not conflict with federal FAA authority over navigable airspace.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in Mississippi
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Mississippi Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Mississippi?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Mississippi when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in Mississippi?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Mississippi. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Mississippi state parks?
There is no blanket state-wide statute prohibiting drones in state parks, but individual park authorities often restrict drone use to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. Always contact the specific park office before flying.
Can cities in Mississippi make their own drone rules?
There is no explicit state-wide preemption statute; local governments generally retain authority to regulate drone operations on property they own or manage, provided they do not infringe upon federal airspace jurisdiction.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Mississippi?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Mississippi, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
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.
Get it firstCityDrones 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.