Alabama Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alabama maintains a permissive regulatory stance toward drone operations, with no state pilot license, registration, or insurance mandate beyond federal FAA requirements. The state has enacted a high-penalty prison-specific drone statute (2024), a ticketed entertainment event restriction (2026), and relies on existing critical infrastructure trespass law. Local ordinances in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and other cities restrict drone takeoff and landing on municipal property, but do not close the airspace.
State Drone Laws
Ala. Code § 13A-7-91 (Act 2024-222, HB 345)Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of a Department of Corrections facility, or using a drone to conduct surveillance, photograph, or record images of a facility.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-92Introducing Contraband into a Correctional Facility by Drone
Makes it a Class C felony to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a Department of Corrections facility using a drone.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-93Introducing Drone Components into a Correctional Facility
Makes it a Class C felony to introduce any individual piece of a drone into a Department of Corrections facility.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-94Confiscation and Civil Forfeiture of Drones at Correctional Facilities
The Department of Corrections may confiscate any drone operated in violation of drone facility statutes. The aircraft and any attached items or contraband dropped from it are subject to civil forfeiture.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility with Armed Drone
Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility that is completely enclosed by a physical barrier or clearly posted against entry is an offense. A person who commits such entry while possessing or operating a drone with an attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition is guilty of a Class C felony.
Ala. Code HB 429 (2026)Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Near Ticketed Entertainment Events
Prohibits operating a drone within or above 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event (music, sporting, or performing-arts event at a gated or barriered location) without consent of someone with legal authority over the event. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt.
Ala. Code HB 274 (2026)Department of Corrections Authority to Disable, Disrupt, or Seize Drones
Amends the Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act to grant the Alabama Department of Corrections authority to disable, disrupt, or seize drones operating in violation of the prison drone law.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32Criminal Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to intentionally conduct surveillance while trespassing in a private place where a person can reasonably expect to be safe from intrusion. Applies to drone surveillance.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1Aggravated Criminal Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to conduct surveillance of a person in a location where they have reasonable expectation of privacy for sexual gratification. Applies to drone surveillance.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Oxford
cityOrdinance 2016-28 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits flying a drone over city-owned property, including parks, recreational areas, or any area designated by the police chief.
Restrictions
No drone operations over city-owned property. Police authorized to enforce FAA regulations.
City of Orange Beach
cityMunicipal Code Chapter 54, Article IV — Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operations near venues, special events, and beaches.
Restrictions
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or Gulf beach area unless expressly permitted by the FAA and city administrator. Commercial operations require permit.
City of Gulf Shores
cityMunicipal Code Chapter 3, Article II, Division 9 — Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operations on beaches and at venues.
Restrictions
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or Gulf beach area unless permitted by the FAA and city administrator. Violations carry fines up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail.
City of Daphne
cityOrdinance No. 2017-34 — Remote-Controlled Aircraft
Regulates drone operations in city parks and special events.
Restrictions
No launching, landing, or operating a remote-controlled aircraft within or upon any city park unless authorized by prior written consent of the city. Commercial drone photography during special events requires a special event permit. Recreational use allowed at Al Trione Sports Complex fields not otherwise occupied, provided operations maintain 100 feet distance from people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
cityUSS Alabama Drone Policy
Prohibits all drone operations over the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park without prior approval.
Restrictions
All UAV operations prohibited within 100 feet horizontally or vertically of the USS Alabama, USS Drum, Aircraft Pavilion, Park Memorials, and aircraft or artifacts on the ground unless approved by the Deputy Executive Director.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal / 200 ft vertical of ADOC facility (§ 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days, cannot be suspended or placed on probation; up to 10 years | Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | One of the harshest drone penalties in the nation; most states treat similar violations as misdemeanors |
| Surveilling or photographing ADOC facility by drone (§ 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days, cannot be suspended or placed on probation; up to 10 years | Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | No intent to deliver contraband required; photography alone is sufficient |
| Introducing contraband into ADOC facility by drone (§ 13A-7-92) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days, cannot be suspended or placed on probation; up to 10 years | Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | Attempted delivery also counts |
| Introducing drone component into ADOC facility (§ 13A-7-93) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days, cannot be suspended or placed on probation; up to 10 years | Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | Even a single drone part is a felony |
| Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure with armed drone (§ 13A-7-4.3) | Class C Felony | Up to $15,000 | Up to 10 years | Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | Enhancement applies when drone has attached weapon, firearm, explosive, or ammunition |
| Operating drone within 400 ft of ticketed entertainment event without consent (HB 429) | First Offense: Civil Fine; Repeat: Class A Misdemeanor | First: $500; Repeat: up to $6,000 | Repeat offense: up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Effective October 1, 2026. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt. |
| Criminal surveillance while trespassing (§ 13A-11-32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone surveillance of private places |
| Aggravated criminal surveillance (§ 13A-11-32.1) | Class A Misdemeanor or Felony | Varies by classification | Varies by classification | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone surveillance for sexual gratification |
| Local ordinance violation — drone over city property (Oxford, Daphne, etc.) | Varies by ordinance | Typically $100-$500 per violation | Typically none; may include jail time for repeat violations | City Police, City Code Enforcement | Penalties vary by municipality |
| Local ordinance violation — drone within 500 ft of beach/venue (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach) | Ordinance violation | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | City Police, City Code Enforcement | Gulf Shores: Sections 3-166 to 3-169 |
Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal / 200 ft vertical of ADOC facility (§ 13A-7-91)
One of the harshest drone penalties in the nation; most states treat similar violations as misdemeanors
Surveilling or photographing ADOC facility by drone (§ 13A-7-91)
No intent to deliver contraband required; photography alone is sufficient
Introducing contraband into ADOC facility by drone (§ 13A-7-92)
Attempted delivery also counts
Introducing drone component into ADOC facility (§ 13A-7-93)
Even a single drone part is a felony
Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure with armed drone (§ 13A-7-4.3)
Enhancement applies when drone has attached weapon, firearm, explosive, or ammunition
Operating drone within 400 ft of ticketed entertainment event without consent (HB 429)
Effective October 1, 2026. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt.
