Georgia Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Georgia maintains a moderate regulatory posture with strong state preemption preventing local drone ordinances. The state has enacted targeted legislation addressing privacy, ticketed events, prison contraband, and hunting restrictions, while preserving airspace regulation exclusively for the FAA and state.
State Drone Laws
O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4Unmanned Aircraft Systems Preemption
Reserves drone regulation to the state and prevents cities and counties from passing their own drone ordinances, except for grandfathered ordinances adopted before April 1, 2017, ordinances enforcing FAA restrictions, and launch/landing rules on public property (non-commercial only). Local governments may operate their own drones for government functions.
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62Invasion of Privacy by Device
Makes it a felony to use any device (including drones) to observe, photograph, or record activities of a person in a private place without consent, or to secretly record any activity outside a private place that invades reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies directly to drone surveillance.
HB 58 (O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4 amendment)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over Ticketed Entertainment Events
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event (defined as a gated event requiring a revocable license for attendance, such as music festivals and sporting events below the 30,000-seat federal stadium TFR threshold). Exceptions: consent from event authorities, federal regulation-compliant operations (Part 107 waiver), employee official business, property owners flying over their own property.
O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a)Prohibition on Electronic Equipment for Game Hunting
Prohibits use of electronic communications equipment to facilitate the pursuit of game. Interpreted by Georgia DNR to prohibit drones from hunting, driving, locating, or directing hunters to game animals (deer, etc.). Does not apply to feral hog location under HB 946 exception.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-4-2Georgia DNR Hunting Regulations - UAS Prohibition
Georgia Department of Natural Resources rule prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft systems in connection with hunting game animals. Drones may not be used to scout, drive, locate, or communicate the position of deer or other game animals to hunters before, during, or in recovery phases of a hunt.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-5State Parks and Historic Sites - Drone Operations Prohibited
Georgia DNR Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division prohibits operation of UAS on state park, historic site, and recreation area property except in designated areas or with written permit from park manager or division director. Applies to launch, landing, and flight over division-administered property. Permit requests handled case-by-case.
HB 946Feral Hog Location Authorization
Authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft to locate feral hogs on private land. Armed drones remain prohibited. Also removes hunting/trapping license requirement for feral hogs on private land provided animals are killed upon capture. Only lawful hunting-adjacent drone use case in Georgia.
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127 et seq.Weapons Restrictions Applied to Drones
Georgia has no drone-specific weapons statute, but attaching a firearm or explosive device to a drone implicates aggravated assault, reckless conduct, and weapons provisions in Title 16, Chapter 11. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 32) also criminalizes weaponizing civil aircraft, and FAA clarifies drones are aircraft for that purpose.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Atlanta
cityParks and Recreation Takeoff/Landing Policy
City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department enforces a takeoff-and-landing restriction on city-owned park property (Piedmont Park, etc.). Not a flight rule but a ground rule requiring prior permission for launches and recoveries.
Restrictions
Launch or recovery from Atlanta city parks requires prior permission. Does not restrict flight over parks at altitude.
Centennial Olympic Park
cityCentennial Olympic Park Drone Permit Process
Centennial Olympic Park (state property administered by Georgia World Congress Center Authority) runs its own permit process for drone launches distinct from City of Atlanta.
Restrictions
Prior approval required for drone operations at the park.
Stone Mountain Park
cityStone Mountain Park Recreational Drone Prohibition
Stone Mountain Park (operated by Stone Mountain Memorial Association, a state authority, not DNR) prohibits all personal and recreational drone flights. Commercial film flights handled through park production office.
Restrictions
Recreational drone flights prohibited outright. Commercial flights require production office approval. Site located within Atlanta Class B airspace requiring LAANC.
Savannah
cityParks and Historic District Launch/Landing Restrictions
City of Savannah Parks and Tree Department treats unpermitted drone launches from Forsyth Park and historic squares as a code violation. However, state preemption prevents a ban on flights over the historic district itself.
