Arizona Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Arizona maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations with targeted state-level restrictions on critical infrastructure and emergency interference. The state preempts local governments from regulating drones, creating a uniform legal landscape. Key restrictions include intent-based critical facility protections, state parks bans, and tribal land regulations.
State Drone Laws
A.R.S. § 13-3729(A)Unlawful Operation of Model or Unmanned Aircraft - FAA Compliance and Emergency Interference
Operating a model aircraft or civil unmanned aircraft in violation of federal law or FAA regulations, or in a manner that interferes with law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency services operations, is unlawful.
A.R.S. § 13-3729(B)Unlawful Operation - Critical Facility Photography or Loitering
Operating a drone to intentionally photograph, record, or loiter over or near a critical facility in furtherance of any criminal offense is prohibited. Critical facilities include petroleum/chemical plants, water treatment facilities, power generation facilities, hospitals, military installations, courthouses, prisons, and railroads.
A.R.S. § 13-3729(C)State Preemption of Local Drone Regulations
Cities, towns, and counties are prohibited from adopting ordinances, policies, or rules regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft. This section voids any local drone regulation enacted before or after this statute.
A.R.S. § 13-3729(D)Carve-outs to State Preemption
State preemption does not prevent local governments from regulating their own drone fleets or from regulating takeoff and landing of model aircraft in parks and preserves they own, provided either other parks remain open in the jurisdiction or it is the jurisdiction's only park.
A.R.S. § 13-1424Voyeurism
Knowingly photographing or recording another person without consent in circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent for sexual gratification, is unlawful. Applies to drone surveillance.
A.R.S. § 13-3019Surreptitious Recording
Recording another person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity without consent in a place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy is unlawful. Applies to drone surveillance.
A.R.S. § 13-2904Disorderly Conduct - Reckless Drone Operation
Operating a drone in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of another person is disorderly conduct.
A.R.S. § 28-8280Careless or Reckless Aircraft Operation
Operating an aircraft (including model aircraft and unmanned aircraft) in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of another is unlawful. Courts consider federal aviation standards in determining whether operation was careless or reckless.
HB 2755 (2025)Law Enforcement Authority to Disable Drones Used in Crimes
Authorizes Arizona law enforcement to damage or disable a drone that is being used to commit a crime or is carrying contraband. Enacted in response to drone-delivered narcotics to prisons and border corridor smuggling.
HB 2733 (2025)Qualified Immunity for Drone Disabling Near Southern Border
Shields public entities and public employees from civil liability when they intercept, disable, or destroy a drone within fifteen miles of the southern border.
HB 2875 (2026, Chapter 116)Local Regulation; Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft
Amends state preemption provisions concerning local regulation of unmanned aircraft. Signed June 4, 2026.
SB 1160 (2026, Chapter 215)Drones; Entertainment Events; Prohibition
Prohibits drone operation at or near entertainment districts and entertainment events. Signed June 22, 2026.
SB 1627 (2026, Chapter 236)Schools; Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aircraft at or over school property. Signed June 22, 2026.
Arizona State Parks RegulationRecreational Drone Use Prohibition in State Parks
Recreational drone use is prohibited across the entire Arizona State Parks system. Commercial drone use may be considered through the Filming Permit process with insurance and current FAA registration requirements.
Arizona Game & Fish Regulation (Title 17, 12 A.A.C. 4)Wildlife - Drone Classification and Hunting Restrictions
Drones are classified as 'aircraft' under state hunting law. Cannot be used to pursue, take, disturb, or harass wildlife. The 48-hour pre-season big game scouting window that applies to airplanes and helicopters applies to drones. Limited exception for recovering lawfully harvested big game.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Maricopa County
countyOrdinance R-116 - Aircraft & Engine-Powered Models
Prohibits drone and model aircraft operation in Maricopa County-owned parks and recreation areas that have not been specifically designated for such use.
Restrictions
Drones banned in Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Estrella Mountain, Cave Creek, San Tan Mountain, Usery Mountain, Buckeye Hills, and Spur Cross Ranch. Operator must not create hazard to public.
City of Phoenix
cityCity Code Section 24-49 - Drone Operations in City Parks
Prohibits drone takeoff and landing in Phoenix city parks and preserves except in eight designated drone-friendly parks.
Restrictions
Drones allowed only at: Coyote Basin, Desert Foothills Park (Lower Field), Dynamite Park, El Prado Park, Esteban Park (East Quadrant), Grovers Basin, Mountain View II Park (South of Ballfield), Werner's Field. All operations must conform to AMA Safety Code.
