Louisiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Louisiana maintains a moderate regulatory stance toward drone operations. The state has enacted targeted legislation addressing privacy concerns, critical infrastructure protection, and law enforcement counter-UAS capabilities, while fully preempting local governments from creating conflicting regulations. Commercial and recreational flying is permitted under federal FAA compliance.
State Drone Laws
La. R.S. 2:2State Preemption of UAS Regulations
Gives Louisiana exclusive jurisdiction over all UAS operation regulations, preempting and superseding any local ordinance, code, rule, or regulation by any political subdivision.
La. R.S. 3:44Agricultural UAS Licensing and Registration
Requires agricultural drone operators to obtain a license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry after completing agricultural education and safety training. Each drone must be registered with the state. Operations include crop production, livestock monitoring, aquaculture, timber/forest products, and plant sales.
La. R.S. 14:108Police Cordon Interference and Law Enforcement Counter-UAS
Prohibits the intentional operation of UAS across police cordons in a manner that obstructs investigating officers. Authorizes law enforcement and emergency responders to disable or take down any drone that poses a potential danger to lives.
La. R.S. 14:283Video Voyeurism via Unmanned Aircraft System
Criminalizes using a UAS to observe, photograph, record, or film any person without consent in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy for lewd or lascivious purposes. Conviction requires registration as a sex offender.
La. R.S. 14:337Unlawful Surveillance of Targeted Facilities
Prohibits using a UAS to conduct surveillance or collect information on a targeted facility without the owner's consent. Includes jails, prisons, correctional facilities, schools, and other critical facilities. Operators must obtain written consent from facility owners.
La. R.S. 14:337.1School Surveillance via Unmanned Aircraft System
Specifically prohibits the operation of UAS to conduct surveillance or collect information on school grounds or school premises without authorization.
La. R.S. 14:62 (amended by SB 141, 2016)Criminal Trespass via Unmanned Aircraft System
Expands the definition of criminal trespass to include operating a UAS over immovable property with the intent to conduct surveillance of a person or property without consent.
SB 183 (2015)Agricultural UAS Commercial Operations
Authorizes the use of UAS for agricultural commercial operations including production and processing of crops, fish products, poultry, timber/forest products, and plants for sale, subject to state regulations and licensing requirements.
SB 9 (2025)Military Installation Flight Restrictions
Adds federal and state military installations and facilities to the locations where UAS operation is prohibited without authorization.
HB 261 (2025) - 'We Will Act' ActLaw Enforcement Counter-UAS Authority
Authorizes state and local law enforcement officers to intercept, jam, hack, or physically capture drones when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, imminent threat to public safety, or violation of state/federal law. First state to grant local police this authority. Jefferson Parish Sheriff operates 23-drone Drones as First Responder program launched November 2025.