Restrictions
Launch and landing from city-owned parks and squares require permits. Flight through airspace over historic district cannot be restricted under § 6-1-4.
Richmond County (Augusta)
countyHighly Populated Area Drone Restriction (Ordinance No. 7531)
Prohibits drone operations in highly populated areas within Richmond County (except cities of Hephzibah and Blythe) without written authorization from Richmond County Sheriff. Exception for identified model aircraft fields. Highly populated area defined as events with 100+ seating capacity, 100+ open-air assembly, or areas designated by Augusta Commission.
Restrictions
No drones in populated areas without Sheriff authorization. Pre-April 1, 2017 grandfathered ordinance. Also prohibits capturing images of private property or occupants without consent.
Cherokee County
countyDesignated Drone Flying Areas Only (Code § 42-55)
Ordinance establishing that drones can only be flown in areas specifically designated for them in Cherokee County public parks and recreation areas. Pre-April 1, 2017 grandfathered ordinance.
Restrictions
Launch/landing only in designated areas; prohibited in all other Cherokee County public parks and recreation areas.
City of Conyers
cityGeorgia International Horse Park Drone Prohibition (Code § 11-1-2)
Ordinance prohibiting drone operations within the boundaries of the Georgia International Horse Park. Pre-April 1, 2017 grandfathered ordinance.
Restrictions
No launch or landing of drones within Georgia International Horse Park boundaries.
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 | 1-5 years | District Attorney / Local Law Enforcement / Georgia Bureau of Investigation | Applies to surveillance of person in private place or surveillance invading reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil liability also possible. |
| Drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58, eff. 7/1/2025) | Misdemeanor | Per Georgia misdemeanor structure | Per Georgia misdemeanor structure | Local Law Enforcement / Event Security | Exceptions: event authority consent, Part 107 waiver, employee official business, property owner overflight. |
| Drone use in hunting or wildlife (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a); Ch. 391-4-2) | Administrative violation / Wildlife violation | Varies per DNR rule | None (civil/administrative penalty) | Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement | Includes scouting, driving, locating game animals, or directing hunters. Loss of hunting privileges and license suspension possible. |
| State park drone flight without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5) | Administrative citation / Park violation | Per park rule | None (civil/administrative penalty) | Georgia DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division / Park Rangers | Permit obtainable from individual park manager. Turnaround typically 1-2 weeks. |
| Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | Federal civil and/or criminal | Civil penalty up to ~$75,000 | Criminal referral possible | FAA / Federal Law Enforcement | Applies to stadiums with 30,000+ seats (Mercedes-Benz, Truist Park, Bobby Dodd, Sanford during games). |
| Masters Tournament TFR violation (April, NOTAM-based) | Federal; 49 U.S.C. § 46307 (national defense airspace) | Civil penalty + criminal exposure | Potential federal criminal charges; prior outcomes range from probation+fine to multi-year terms | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office (Southern District of Georgia) | Multiple prosecutions in federal court. 3-nautical-mile ring up to 3,000 feet MSL, Monday-Sunday of tournament week. |
| Weaponizing a UAS (18 U.S.C. § 32 + O.C.G.A. Title 16) | Federal felony + State felony | Up to $100,000+ | Up to 20 years (federal) + state felony terms | FAA / FBI / Federal/State Law Enforcement | Attaching firearms or explosives to a drone implicates federal destruction of aircraft law and state aggravated assault/reckless conduct statutes. |
| Prison contraband delivery by drone (Georgia prison statute) | Felony | Up to $10,000+ | 1-5 years | Georgia Department of Corrections / Law Enforcement | Over 1,000 incidents recorded since 2022; 540+ felony arrests in 2024. Drones declared contraband. High enforcement priority. |
Invasion of privacy by drone camera (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62)
Applies to surveillance of person in private place or surveillance invading reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil liability also possible.
Drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58, eff. 7/1/2025)
Exceptions: event authority consent, Part 107 waiver, employee official business, property owner overflight.