City of Scottsdale
cityOrdinance 4276 - Drone Restrictions in City Preserves and Parks
Prohibits drone takeoff and landing in Scottsdale-owned parks and preserves. Effective October 20, 2016.
Restrictions
Banned in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park, Mescal Park, Stonegate Park, WestWorld, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Cactus Aquatic Center, Chaparral Aquatic Center, Eldorado Aquatic Center, McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. First offense: $50-$300 fine; second offense: chargeable as misdemeanor.
City of Tempe
cityOrdinance O2017.36 - Drone Takeoff and Landing Prohibition
Prohibits drone takeoff and landing at specified Tempe parks. Effective June 15, 2017.
Restrictions
Drones banned at Tempe Beach Park, Tempe section of Papago Park, Rio Salado Park, and city preserves. Other Tempe parks not covered by ordinance.
City of Mesa
cityMesa Parks Rules and Regulations - Drone Operations
Drone operations prohibited in all Mesa city parks except one designated facility.
Restrictions
Drones allowed only at Basin 114 on first-come, first-served basis. Operators must follow FAA or AMA safety rules. Must pilot drone from bottom of retention basin.
City of Apache Junction
cityParks and Recreation Drone Policy
Limited drone operations permitted at specific city facilities.
Restrictions
Drones permitted at rodeo grounds facility (when not in use) and at Prospector Park staging area for desert area use only, not in park proper.
Town of Prescott Valley
townMunicipal Ordinance (2018) - Drone Policy
Outlines official drone use policies and permitted operations by city employees.
Restrictions
Covers drone use by city employees for search and rescue, law enforcement, emergency management, and capital project management. Does not appear to restrict private drone operations.
Town of Paradise Valley
townCommercial UAS Registration and Private Property Flight Policy
Requires commercial UAS registration and permits private recreational flight on own property.
Restrictions
Commercial UAS must be registered with town at least 4 hours before operations. Recreational flight allowed on private property under 500 feet. Flying over others' property without consent constitutes trespass.
Navajo Nation
tribalNavajo Nation Parks and Recreation - Drone Prohibition
Prohibits drone operations in Navajo Tribal Parks and requires filming permits for commercial use.
Restrictions
No drones in Monument Valley Tribal Park, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Dine Heritage Area, or Little Colorado River Gorge. Filming permits required for authorized drone operations on tribal land.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAA-prohibited operation or interference with emergency services (A.R.S. § 13-3729(A)) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement / Arizona Department of Public Safety | Applies to operations violating federal law or FAA regulations, or interfering with law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency services |
| Critical facility photography/loitering with criminal intent - first offense (A.R.S. § 13-3729(B)) | Class 6 Felony | Up to $150,000 | 4 months to 2 years | Local Prosecutors / Law Enforcement | Extremely harsh - felony on first offense. Does not require blanket distance buffer; requires intent to further a crime |
| Critical facility photography/loitering with criminal intent - repeat offense (A.R.S. § 13-3729(B)) | Class 5 Felony | Up to $150,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Prosecutors / Law Enforcement | Second or subsequent offense carries enhanced felony classification |
| Voyeurism by drone (A.R.S. § 13-1424) | Class 5 Felony | Up to $150,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement / Prosecutors | Applies to photographing/recording person without consent in private setting with intent for sexual gratification |
| Surreptitious recording by drone (A.R.S. § 13-3019) | Class 5 Felony | Up to $150,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement / Prosecutors | Applies to recording person in undress or sexual activity without consent in private place |
| Disorderly conduct / Careless or reckless drone operation (A.R.S. § 13-2904, § 28-8280) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Reckless operation endangering life or property of another person |
| Drone operation at entertainment events (SB 1160) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Prohibition on drone operation at or near entertainment districts and events, effective 2026 |
| Drone operation at or over schools (SB 1627) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | School District / Local Law Enforcement | Prohibition on drone operation at or over school property, effective 2026 |
| Recreational drone use in state parks | Per-park citation | Varies by facility | None typically | Arizona State Parks Rangers | State parks policy prohibits all recreational drone flights; commercial use requires filming permit |
| Wildlife harassment via drone (AZ Game & Fish Title 17) | Per AZGFD enforcement | Varies | Varies | Arizona Game & Fish Department (1-800-352-0700) | Drones classified as aircraft; cannot be used to pursue, disturb, or harass wildlife |
| Drone violation in National Parks (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers / US Attorney | All NPS units in Arizona (Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, etc.) are closed to drone operation |
| Drone violation in Wilderness Areas (Wilderness Act / USFS) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | US Forest Service / US Attorney | Drones prohibited in USFS and BLM designated wilderness areas as motorized/mechanical transport |
