Georgia Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Georgia maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state law generally preempting local UAS regulations except for launch/landing on public property and flights over mass public gatherings. Recent legislative activity has focused on restricting drone flights over correctional facilities, agricultural land trespass protections, and a state-level approved UAS procurement list for government agencies. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107, and federal registration and Remote ID requirements apply statewide.
State Drone Laws
Ga. Code § 6-1-4 (HB 481, 2017)UAS Preemption and Local Regulation Authority
Preempts local governments from enacting UAS regulations after April 1, 2017, while preserving authority for state and local governments to regulate the launch or landing of UAS on public property. Establishes Georgia as the primary regulatory authority for drone operations within the state.
Ga. Code § 6-1 (HB 58, 2025)Local Authority Over UAS Flights at Mass Public Gatherings
Authorizes local governments to adopt ordinances, resolutions, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings. Provides definitions for mass public gatherings and procedures by which local authorities may implement restrictions.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Conyers
cityDrone Prohibition at Horse Park and Golf Course
Municipal ordinance prohibiting the use of drones within the city horse park and Cherokee Run Golf Course boundaries.
Restrictions
No drone operations within city horse park or Cherokee Run Golf Course
City of Augusta
cityDrone Operations in Populated Areas Restriction
Municipal ordinance prohibiting drone operations in populated areas within Richmond County limits without prior authorization from the FAA and Augusta Georgia Commission. Exceptions include existing model aircraft fields.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in populated areas without FAA and Augusta Commission authorization; exceptions for approved model aircraft fields at Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road intersection
Cherokee County
countyDesignated UAS Flight Areas
County ordinance establishing that drones can only be flown in areas specifically designated for them.
Restrictions
Drones restricted to designated flight areas only
Stone Mountain Park
countyDrone Prohibition at Stone Mountain Park
Park ordinance prohibiting the use of drones at Stone Mountain Park for both recreational and commercial operations.
Restrictions
No drone operations for recreational or commercial purposes at Stone Mountain Park
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of local UAS restrictions (specific penalties vary by jurisdiction) | Typically municipal violations | Varies by local ordinance | Local law enforcement; FAA (federal violations) | Enforcement depends on specific local ordinance violated. Federal violations under FAA Part 107 subject to FAA civil penalties. Pending legislation (HB 1230) would establish criminal penalties for drone flights over correctional facilities upon enactment. |
Violation of local UAS restrictions (specific penalties vary by jurisdiction)
Enforcement depends on specific local ordinance violated. Federal violations under FAA Part 107 subject to FAA civil penalties. Pending legislation (HB 1230) would establish criminal penalties for drone flights over correctional facilities upon enactment.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Georgia does not require state-specific UAS registration. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) and commercial operations require Part 107 certification.
No state-level permit requirement, but local jurisdictions may require authorization for certain locations (e.g., Augusta requires FAA and city authorization for populated areas). Georgia DNR requires permits for commercial drone operations in state parks.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Commercial UAS Operations
All commercial drone operations in Georgia must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
Commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations are subject to restrictions on altitude, airspeed, visual line of sight, and operating over people.
Recreational UAS Safety
Hobbyist drone operators in Georgia must comply with FAA recreational rules.
Recreational pilots must complete the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) and register drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250g). Operations must follow visual line of sight, altitude, and airspace restrictions.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirement applies to all UAS operations in Georgia.
As of the FAA's Remote ID mandate, all drones must broadcast identification information. Non-compliance may result in certificate suspension and civil penalties.
Georgia DNR Commercial Waiver Program
Georgia Department of Natural Resources may issue waivers for commercial drone operations in state parks.
Commercial film/photography projects may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must submit detailed project proposals, FAA registration, pilot certification, and proof of Part 107 compliance. Contact Colby Moore at Colby.Moore@dnr.ga.gov for approval requests.
State Agency UAS Procurement — HB 205 Interaction with Federal Security Requirements
Pending HB 205 would require the Georgia Board of Homeland Security to develop an approved UAS list for state agency procurement, potentially aligning with or supplementing federal restrictions on foreign-manufactured drones (e.g., NDAA Section 848 restrictions on Chinese-manufactured UAS).
If enacted, state agencies would be limited to approved UAS platforms, mirroring federal NDAA prohibitions on certain foreign-origin drones. This could restrict use of DJI and other Chinese-manufactured systems by Georgia government entities.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available in major Georgia metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta.
Major Airports
ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportSAV — Savannah/Hilton Head International AirportAGS — Augusta Regional AirportMCN — Middle Georgia Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are commonly established around major events, sporting venues (e.g., Sanford Stadium at UGA, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech), and critical infrastructure. Federal facilities maintain restricted airspace. Pending legislation (HB 1230) would establish permanent no-fly zones over correctional facilities statewide.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 205Passed House; Sent to SenateBoard of Homeland Security; development of a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems
Would require the Board of Homeland Security to develop a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems for use by state agencies in Georgia, likely aimed at excluding drones manufactured by foreign adversary nations.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 949House Committee Favorably Reported By SubstituteAviation; prohibit launch or intentional landing of unmanned aircraft systems from or on agricultural land
Would prohibit the launch or intentional landing of unmanned aircraft systems from or on agricultural land without permission of the property owner. Addresses trespass and agricultural privacy concerns.
Last action: February 19, 2026
HB 1230Passed SenateAviation; prohibit operation of unmanned aircraft systems over a place of incarceration
Would prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over places of incarceration with exceptions for authorized purposes. Requires posting of signs warning of the prohibition and designates violating UAS as contraband subject to seizure. This bill has passed both chambers and may be headed to the Governor.
Last action: March 27, 2026
SB 409House Second ReadersInsurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act
Would provide homeowner protections regarding insurance companies' use of aerial or satellite images, including drone imagery. Requires homeowners be allowed 60 days to correct deficiencies identified in aerial imagery before insurance actions are taken.
Last action: February 25, 2026
HR 817House Withdrawn, RecommittedHouse Study Committee on Governmental Use of Drones and Unmanned Aircraft from Foreign Adversaries
Would create a House Study Committee to examine governmental use of drones and unmanned aircraft from foreign adversaries, addressing national security concerns related to UAS operations by state and local government entities.
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. Operators must submit a UAS Request Form and comply with FAA regulations. Sanford Stadium TFR applies during game days. Restrictions: Pre-approval required for all campus drone operations; Stadium TFR during athletic events; no flights over crowds; compliance with Part 107 or recreational rules required | Yes | Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety department. Active drone research programs operate under FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR is in effect during football events. Restrictions: EH&S approval required for all operations; Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR during events; restrictions apply during active research programs; operators must hold appropriate FAA certification | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University requires prior authorization for any UAS operations on university-owned or controlled property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and university risk management requirements. Urban campus location means proximity to ATL Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization. Restrictions: Prior authorization required; FAA compliance mandatory; LAANC authorization needed due to Atlanta Class B airspace proximity; no flights over crowds or events without specific approval | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Emory University | Emory University prohibits unauthorized drone flights on university property. Research and academic drone operations require approval through the university's research compliance office and must comply with all FAA requirements. Restrictions: Unauthorized drone flights prohibited; research operations require compliance office approval; FAA certification required for all operators | Yes | Office of Research Compliance |
| Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University requires all UAS operations on campus to comply with FAA regulations and university safety policies. Operators must register with the university's Environmental Health & Safety office prior to flight. Restrictions: EH&S registration required prior to flight; FAA regulations must be followed; flights over campus events or populated areas require additional approval | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.1). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Georgia's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.