Drone use in hunting or wildlife (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a); Ch. 391-4-2)
Includes scouting, driving, locating game animals, or directing hunters. Loss of hunting privileges and license suspension possible.
State park drone flight without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5)
Permit obtainable from individual park manager. Turnaround typically 1-2 weeks.
Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Applies to stadiums with 30,000+ seats (Mercedes-Benz, Truist Park, Bobby Dodd, Sanford during games).
Masters Tournament TFR violation (April, NOTAM-based)
Multiple prosecutions in federal court. 3-nautical-mile ring up to 3,000 feet MSL, Monday-Sunday of tournament week.
Weaponizing a UAS (18 U.S.C. § 32 + O.C.G.A. Title 16)
Attaching firearms or explosives to a drone implicates federal destruction of aircraft law and state aggravated assault/reckless conduct statutes.
Prison contraband delivery by drone (Georgia prison statute)
Over 1,000 incidents recorded since 2022; 540+ felony arrests in 2024. Drones declared contraband. High enforcement priority.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Georgia does not require separate state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is the only registration required ($5 per drone over 250g, valid 3 years). State preemption under § 6-1-4 prevents local or state registration schemes.
No state permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations beyond FAA requirements. State parks require individual park manager approval (case-by-case); not a blanket permit system.
No state insurance mandate. Most commercial clients require $1 million drone liability coverage as a practical matter.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operations require FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial drone work in Georgia (real estate, film, inspection, etc.) requires FAA Part 107 certification. Georgia imposes no additional state-level commercial licensing. Test fee $175; certificate valid 24 months. PSI testing centers in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus.
FAA Recreational TRUST Certification
Recreational flights require free TRUST test
All non-commercial drone flights in Georgia require passage of the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a free online test. Certificate must be on person during flight. Georgia does not impose additional state recreational licensing.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
Every drone flown outdoors in Georgia must broadcast its ID, location, and altitude via Remote ID unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Georgia has a limited list of FRIAs (mostly AMA club fields).
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
Class B, C, D airspace requires LAANC authorization
Hartsfield-Jackson's Class B airspace dominates metro Atlanta. LAANC authorization required for sub-400-foot flights. Approval ceilings vary dramatically (zero-foot grids in some areas). Savannah and Augusta Class C airspace more straightforward. Most major Georgia cities sit inside controlled airspace.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal TFRs around stadiums with 30,000+ seats
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech), Sanford Stadium (UGA) all sit under federal stadium TFRs during qualifying games. 3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL exclusion from 1 hour before to 1 hour after games. Enforced by FAA and local law enforcement.
Masters Tournament TFR
Annual April TFR at Augusta National Golf Club
Every April, FAA issues temporary flight restriction for Masters Tournament — roughly 3-nautical-mile ring centered on Augusta National, up to 3,000 feet MSL, active Monday–Sunday of tournament week. Published as FDC NOTAM each spring. Multiple federal prosecutions under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 for violations. Pull current notice from tfr.faa.gov before any April flight in Augusta area.
18 U.S.C. § 32 (Destruction of Aircraft)
Federal felony applies to weaponized drones
Federal law criminalizes destruction of aircraft in U.S. airspace (up to 20 years). FAA clarifies that drones are aircraft for purposes of this statute. Shooting down a drone over Georgia is a federal felony + state felony charges (reckless conduct, discharge of firearm).
49 U.S.C. § 46307 (National Defense Airspace)
Federal criminal charges for TFR violations in national defense airspace
Knowing or willful violation of national defense airspace notice (Masters TFR, stadium TFRs) can result in federal criminal charges under this statute. Prior prosecutions in Southern District of Georgia for Masters violations.
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 widely available in Georgia. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) Class B airspace covers most of metro Atlanta with aggressive approval grids (zero-foot ceilings in some areas south/east of airport, 100-300 feet in outer areas). Savannah (SAV) Class C and Augusta (AGS) Class C have more straightforward LAANC coverage.
