Georgia Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Georgia maintains a permissive regulatory posture toward drone operations. State preemption (O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4) prevents local governments from creating their own drone regulations, keeping the statewide framework simple and uniform. The state's primary drone-related restrictions target specific use cases: privacy violations, hunting and wildlife interference, state park operations, ticketed entertainment events, and operations over correctional facilities. No state registration, licensing, or insurance requirements apply beyond federal FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4Unmanned Aircraft Systems Preemption (HB 481)
Reserves regulation of unmanned aircraft systems exclusively to the state. Prohibits counties, municipalities, and local governing authorities from adopting or enforcing ordinances relating to ownership or operation of UAS, except for grandfathered ordinances adopted on or before April 1, 2017, ordinances enforcing FAA restrictions, and launch/landing restrictions on public property (non-commercial only).
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62Invasion of Privacy
Prohibits using any device to observe, photograph, or record activities of a person in a private place and out of public view without consent. Also prohibits secretly recording any activity in a manner that invades reasonable expectation of privacy, even outside private places. Applies directly to drone surveillance.
O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a)Hunting with Electronic Assistance Prohibited
Prohibits using electronic communications equipment to facilitate the pursuit of game animals. Applies to drone use to hunt, drive, locate, or communicate the position of deer or other game animals to a hunter. Covers scouting operations before, during, or after hunting season.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-2-.26Hunting Regulations - Unmanned Aircraft Restrictions
Georgia Department of Natural Resources regulation prohibiting the use of drones in connection with hunting game animals. Enforced by DNR Law Enforcement.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-5State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites - UAS Prohibition
Prohibits operation of model aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems on state park, state historic site, and recreation area property, except in designated areas or with a written permit from the park manager or Division Director. Covers launch, landing, and flight over division-administered property. Applies to all Georgia state parks.
HB 58Aviation - Ticketed Entertainment Event Drone Restriction
Prohibits operation of an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event, defined as a gated event requiring a revocable license for attendance (e.g., music festivals, sporting events, performing-arts events below the 30,000-seat federal TFR threshold). Exceptions include consent from event authorities, operations under FAA Part 107 waiver, employee-on-official-business flights, and property owners operating over their own property consistent with federal rules.
HB 946Game and Fish - Feral Hog Location by Drone
Authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft to locate feral hogs on private land. Also removes hunting/trapping license requirement for feral hogs on private land provided animals are killed upon capture. Armed drones remain prohibited.
HB 1230Aviation - UAS Prohibition Over Places of Incarceration
Prohibits operation of unmanned aircraft systems over any place of incarceration (state and local correctional facilities). Requires posting of signs warning of the prohibition. Declares UAS used to violate this prohibition as contraband. Provides exceptions and violations/penalties in the statute.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Augusta
cityDrone Operations in Populated Areas
Prohibits drone operations in populated areas within Richmond County (except cities of Hephzibah and Blythe) without written authorization from Richmond County Sheriff. Grandfathered ordinance enacted in 2016, prior to April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in: any sporting, recreation, or entertainment event with seating capacity 100+ persons; any open-air assembly of 100+ persons; areas designated by Augusta Commission. Exception: previously identified model aircraft fields at Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road intersection.
Cherokee County
countyModel Aircraft and UAS Launch/Landing Restriction
Establishes that drones can only be launched, flown, or used in areas specifically designated by the county director. Grandfathered ordinance enacted in 2016, prior to April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff.
Restrictions
Launch and landing prohibited in all Cherokee County public parks and recreation areas except areas designated by director. Violations are municipal code infractions.
Stone Mountain Park
cityStone Mountain Park - Drone Prohibition
Prohibits use of drones at Stone Mountain Park for both recreational and commercial operations. Stone Mountain is operated by the Stone Mountain Memorial Association (a state authority) with its own policy separate from DNR parks. Grandfathered ordinance enacted in 2014, prior to April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff.
Restrictions
No personal or recreational drone flights permitted. Commercial film flights handled through the park's production office only. Note: Park sits inside Atlanta Class B airspace requiring LAANC authorization regardless.