Act 170 (2025)Parade and Public Event Flight Restrictions
Prohibits drone flights over parade routes and parade areas unless authorized for film production. Requires local authorities to establish and post Drone No Fly Zones along all official parade routes, particularly during Mardi Gras season. Applies to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and other cities with parades.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Audubon Nature Institute
cityDrone Prohibition in Audubon Parks
All Audubon Nature Institute parks prohibit drone usage and operations
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone flights, launches, and landings in Audubon Zoo, Audubon Park, and Aquarium grounds
New Orleans
cityCity Park Drone Restrictions
Drone operations in New Orleans City Park restricted to permitted media and park employees
Restrictions
No drones without permit. Limited to authorized media outlets and park operations. Violation results in park pass revocation.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facility surveillance without consent (La. R.S. 14:337) | Misdemeanor | 1st offense: $500; 2nd offense: $1,000 | 1st offense: Up to 6 months; 2nd offense: Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement, state police | First offense is Class A misdemeanor |
| School surveillance (La. R.S. 14:337.1) | Misdemeanor | $2,000 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement, school district security | Specific provision for school property protection |
| Video voyeurism via drone (La. R.S. 14:283) | Felony | 1st offense: $2,000; 2nd offense: varies; Minor victim: $10,000 | 1st offense: 2 years; 2nd offense: 6 months to 3 years hard labor; Minor: 2-10 years hard labor | State police, local law enforcement | Sex offender registration required. No parole, probation, or suspension for second offense or minor victims. |
| Parade flight violations (Act 170, 2025) | Misdemeanor | $2,000 to $5,000 (minimum $2,000) | Up to 1 year | New Orleans Police Department, local law enforcement | Mandatory drone forfeiture. Active during Mardi Gras season and all official parades. |
| Counter-UAS violations / Interfering with law enforcement drones (HB 261, 2025) | Felony/Misdemeanor | $5,000 | Up to 1 year | State and local law enforcement with counter-UAS training | Mandatory drone forfeiture. Police may disable drone without warning if it poses threat. |
| Drone interference with police cordon (La. R.S. 14:108) | Misdemeanor (Obstructing an officer) | As determined for obstructing charge | As determined for obstructing charge | Law enforcement on scene | Drone may be disabled or captured on scene. |
| Operating agricultural drone without state license (La. R.S. 3:44) | Misdemeanor | Registration/license fee not exceeding $100 | Varies | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry | License valid for 3 years. Required for crop spraying, livestock monitoring, forestry work. |
Facility surveillance without consent (La. R.S. 14:337)
First offense is Class A misdemeanor
School surveillance (La. R.S. 14:337.1)
Specific provision for school property protection
Video voyeurism via drone (La. R.S. 14:283)
Sex offender registration required. No parole, probation, or suspension for second offense or minor victims.
Parade flight violations (Act 170, 2025)
Mandatory drone forfeiture. Active during Mardi Gras season and all official parades.
Counter-UAS violations / Interfering with law enforcement drones (HB 261, 2025)
Mandatory drone forfeiture. Police may disable drone without warning if it poses threat.
Drone interference with police cordon (La. R.S. 14:108)
Drone may be disabled or captured on scene.
Operating agricultural drone without state license (La. R.S. 3:44)
License valid for 3 years. Required for crop spraying, livestock monitoring, forestry work.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Louisiana does not require separate state registration for recreational or standard commercial drones beyond FAA registration. However, agricultural drone operators must register each drone with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (RS 3:44).
Permits required for agricultural commercial operations. No specific permit required for recreational or standard Part 107 operations, but airspace authorization (LAANC) required in controlled airspace around Louis Armstrong (MSY), Baton Rouge (BTR), Lafayette (LFT), and Shreveport (SHV) airports.
Not required by Louisiana law, but commercial operators should carry $1 million general liability insurance per industry standards.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Compliance
All commercial drone operations must comply with FAA Part 107
Louisiana does not override federal Part 107 requirements. Operators need $175 certification, valid for 24 months. Louisiana has PSI testing centers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Monroe.
Remote ID Requirements
Remote ID mandatory for registered drones since March 2024
All FAA-registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Federal requirement applies statewide.
Recreational TRUST Test
Free aeronautical knowledge test required for recreational pilots
Louisiana recreational flyers must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before operating. Test is free and administered online by FAA-approved test administrators.
LAANC Airspace Authorization
Required for flights in controlled airspace near major airports
Louisiana's controlled airspace at MSY, BTR, LFT, and SHV requires Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) authorization for flights under 400 feet. MSY Class B airspace is particularly extensive, covering much of New Orleans metro area including tourist destinations.
FAA Registration
All drones over 250 grams must be FAA-registered
Registration cost is $5 for 3 years. Registration number must be marked on the drone exterior. Louisiana has no separate state registration requirement for non-agricultural operations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
La. R.S. 14:337 — Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Penalty: First offense: fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. Subsequent offense: $500–$4,000 and/or 6 months–2 years. Aggravated tiers reach up to $5,000 and 5 years at hard labor.
