Louisiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Louisiana maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations with targeted restrictions on sensitive sites rather than blanket bans. The state has exclusive jurisdiction over drone regulation, preempting all local ordinances. Louisiana criminalizes drone surveillance of critical infrastructure, military installations, correctional facilities, schools, and parades, with substantial penalties including mandatory sex offender registration for voyeurism convictions. The 2025 'We Will Act' Act made Louisiana the first state to grant law enforcement explicit counter-drone authority. Commercial operations require only FAA Part 107; state licensing applies only to agricultural drones.
State Drone Laws
RS 14:337Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Makes it a crime to intentionally use a drone to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence about, or record a 'targeted facility' without the owner's prior written consent. Targeted facilities include petroleum and alumina refineries, chemical and rubber manufacturing plants, nuclear power generation facilities, schools and school premises, grain elevators and storage, and critical infrastructure as defined in RS 14:61 (electrical substations, water-treatment plants, natural-gas compressor stations, LNG terminals, ports, railroad yards, pipelines). Also prohibits flying a drone over the grounds of the governor's mansion or any state or local jail, prison, or correctional facility without express written consent. A third offense (added 2025) makes it a crime to surveil, record, or interfere with a federal or state military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, or weapon system without the commander's prior written consent.
RS 14:337.1Unlawful Drone Operation Over Parades
Makes it a crime for an unauthorized person to intentionally fly a drone over any parade or parade route for which a government permit was issued. Expressly names Mardi Gras and related carnival and pre-Lenten festivities, along with school, parish, state, and municipal parades and permitted demonstrations. Parade organizers must post 'Drone No Fly Zone' notices. Lack of knowledge about the restriction is not a defense. Law enforcement may take mitigation measures including jamming, hacking, or physical capture of drones flown in a nefarious manner.
RS 14:283Video Voyeurism Using Unmanned Aircraft System
Makes it a crime to use a drone equipped with a camera or any image-recording device to observe, photograph, or film a person without consent, where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, for lewd or lascivious purposes. Specifically names drones as a voyeurism method.
RS 14:61Critical Infrastructure Definition
Defines 'critical infrastructure' referenced in RS 14:337 to include electrical substations, water-treatment plants, natural-gas compressor stations, LNG terminals, ports, railroad yards, pipelines, and other essential systems.
RS 2:2State Preemption of Unmanned Aircraft System Regulation
Grants the state of Louisiana exclusive jurisdiction to regulate unmanned aircraft systems and preempts all rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances passed by any city, parish, or other local government. Does not affect federal FAA control of airspace.
RS 3:41-3:48Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Commercial Operations
Establishes framework for using unmanned aerial systems in commercial agricultural operations including crops, livestock, farm-raised fish, timber, and poultry. Defines 'agricultural commercial operation' broadly. Data collected by agricultural drone remains property of the landowner unless they agree otherwise in writing. Operators must obtain landowner's written permission to fly over someone else's property. Provides exemption from RS 14:337 criminal surveillance statute for authorized agricultural operations.
RS 3:44Agricultural Unmanned Aircraft System Licensing
Requires anyone operating a drone for commercial agricultural purposes to obtain a license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry after completing an agricultural education and safety training course administered by Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. License valid for three years.
SB 141 (2016)Criminal Trespass by Unmanned Aircraft System
Expands definition of criminal trespass to include operation of an unmanned aircraft system over immovable property with intent to conduct surveillance without consent.
SB 73 (2016)Prohibition on Crossing Police Cordons with Unmanned Aircraft System
Prohibits intentionally flying a drone across a police cordon in a manner that obstructs investigating officers. Authorizes law enforcement or emergency responders to disable any unmanned aircraft in the area that endangers public safety or officer safety.
HB 19 (2016)Prohibition on Surveillance of Schools and Correctional Facilities
Prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance or collect information on schools, school premises, or correctional facilities without owner consent.