Major Airports
ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Class B)SAV — Savannah/Hilton Head International (Class C)AGS — Augusta Regional (Class D)MRB — Macon Regional (Class D)
TFR Notice
Masters Tournament TFR (April, roughly 3 nm ring, 3,000 feet MSL) is the most famous recurring TFR in Georgia and heavily enforced by FBI/U.S. Marshals/state police. Federal stadium TFRs apply to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech), Sanford Stadium (UGA) during qualifying games. Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight, especially April flights in Augusta area.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Decatur Man Pleads Guilty to National Defense Airspace Violation
enforcementDecatur resident pleaded guilty to knowingly violating national defense airspace after flying a drone over Truist Park during July 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Control interface had warned him of the restriction before launch. Sentence: 6 months probation + $500 fine.
HB 58 Ticketed Event Restriction Effective
regulatory changeGeorgia's HB 58 became effective, making it a misdemeanor to operate a drone within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event. Applies to music festivals and sporting events below 30,000-seat federal TFR threshold.
HB 1230 and HB 946 Sent to Governor
legislativeHB 1230 (prohibition on drone operation over places of incarceration) and HB 946 (feral hog location authorization) both sent to Governor for signature on April 10, 2026. HB 1230 addresses Georgia's ongoing prison contraband drone crisis (1,000+ incidents since 2022).
Pending Legislation
HB 205Passed House; Referred to Senate (as of Feb 24, 2025)Board of Homeland Security; Development of List of Approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Would require the Georgia Board of Homeland Security to develop and maintain a list of approved UAS for use by the state. Addresses security concerns regarding foreign-origin drones.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 1230Sent to Governor (April 10, 2026)Aviation; Prohibit Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over a Place of Incarceration
Prohibits operation of UAS over a place of incarceration with specific exceptions. Requires posting of warning signs. Declares contraband drones seized property. Directly addresses Georgia's prison contraband crisis (1,000+ incidents since 2022, 540+ arrests in 2024).
Last action: April 10, 2026
HB 949House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Feb 19, 2026)Aviation; Prohibit Launch or Intentional Landing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems from or on Agricultural Land
Would prohibit launch or intentional landing of UAS from or on agricultural land without owner consent. Protects farming operations and private agricultural property.
Last action: February 19, 2026
SB 64Recommitted (Jan 12, 2026)Local Government and State Government; Prohibit Certain Transactions Between Government Entities and Certain Foreign Persons
Would prohibit certain transactions between Georgia government entities and foreign persons, with potential application to foreign-origin UAS procurement and use. Security-focused legislation.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HR 817Withdrawn, Recommitted (April 4, 2025)House Study Committee on Governmental Use of Drones and Unmanned Aircraft from Foreign Adversaries
Resolution creating House Study Committee to examine governmental use of drones and unmanned aircraft from foreign adversaries. Reflects state concern about foreign surveillance and procurement.
Last action: April 4, 2025
SB 409Passed Senate By Substitute; Referred to House (Feb 20, 2026)Insurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act
Would provide homeowner protections regarding insurance companies' use of aerial or satellite imagery. Includes 60-day correction period. Related to drone/aerial surveillance by third parties.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SB 470Sent to Governor (April 10, 2026)Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act
Enacts protections for emergency and public safety signals. May include provisions relevant to drone jamming or signal interference with public safety communications.
Last action: April 10, 2026
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 operates under federal stadium TFR during home game days (3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL exclusion from 1 hour before to 1 hour after). Restrictions: Pre-approval required from Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness. Sanford Stadium TFR applies during UGA home football games (stadium seats 92,000+). No flights over crowds or designated restricted areas without approval. | Yes | Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department. Active drone research programs operate under FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). Bobby Dodd Stadium sits under federal stadium TFR during Georgia Tech home football games. Restrictions: EH&S approval required for all UAS operations. Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR during Yellow Jackets home games (federal restriction). Research programs operate under FAA COA with specific operational parameters. | Yes | Environmental Health & 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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