City of Conyers
cityDrone Operations at Georgia International Horse Park and Cherokee Run Golf Course
Prohibits drone operations within the boundaries of the Georgia International Horse Park and Cherokee Run Golf Course. Ordinance enacted in 2017; enforceability may be affected by April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff depending on specific enactment date.
Restrictions
No launch, landing, or flight of drones over specified properties.
City of Atlanta
cityCity Parks Launch and Landing Policy
Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department enforces takeoff and landing restrictions on City of Atlanta park property, including Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park. Policy requires prior permission from the department to launch or recover from city parks. Note: Centennial Olympic Park is state-owned but administered by Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which runs separate permit process.
Restrictions
Launch or recovery from Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, and other city parks requires prior permission. Non-commercial recreation only (preemption carve-out). Federal TFRs also apply to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and nearby areas during games.
City of Savannah
cityHistoric District and Parks Policy
City of Savannah Parks and Tree Department enforces takeoff and landing restrictions on city-owned parks and squares in historic district. Preemption prevents Savannah from banning drone flight over historic district airspace. Permits required for launch/landing on public property.
Restrictions
Unpermitted drone launches from Forsyth Park and historic squares are code violations. Private property takeoff with owner consent is not restricted. Flight over airspace is generally permitted but subject to SAV Class C airspace LAANC requirements.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasion of privacy by drone camera (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | 1 to 5 years | Local law enforcement / District attorneys / Georgia Bureau of Investigation | Civil liability also possible for damages |
| Drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58) | Misdemeanor | As defined by Georgia misdemeanor statutes | Up to 12 months | Local law enforcement | Exceptions apply for event authority consent, FAA Part 107 waiver, official business, property owner operations |
| Hunting or game-scouting with drone (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a); Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-2) | Game and fish violation / Misdemeanor | Fines per DNR schedule | Possible, per classification | Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement | Additional penalties include suspension of hunting license, loss of hunting privileges, extended license ban |
| State park UAS flight without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5) | Park violation / citation | Fines per park rules | None (civil/administrative) | Georgia DNR Parks Division; park rangers | Penalties include citation, ejection from park, permit denial |
| UAS operation over place of incarceration (HB 1230) | Criminal / Felony per statute | As defined in statute | As defined in statute | Local law enforcement / Georgia Department of Corrections | UAS declared contraband. Enforcement heightened due to 1,000+ incident history at state prisons (2022-present) |
| Stadium TFR violation during qualifying games (14 CFR § 99.7) | Federal civil violation | Up to approximately $75,000 civil penalty | Criminal referral possible | Federal Aviation Administration / U.S. Attorney's Office | Applies to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves, Cobb County), and other qualifying venues |
| Masters Tournament TFR violation (Augusta, April) | Federal criminal / civil | Civil penalties + criminal exposure | Federal criminal charges possible under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office (Southern District of Georgia) | Multiple federal prosecutions documented. TFR roughly 3-nautical-mile ring, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active Monday-Sunday tournament week |
| Weaponizing a drone (18 U.S.C. § 32 + Georgia Title 16) | Federal felony + state felony | Federal penalties up to $250,000+ | Federal: up to 20 years; Georgia criminal charges stack | FBI / Federal prosecutors / Georgia law enforcement | Attaching firearms or explosives to aircraft is federal felony regardless of state law |
Invasion of privacy by drone camera (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62)
Civil liability also possible for damages
Drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58)
Exceptions apply for event authority consent, FAA Part 107 waiver, official business, property owner operations
Hunting or game-scouting with drone (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a); Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-2)
Additional penalties include suspension of hunting license, loss of hunting privileges, extended license ban
State park UAS flight without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5)
Penalties include citation, ejection from park, permit denial
UAS operation over place of incarceration (HB 1230)
UAS declared contraband. Enforcement heightened due to 1,000+ incident history at state prisons (2022-present)
Stadium TFR violation during qualifying games (14 CFR § 99.7)
Applies to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves, Cobb County), and other qualifying venues
Masters Tournament TFR violation (Augusta, April)
Multiple federal prosecutions documented. TFR roughly 3-nautical-mile ring, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active Monday-Sunday tournament week
Weaponizing a drone (18 U.S.C. § 32 + Georgia Title 16)
Attaching firearms or explosives to aircraft is federal felony regardless of state law
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Georgia 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
- State park drone permit processing — Varies by parkIndividual state park managers charge variable fees (if any) for processing UAS permit applications. Film and commercial project requests go through Georgia Film Office for coordinated permitting.