FAA-prohibited operation or interference with emergency services (A.R.S. § 13-3729(A))
Applies to operations violating federal law or FAA regulations, or interfering with law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency services
Critical facility photography/loitering with criminal intent - first offense (A.R.S. § 13-3729(B))
Extremely harsh - felony on first offense. Does not require blanket distance buffer; requires intent to further a crime
Critical facility photography/loitering with criminal intent - repeat offense (A.R.S. § 13-3729(B))
Second or subsequent offense carries enhanced felony classification
Voyeurism by drone (A.R.S. § 13-1424)
Applies to photographing/recording person without consent in private setting with intent for sexual gratification
Surreptitious recording by drone (A.R.S. § 13-3019)
Applies to recording person in undress or sexual activity without consent in private place
Disorderly conduct / Careless or reckless drone operation (A.R.S. § 13-2904, § 28-8280)
Reckless operation endangering life or property of another person
Drone operation at entertainment events (SB 1160)
Prohibition on drone operation at or near entertainment districts and events, effective 2026
Drone operation at or over schools (SB 1627)
Prohibition on drone operation at or over school property, effective 2026
Recreational drone use in state parks
State parks policy prohibits all recreational drone flights; commercial use requires filming permit
Wildlife harassment via drone (AZ Game & Fish Title 17)
Drones classified as aircraft; cannot be used to pursue, disturb, or harass wildlife
Drone violation in National Parks (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5)
All NPS units in Arizona (Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, etc.) are closed to drone operation
Drone violation in Wilderness Areas (Wilderness Act / USFS)
Drones prohibited in USFS and BLM designated wilderness areas as motorized/mechanical transport
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Arizona 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
- Arizona State Trust Land Recreational Permit — $15/year (Individual) or $20/year (Family)Required for recreational drone operations on Arizona State Trust Land managed by Arizona State Land Department. Family permit covers two adults plus minor children in same household.
- Arizona State Parks Filming Permit — VariesCommercial drone operations in state parks require filming permit application and approval. Insurance and current FAA registration required.
Arizona does not require separate state drone registration. Federal FAA registration only ($5 for 3 years on drones over 250g). No state-level commercial drone license, permit, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA Part 107 rules.
Commercial operations in state parks may require filming permit through Arizona State Parks.
No state-mandated insurance requirement; however, commercial operators often carry $1 million liability coverage as standard industry practice.
Running a commercial operation in Arizona? See How LAANC authorization works on a Part 107 job.
Pilots running multi-job ops often keep scheduling and invoices in one place — see Pilot Ledger.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Applies to all commercial drone operations in Arizona
Arizona does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing; pilots must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements including Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration, and operational limits. Commercial operators should be aware of Arizona's felony-level penalties for critical infrastructure violations.
FAA TRUST Recreational Certification
Free online test required for recreational pilots
Recreational drone operators in Arizona must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage. TRUST covers airspace, safety, and regulations applicable in Arizona.
Remote ID Mandate
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast ID, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID or broadcast module. Exception: operations inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Arizona has some designated FRIAs.
National Parks Closure
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5
All NPS units in Arizona are closed to drone launch, landing, and operation. Includes Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Glen Canyon NRA, Lake Mead NRA, Organ Pipe Cactus, Canyon de Chelly, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, Tonto, Casa Grande Ruins, Tumacácori, Coronado Memorial, Pipe Spring, Navajo NM, Hubbell Trading Post. Violation is federal class B misdemeanor ($5,000 fine, 6 months imprisonment).
Wilderness Area Restrictions
Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits motorized and mechanical transport
USFS treats drones as both motorized equipment and mechanical transport. Prohibited in USFS wilderness areas including Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Munds Mountain Wilderness, Sycamore Canyon, Pusch Ridge, Superstition, Mazatzal, and others across Arizona's six national forests. BLM wilderness also restricted. Violation: federal misdemeanor up to $5,000.
Stadium TFRs
14 CFR § 99.7 stadium TFR rule
3 nm radius surface to 3,000 ft AGL around stadiums with 30,000+ seats during MLB, NFL, NCAA Div I football, major motorsports. In Arizona: State Farm Stadium (Glendale), Chase Field (Phoenix), Sun Devil Stadium (Tempe), Arizona Stadium (Tucson). Additional TFRs for special events (Super Bowl, World Cup, Final Four).
