Idaho Drone Laws

Prohibits intentional surveillance, gathering evidence, or recording of specifically targeted persons, dwellings, farms, agricultural operations, or commercial/industrial property without written consent. Also prohibits recording individuals without written consent for purpose of publishing or publicly disseminating the recording. Exemptions include model aircraft for sport, mapping/resource management, emergency response, search and rescue, accident reconstruction, crowd management, disaster assessment, training, warranted law enforcement operations, and utility/pipeline inspection on easements.

Prohibits operating a drone within the restricted airspace (surface to 400 feet AGL) of any Idaho Department of Correction facility. Authorizes Department of Correction and law enforcement to take mitigation measures including jamming against drones operating in nefarious manner. Lack of knowledge of facility location is not a defense. Created by House Bill 522, signed March 31, 2026.

Prohibits using any aircraft (including drones) to locate big game animals for hunting on the same calendar day those animals were spotted from air. Prohibits using drones to spot game animals, birds, or furbearers from air and signal their location to person on ground. As amended by House Bill 939 (effective 7/1/2026), prohibits hunting or scouting big game animals or game birds from August 30 through December 31 using drones, night vision, or thermal imaging on any land. Exceptions: wolf and mountain lion hunting, recovery of wounded game. Does not apply to monitoring own property/livestock outside hunting context.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones on lands owned or controlled by Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Wildlife Management Areas) except on public airstrips or with specific authorization from Commission, Director, or Regional Supervisor. Authorization granted on case-by-case basis.

Drone operation in Idaho state parks may be authorized by the park or program manager when it does not interfere with traditional uses of the park and is consistent with preserving park resources. Operators must contact the specific park before flying to obtain authorization. No blanket prohibition, but permission-based approach.

Ordinance No. 883 — Unmanned Aircraft

Requires FAA registration for all drones operating in Ada County regardless of weight, including drones under 250g that would be exempt at the federal level. Exception for model aircraft flown purely for sport recreation. Prohibits operation that harasses, startles, or annoys people/vehicles or creates public nuisance. Prohibits reckless operation endangering life/property. Prohibits capturing images, audio, or impressions of persons with reasonable expectation of privacy. Prohibits interference with firefighters or emergency responders. Explicitly cross-references Idaho Code 21-213.

Ordinance No. 16-020 / Code 04-01-11(7) — Canyon County Parks

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in any Canyon County park, including within 500 feet AGL airspace above parks. Exceptions granted with authorization from Director of County Department of Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources.

Boise Parks and Recreation Drone Policy

Boise Parks and Recreation requires operators to contact them before flying in any city park. Julia Davis Park (adjacent to Zoo Boise) prohibits drone operations entirely without prior permission. Ann Morrison Park also requires pre-authorization. Operators near Idaho State Capitol should contact Division of Security Operations first.