- Atlanta city parks launch/landing permit — Fee amount not specified in sourcesRequired for launch or recovery from City of Atlanta park property. Administered by Parks and Recreation Department.
Georgia requires no state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration only ($5 per drone for 3 years, for any drone over 0.55 lb/250g). Preemption under O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4 prevents local and state registration schemes. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 certification; recreational operators need TRUST certification. No state-specific commercial licensing or business permit required beyond standard Georgia business registration.
No state permit required for drone operations. Individual Georgia state parks require written permits from park manager or Division Director for UAS flights. Atlanta Parks require permission to launch/land from city parks. Some military and restricted airspace requires FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). LAANC authorization required for controlled airspace (Class B/C/D around major airports).
Georgia does not mandate state-level liability insurance. Most commercial clients require $1 million in UAS liability coverage as a contract requirement.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast real-time identification since March 16, 2024
Mandatory remote identification system broadcasts drone ID, location, and altitude. Exemption applies only inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs, mostly AMA club fields). Part 107 and recreational operators both required to comply. Georgia has small network of FRIAs; check FAA website for current locations.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Certificate requires passing 60-question Aeronautical Knowledge Test ($175 fee, valid 24 months). Georgia has PSI testing centers in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus. Part 107 allows flights under 400 feet AGL, within visual line of sight, during daylight/civil twilight. Waivers available for night, BVLOS, and increased altitude operations.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
LAANC authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace
Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) Class B dominates Atlanta metro with aggressive altitude restrictions. Savannah (SAV) Class C and Augusta (AGS) Class D offer more straightforward authorization. Dobbins Air Reserve Base and Robins AFB add military restricted zones. Most of Georgia outside major metro areas has Class E or G airspace with minimal restrictions.
Stadium TFRs Under 14 CFR § 99.7
Federal TFRs protect stadiums with 30,000+ seat capacity during events
3-nautical-mile ring, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active 1 hour before through 1 hour after event. Applies to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves, Cobb County), and other Georgia venues. Check tfr.faa.gov and B4UFLY before flights. Violation subject to FAA civil penalties and criminal referral under 49 U.S.C. § 46307.
National Defense Airspace and Masters TFR
Annual temporary flight restriction during Masters Tournament week in Augusta
Roughly 3-nautical-mile ring centered on Augusta National Golf Club, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active Monday through Sunday of tournament week each April. Published as FDC NOTAM; pilots should pull active notice from tfr.faa.gov before any April flights in Augusta area. Multiple federal prosecutions documented under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 (knowing violation of national defense airspace notice). Enforcement aggressive.
Aircraft Destruction (18 U.S.C. § 32)
Federal felony to shoot down, destroy, or disable aircraft
Applies to drones as 'aircraft' under federal law. Up to 20 years federal prison. Georgia criminal statutes (reckless conduct, discharge of firearm) stack on top. Shooting at drone over neighborhood creates downrange risk that can support aggravated assault charges if projectile lands on person/property.
Agricultural Drone Use and Part 137
Agricultural spraying and crop dusting by drone not yet allowed under FAA Part 107 or Part 137
Agricultural operators conducting aerial spraying operations historically operated under Part 137 (agricultural aircraft). FAA Part 108 BVLOS rulemaking (in progress) and Part 137 updates may eventually permit broader agricultural drone use. Currently, agricultural imagery/mapping under Part 107 is permitted; spraying operations remain in waiver category. Georgia has active agricultural drone demand across pecan, cotton, and poultry sectors.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Georgia 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 authorization available statewide through DJI Fly, Aloft, and AirHub. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) Class B airspace covers Atlanta metro area with aggressive altitude restrictions; many areas south and east of airport have zero-foot ceilings. Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) Class C has straightforward LAANC coverage. Augusta Regional (AGS) Class D also covered. North of Atlanta (Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta), airspace opens up due to smaller Dobbins Air Reserve Base restricted zone.