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization required for operations in controlled airspace around four major airports: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY, Class B), Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR, Class C), Lafayette Regional (LFT, Class C), and Shreveport Regional (SHV, Class C). Recreational and Part 107 pilots can request near-real-time authorization through FAA-approved LAANC service providers.
Major Airports
MSY — Louis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportBTR — Baton Rouge Metropolitan AirportLFT — Lafayette Regional AirportSHV — Shreveport Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are active during major events (e.g., Super Bowl, Mardi Gras parades). MSY Class B airspace extends over parts of downtown New Orleans, including the French Quarter, Superdome, and Garden District. During Super Bowl LIX (February 2025), TFR expanded to 30-nautical-mile radius up to 18,000 feet. Violations subject to FAA fines up to $75,000.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Shreveport Police Drone Incident
enforcementDuring execution of search warrants, Shreveport police deployed a drone inside a residence. Eutravious Houston, age 33, pointed a gun at the police drone. Houston was arrested; on March 2, 2026, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Demonstrates active police drone use in tactical operations and consequences of interfering with law enforcement drones.
Jefferson Parish 'Drones as First Responder' Program Launch
enforcementJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office launches Drones as First Responder program with 23 Skydio drones deployed from docking stations. Program averages 40 launches per day, with 2-minute response time from 911 call to drone on scene. Has assisted in 60+ arrests. Coverage includes most of Jefferson Parish except Kenner, Lafitte, and Grand Isle.
'We Will Act' Act Signed Into Law
legislativeGovernor Jeff Landry signed HB 261 ('We Will Act' Act) authorizing state and local law enforcement to jam, hack, or physically capture drones involved in criminal activity or posing public safety threats. Effective August 1, 2025. Louisiana is the first state to grant local police this counter-UAS authority.
Pending Legislation
HB 155Passed House (94-0 on 03/30/2026); In Senate Committee on Judiciary C as of 05/04/2026Provides relative to unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Bill would modify criminal penalties and provisions related to unlawful UAS use in Louisiana.
Last action: May 4, 2026
HB 265Passed House (95-0 on 04/14/2026); In Senate Committee on Judiciary C as of 05/04/2026Provides relative to conduct that constitutes the crime of video voyeurism
Bill would clarify and potentially enhance penalties for video voyeurism crimes, including drone-based voyeurism.
Last action: May 4, 2026
HB 940Reported from Appropriations Committee (17-0 on 05/05/2026); Scheduled for floor debate 05/12/2026Provides relative to the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Bill addresses unlawful use of UAS and related criminal penalties.
Last action: May 7, 2026
SB 488Passed Senate (36-0 on 05/05/2026); Referred to House Committee on Education on 05/07/2026Creates the School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program
Would establish a pilot program to supplement school crisis management and response plans using drones. Effective date would be 08/01/2026.
Last action: May 7, 2026
HB 429Passed House (100-0 on 04/07/2026); In Senate Committee on Judiciary C as of 04/08/2026Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism
Would add critical infrastructure theft/trespass to predicate crimes for terrorism charges. Could be relevant if drones are used to access critical infrastructure.
Last action: April 8, 2026
HB 1054Passed Senate (passed third reading on 05/04/2026)Provides relative to self-authentication of certain evidence
May affect admissibility of drone-captured evidence in legal proceedings.
Last action: May 4, 2026
SCR 23Reported favorably by both chambers; Status pending final actionsCreates the Agricultural-Based National Security Priorities Task Force
Creates task force to address agricultural security, which may include drone-related agricultural security considerations.
Last action: April 29, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | LSU requires all drone flights on campus property to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Tiger Stadium has a Temporary Flight Restriction during football game days. Restrictions: EHS pre-approval required before any drone operation on campus. Tiger Stadium TFR during football games. No flights over campus buildings, crowds, or parking areas. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
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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