Alabama Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alabama has enacted targeted drone restrictions focused on critical infrastructure protection, privacy, and public safety. The state's most notable statute is its prison drone law (Class C felony for flying within 500 feet of correctional facilities), making Alabama one of the nation's strictest states in this regard. Additional protections include criminal surveillance statutes and several local ordinances restricting operations in coastal areas and venues.
State Drone Laws
Ala. Code § 13A-7-90Drone Operation Over or Near Department of Corrections Facility
Prohibits drone operations within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of any Alabama Department of Corrections facility. Flying a drone in this zone is a Class C felony, even without transporting contraband.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-94.1Department of Corrections Authority to Disable or Seize Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Grants the Alabama Department of Corrections authority to disable, disrupt, or seize unmanned aircraft systems operating in violation of § 13A-7-90. Drones and any attached contraband are subject to civil forfeiture.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32Criminal Surveillance
Makes it a Class B misdemeanor to conduct surveillance while trespassing in a private place. Applies to drone operations used to conduct surveillance of persons or property in violation of reasonable expectations of privacy.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1Aggravated Criminal Surveillance
Covers aggravated criminal surveillance, specifically targeting surveillance of a person in a location where privacy is expected for sexual gratification. Applies to drone operations used for voyeuristic purposes.
HB 429 (2026)Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Near Ticketed Entertainment Events Prohibited
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone within or above 400 feet of any ticketed entertainment event (concerts, sporting events) unless authorized by both the FAA and the event organizer or venue operator.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Oxford
cityOrdinance Article XI (2020)
Prohibits UAV operations over city-owned property and authorizes local law enforcement to enforce FAA regulations.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited over all city-owned parks, recreational areas, and other areas designated by the chief of police
City of Orange Beach
cityMunicipal Code Article IV (2020)
Enforces restrictions on recreational and commercial UAV operations with different rules for each classification.
Restrictions
Recreational UAV use prohibited on beaches; allowed only on private property with permission. Commercial use requires permit and possibly a fee for frequent operations. No operations within 500 feet of venues, outdoor special events, or gulf beach areas without both FAA and city administrator approval.
City of Gulf Shores
cityMunicipal Code Division 9 (2021)
Restricts drone operations in beach areas and event venues with specific prohibitions on armed drones and modifications.
Restrictions
No launching, landing, or operating UAVs within 500 feet of any gulf beach area, venue, or outdoor special event without both FAA and city administrator approval. Drones cannot be equipped with weapons or unapproved modifications. Violations carry fines up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail.
City of Daphne
cityOrdinance No. 2017-34
Restricts drone operations in city parks and during special events with specific rules for recreational use.
Restrictions
No launches, landings, or operations in any city park without prior written consent from the City. Commercial drone photography during special events requires a special event permit. Recreational use allowed in designated fields (Al Trione Sports Complex) with 100-foot minimum distance from people, power lines, buildings, and light fixtures.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
cityUSS Alabama Drone Policy (2017)
Implements broad restrictions on UAV operations over naval memorial facilities.
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 display. Deputy Executive Director approval required for any exceptions.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone operation within 500 ft of state prison (§ 13A-7-90) | Class C Felony | Up to $15,000 | Up to 10 years | Alabama Department of Corrections, State Law Enforcement | One of the nation's harshest penalties for drone violations near correctional facilities; felony applies even without contraband |
| Criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies when drone surveillance violates reasonable expectation of privacy |
| Aggravated criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32.1) | Felony | Varies by circumstances | Varies | Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalties when drone is used for sexual gratification or voyeuristic purposes |
| Violation of Gulf Shores beach/venue ordinance | Municipal Ordinance Violation | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Gulf Shores Police Department | Applies to operations within 500 feet of beaches, venues, or special events without permits |
| Drone operation near ticketed entertainment events (HB 429) | Criminal violation | Per statute | Per statute | Local Law Enforcement | Prohibits operations within 400 feet of ticketed events without authorization |
Drone operation within 500 ft of state prison (§ 13A-7-90)
One of the nation's harshest penalties for drone violations near correctional facilities; felony applies even without contraband
Criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32)
Applies when drone surveillance violates reasonable expectation of privacy
Aggravated criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32.1)
Enhanced penalties when drone is used for sexual gratification or voyeuristic purposes
Violation of Gulf Shores beach/venue ordinance
Applies to operations within 500 feet of beaches, venues, or special events without permits
Drone operation near ticketed entertainment events (HB 429)
Prohibits operations within 400 feet of ticketed events without authorization
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Alabama does not require separate state drone registration. FAA registration applies to all drones over 250 grams ($5 for 3 years).