Major Airports
ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Class B)SAV — Savannah/Hilton Head International (Class C)AGS — Augusta Regional (Class D)Dobbins Air Reserve Base (military restricted)Robins Air Force Base (military restricted)Fort Stewart (military restricted)
TFR Notice
Masters Tournament TFR in April (reissued annually) — roughly 3-nautical-mile ring centered on Augusta National, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active Monday-Sunday tournament week. Federal stadium TFRs apply during games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), and other qualifying venues (30,000+ seat capacity, 3-mile ring, 1 hour before/after event). Check tfr.faa.gov and B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Decatur Pilot Pleads Guilty to TFR Violation Over Truist Park
enforcementA Decatur resident pleaded guilty to knowingly violating national defense airspace after flying a drone over Truist Park during the July 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Drone's control interface warned pilot of TFR restriction before launch. Received six months probation and $500 fine.
Georgia Prison Contraband Drone Crackdown
enforcement540+ felony arrests in 2024 for drone contraband delivery to state prisons. Georgia Department of Corrections recorded over 1,000 drone incidents at correctional facilities since 2022, with agents recovering drugs, weapons, and thousands of cellphones. December 2024 operations brought incidents down to 15 but numbers climbed back to 63 by November 2025.
HB 949 Committee Favorable Report - Agricultural Land Drone Prohibition
legislativeHouse Bill 949, which would prohibit launch or intentional landing of UAS from or on agricultural land, received favorable committee report. Bill advances to next legislative stage.
HB 1230 Signed - UAS Prohibition Over Incarceration Facilities
regulatory changeGovernor signed HB 1230, which prohibits operation of unmanned aircraft systems over any place of incarceration. Effective July 1, 2026. Requires posting of warning signs. Declares UAS used in violation as contraband. Addresses Georgia's prison contraband crisis.
HB 58 Effective - Ticketed Event Drone Restriction
regulatory changeHB 58, restricting drone operations within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment events, became effective July 1, 2025. Applies to music festivals, sporting events, and performing-arts events requiring revocable license for attendance.
Pending Legislation
HB 205Passed House; Referred to SenateBoard of Homeland Security - Approved UAS List Development
Would authorize the Board of Homeland Security to develop and maintain a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems for use by state agencies. Part of broader effort to standardize government drone programs and evaluate equipment security/reliability.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 949House Committee Favorably ReportedAviation - Agricultural Land Launch/Landing Prohibition
Would prohibit launch or intentional landing of unmanned aircraft systems from or on agricultural land without owner consent. Could impact agricultural drone operations across Georgia's pecan, cotton, and poultry regions.
Last action: February 19, 2026
SB 64Senate RecommittedLocal and State Government - Foreign Persons Transaction Prohibition
Would prohibit certain transactions between government entities and certain foreign persons. Broader governance bill with potential implications for drone equipment procurement (e.g., restrictions on Chinese-manufactured drones for government use).
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 409Passed Senate; Referred to HouseInsurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act
Would provide homeowner protections regarding insurance companies' use of aerial or satellite imagery for underwriting and claims. Requires 60-day correction period for homeowners to remedy issues identified in aerial inspections before insurers can cancel or deny coverage.
Last action: February 25, 2026
HR 817Withdrawn and RecommittedHouse Study Committee - Governmental Use of Drones and UAS from Foreign Adversaries
Proposed creation of a House study committee to examine governmental use of drones and unmanned aircraft systems from foreign adversaries. Addresses national security concerns related to foreign drone technology.
Last action: April 4, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | UGA requires all drone operations on campus property to be approved by the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness. Sanford Stadium TFR applies during UGA football game days (home games). Federal stadium TFR is 3-nautical-mile ring, 3,000 feet MSL, 1 hour before through 1 hour after game. Restrictions: Pre-approval required from OSEP. Sanford Stadium TFR during home game days (over 92,000 capacity). No flights over crowds, buildings, or athletic events without approval. Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR (Georgia Tech) applies across Athens area when Yellow Jackets play home games. | Yes | Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech requires all UAS operations to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety department. Active drone research programs operate under FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR applies during home football games. Restrictions: EH&S approval required. Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR (3-nautical-mile ring, 3,000 feet MSL) during Yellow Jackets home football games, 1 hour before through 1 hour after. Campus location inside Atlanta Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization for any flights. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety Department |
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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