Southern Border TFR
Rio Rico Temporary Flight Restriction
5-mile radius TFR north of Nogales, centered on Rio Rico (Santa Cruz County). Original term August 8, 2025 - February 9, 2026; subject to renewal. UAS prohibited unless supporting military, DHS, law enforcement, disaster response, firefighting, or holding SGI waiver. Driven by cartel drone activity and border security concerns. Pilots flying in southern Arizona (Cochise, Pima, Yuma, Santa Cruz counties) should check current NOTAM status before every flight.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
Required for operations in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace under 400 ft. Arizona has extensive LAANC coverage at Phoenix Sky Harbor (Class B), Tucson International (Class C), Scottsdale (Class D), Flagstaff (Class D), and other airports. Near-real-time and manual authorization available through FAA-approved service providers.
Military Airspace Restrictions
Restricted airspace around military installations and ranges
Luke Air Force Base (Glendale), Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), MCAS Yuma, Fort Huachuca (Cochise), Camp Navajo (Bellemont), and Yuma Proving Ground all have restricted airspace. Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range covers 1.7 million acres of restricted airspace in southern Arizona used for live-fire training. Civil drones cannot access without waiver.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization available at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, Class B with frequent zero-altitude ceilings near runways), Tucson International (TUS, Class C with good coverage), Scottsdale Airport (SDL, Class D), Flagstaff Pulliam (Class D), and other designated airports. Near-real-time authorization typically available; manual process for higher altitudes.
Major Airports
PHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor InternationalTUS — Tucson InternationalSDL — Scottsdale AirportFLG — Flagstaff PulliamYUM — Yuma International
TFR Notice
Rio Rico southern border TFR (5-mile radius, original term August 8, 2025 - February 9, 2026; renewals possible). Stadium TFRs during major sporting events (3 nm surface to 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hr before to 1 hr after event). Major events trigger additional TFRs (Super Bowl, World Cup, Final Four). Wildfire TFRs seasonal in summer/fall. Check tfr.faa.gov and NOTAMs before every flight, especially in southern counties.
More on controlled airspace and ops: What Remote ID still requires on a Part 107 flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Peoria Teen Arrested for Alleged Drone Terror Plot
enforcement17-year-old Marvin Aneer Jalo from Peoria, Arizona arrested on October 1, 2024 for allegedly planning to build bomb drone to attack Phoenix Pride Parade. Charged under federal terrorism statutes. Demonstrates serious law enforcement response to drone threats.
Luke AFB Fighter Pilot Encounters Unauthorized Drones
enforcementFighter pilots from Luke Air Force Base reported spotting unauthorized drones over Arizona desert training ranges in October 2024. Incidents raised security concerns for live-fire exercises on Barry M. Goldwater Range. Investigated by Department of Defense.
Governor Signs SB 1160 - Entertainment Events Drone Prohibition
legislativeArizona Governor signed SB 1160 establishing criminal prohibition on drone operation at or near entertainment districts and entertainment events. Chapter 215. Effective 2026.
Governor Signs SB 1627 - School Drone Prohibition
legislativeArizona Governor signed SB 1627 prohibiting operation of unmanned aircraft at or over school property. Chapter 236. Effective 2026.
Governor Signs HB 2875 - Local Regulation Clarification
legislativeArizona Governor signed HB 2875 amending state preemption provisions on local drone regulation. Chapter 116. Effective 2026.
Pending Legislation
SB 1098IntroducedClimate; Weather; Modification; Prohibition; Penalties
Addresses climate modification and weather modification prohibition with penalties. Not specifically drone-focused but may have relevance to geoengineering or weather modification equipment.
Last action: January 14, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University (ASU Tempe) | ASU requires pre-approval from Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) for all drone operations on university property. Both recreational and commercial flights require formal authorization before launch. Restrictions: No unauthorized drone flights on campus. Flights must avoid buildings, crowds, parking structures, and athletic facilities. Stadium TFR applies during Razorback and Sun Devil athletic events. | Yes | Arizona State University Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona requires prior written approval from Risk Management Services for UAS operations on campus. The university operates a formal UAS research program through the College of Engineering. Restrictions: All drone flights on UA campus property require prior written authorization. No flights permitted during sporting events. No flights over buildings or athletic facilities. | Yes | University of Arizona Risk Management Services |
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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