No state-level permit requirement. However, some local jurisdictions (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, Oxford) require local permits or approval for commercial operations and specific locations.
Not required by Alabama state law, though recommended for commercial operations
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Registration (49 USC § 44801)
All drones over 250 grams must be FAA-registered
Alabama requires FAA registration for any drone over 250 grams. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years through FAA Drone Zone. This is the federal baseline that applies statewide.
Remote ID Requirement (14 CFR Part 89)
Remote ID required on all registered drones since March 2024
All registered drones in Alabama must broadcast Remote ID information per FAA regulations. Compliance required for all UAS operations in the state.
Recreational Flying — TRUST Test (49 USC § 44809)
Recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test before flying
Alabama recreational pilots must pass the free online Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before operating drones. This is a federal requirement applicable to all recreational flyers in the state.
Commercial Operations — Part 107 Certificate (14 CFR Part 107)
Commercial drone pilots must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Anyone flying drones for business in Alabama must pass the Part 107 knowledge test ($175) and carry their Remote Pilot Certificate. Alabama does not impose additional state-level commercial requirements beyond federal Part 107.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Drone operators must maintain visual line of sight at all times
Federal VLOS requirement applies in Alabama. Pilots may use a visual observer who is physically present and in direct communication, but the drone must remain within visual line of sight.
400-Foot Altitude Ceiling
Maximum altitude in uncontrolled airspace is 400 feet above ground level
Alabama follows the standard FAA 400-foot altitude limit in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Higher altitudes require LAANC authorization in controlled airspace.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Alabama has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at 726 airports nationwide, including Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM) and Huntsville International (HSV). Huntsville area includes Redstone Arsenal military restricted airspace that overlaps with civilian areas and requires special attention.
Major Airports
BHM — Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Class C airspace)HSV — Huntsville International Airport (Class C airspace with Redstone Arsenal military zones)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) common around University of Alabama Bryant-Denny Stadium during football games. Military airspace around Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville overlaps civilian areas and does not always appear in standard drone apps.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Andrea Robinson Marijuana Delivery Attempt at Holman Correctional Facility
enforcementAndrea Robinson attempted to deliver nearly a pound of marijuana to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore using a drone. She made a second delivery attempt, leading to her arrest on charges of attempted controlled substance crime, illegal drone operation, and promoting prison contraband. This high-profile case directly prompted passage of HB274, which granted ADOC authority to disable and seize drones.
William Dale Stuart Arrest Near Ventress Correctional Facility
enforcementWilliam Dale Stuart was arrested near Ventress Correctional Facility after ADOC K-9 officers spotted his drone operating on state property. The incident demonstrates active enforcement of Alabama's prison drone law.
Pending Legislation
HB 201Introduced (2025 session)Crimes and Offenses; Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Operation Near Public Schools Prohibited
Would create a 500-foot horizontal and 400-foot vertical buffer zone around public schools, requiring school administrator consent for any drone flight within the zone. Flying without consent would be a Class C misdemeanor. Recording or capturing images of a school from within the zone would be a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $6,000 fine).
Last action: February 10, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | UAS operations on university property require prior approval from the Office of Risk Management. All flights must comply with FAA regulations. Stadium TFRs apply during football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Restrictions: No flights over crowds, athletic events, or university buildings without approval. Stadium TFR during game days. Approval required from Office of Risk Management. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Auburn University | Drone operations on Auburn campus require authorization from the Office of Risk Management and Safety. Auburn maintains an active drone research program through the Department of Aviation. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus flights. No flights over crowds or sporting events. | 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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