Criminal surveillance while trespassing (§ 13A-11-32)
Applies to drone surveillance of private places
Aggravated criminal surveillance (§ 13A-11-32.1)
Applies to drone surveillance for sexual gratification
Local ordinance violation — drone over city property (Oxford, Daphne, etc.)
Penalties vary by municipality
Local ordinance violation — drone within 500 ft of beach/venue (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach)
Gulf Shores: Sections 3-166 to 3-169
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Alabama imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Local permit fees (city-specific) — Varies by municipalityOrange Beach, Gulf Shores, and other municipalities may charge permit fees for commercial drone operations or operations near special events. Check with specific city.
Alabama does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is the only registration requirement for drones over 250g. Alabama does not impose a state commercial drone license, insurance mandate, or sales tax specific to drones beyond general sales tax applicability.
No state-level permit required. Some cities (e.g., Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne, Birmingham) require local permits for commercial operations or operations over city-owned property.
No state-level insurance mandate. Recommended for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Federal Airspace Preemption
Alabama recognizes FAA as sole regulator of national airspace
Alabama statutes explicitly recognize the FAA as the sole regulator of airspace. Municipal and county governments may NOT establish no-fly zones without prior written FAA approval. Local governments may only regulate takeoff and landing on property they own.
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information unless operating within a FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area).
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA certification required for commercial drone work
Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 knowledge test) required for any drone operation that benefits a business, including real estate, inspections, photography, and survey work.
Recreational TRUST Certificate
Required for hobby drone flights
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is free, online, and required to carry proof of passage when flying recreationally.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
400 feet AGL and VLOS requirements
Drones must remain at or below 400 feet above ground level and within visual line of sight unless waivered. Alabama does not impose lower ceilings but Class C airspace around major airports may restrict altitude further.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Huntsville International (HSV), Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM), and Mobile Regional (MOB). Huntsville also has extensive military restricted airspace (R-2104, Redstone Arsenal) that is NOT LAANC-eligible.
Major Airports
HSV — Huntsville International Airport (Class C + Redstone Arsenal restricted airspace)BHM — Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Class C)MOB — Mobile Regional Airport (Class C)JKA — Jack Edwards National Airport (Jack Edwards, Destin-area Class D)
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs over Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University, Auburn) during NCAA Division I football games. 3 nautical mile radius, below 3,000 feet, 1 hour before to 1 hour after game.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 484Pending — Read for Second Time and placed on Calendar (as of March 11, 2026)Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility; reservoirs removed from list of facilities
Amends Section 13A-7-4.3 to remove reservoirs from the definition of critical infrastructure facilities protected by unauthorized entry trespass law.
Last action: March 11, 2026
SB 322Pending — Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development CommitteeUnauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility; reservoirs removed from list of facilities
Companion bill to HB 484; amends Section 13A-7-4.3 to remove reservoirs from critical infrastructure definition.
Last action: February 25, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | Drone operations on university property require prior approval from the Office of Risk Management. All flights must comply with FAA regulations. Stadium TFR applies during football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Restrictions: No flights over crowds, athletic events, or university buildings without approval. Stadium TFR during Bryant-Denny game days (3 nm radius, below 3,000 ft, 1 hour before to 1 hour after game). | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Auburn University | Drone operations on Auburn campus require authorization from the Office of Risk Management and Safety. Auburn has an active drone research program through the Department of Aviation. Stadium TFR applies during football games at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus flights. No flights over crowds or sporting events. Stadium TFR during Jordan-Hare game days (3 nm radius, below 3,000 ft, 1 hour before to 1 hour after game). | Yes | Office of Risk Management and Safety |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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