SB 488 (2026) / Act 521School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program
Establishes the School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program to supplement school crisis management and response plans, enabling schools to use drones for emergency response and security assessment.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New Orleans
cityAudubon Nature Institute Parks Drone Prohibition
Prohibits all drone usage in parks owned by the Audubon Nature Institute
Restrictions
No drone flights, landings, or operations within any Audubon Nature Institute property including Audubon Zoo, Audubon Park, and Aquarium grounds
New Orleans
cityCity Park New Orleans Drone Policy
Restricts drone operations in City Park to permitted media outlets and park employees
Restrictions
Drone flights prohibited without a permit. Permits limited to permitted media outlets and City Park employees operating for park benefit. Violation results in revocation of park pass.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of targeted facility (refinery, chemical plant, nuclear plant, school, grain elevator, or other critical infrastructure) without consent | Crime (first offense); Crime (second offense) | Up to $500 (first); $500-$4,000 (second) | Up to 6 months (first); Up to 2 years (second) | District Attorneys, Louisiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Drone forfeiture required on second offense |
| Drone over governor's mansion, state jail, local jail, prison, or correctional facility without consent | Crime (first offense); Crime (second offense) | Up to $2,000 (first); $2,000-$5,000 (second) | Up to 6 months (first); Up to 1 year (second) | District Attorneys, Louisiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Drone forfeiture may apply on second offense |
| Drone surveillance or interference with federal or state military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, or weapon system without commander consent | Crime | $2,000-$5,000 | Up to 5 years hard labor | District Attorneys, Louisiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement, Military | Mandatory drone forfeiture; most serious RS 14:337 offense; added 2025 |
| Drone over permitted parade or parade route | Crime | $2,000-$5,000 | Up to 1 year with or without hard labor | District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement | Mandatory drone forfeiture; lack of knowledge is not a defense; RS 14:337.1 |
| Video voyeurism using drone to record person without consent in place with reasonable expectation of privacy | Crime (first offense); Crime (second offense); Felony (minor victim) | Up to $2,000 (first); $2,000 (second); $10,000 (minor) | Up to 2 years (first); 6 months-3 years hard labor (second); 2-10 years hard labor (minor) | District Attorneys, Louisiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Sex offender registration mandatory for all convictions; RS 14:283 |
| Criminal trespass by drone surveillance over immovable property without consent | Criminal Trespass | Varies by trespass classification | Varies by trespass classification | District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement | RS 2:2 preemption doctrine makes all local trespass ordinances controlling |
| Intentionally flying drone across police cordon obstructing investigation | Obstruction of Officer | Varies by obstruction charge | Varies by obstruction charge | District Attorneys, Louisiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Law enforcement may disable drone on-site; SB 73 |
| Agricultural drone operation without state license | Regulatory violation | Department of Agriculture and Forestry penalties | Varies | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry | RS 3:44 requires license after completing ag safety course; valid 3 years |
Drone surveillance of targeted facility (refinery, chemical plant, nuclear plant, school, grain elevator, or other critical infrastructure) without consent
Drone forfeiture required on second offense
Drone over governor's mansion, state jail, local jail, prison, or correctional facility without consent
Drone forfeiture may apply on second offense
Drone surveillance or interference with federal or state military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, or weapon system without commander consent
Mandatory drone forfeiture; most serious RS 14:337 offense; added 2025
Drone over permitted parade or parade route
Mandatory drone forfeiture; lack of knowledge is not a defense; RS 14:337.1
Video voyeurism using drone to record person without consent in place with reasonable expectation of privacy
Sex offender registration mandatory for all convictions; RS 14:283
Criminal trespass by drone surveillance over immovable property without consent
RS 2:2 preemption doctrine makes all local trespass ordinances controlling
Intentionally flying drone across police cordon obstructing investigation
Law enforcement may disable drone on-site; SB 73
Agricultural drone operation without state license
RS 3:44 requires license after completing ag safety course; valid 3 years
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Louisiana 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
- Agricultural Unmanned Aircraft System License — Not to exceed $50 per licenseRequired for all commercial agricultural drone operations. Issued by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Operator must complete agricultural education and safety training course through Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. License valid for three years and renewable.
Louisiana does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration for drones over 250 grams. However, commercial agricultural drone operations must register each drone with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry under RS 3:44. Recreational pilots and standard commercial (Part 107) operators require only FAA registration ($5 for 3 years).
No state-wide permit required. Individual parks and public properties may require permits for launch, landing, or operation on their property (e.g., City Park New Orleans requires permit for any drone use).
No state-mandated drone liability insurance requirement. Commercial operators typically carry $1 million general liability coverage; clients may require proof of insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations require FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
All drone flights benefiting a business (real estate, inspections, videography, paid content) require Part 107 certification. Louisiana does not impose additional state commercial licensing beyond FAA requirement, except for agricultural operations which also need state license from Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Recreational Pilot Certification (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots must pass the free Recreational UAS Safety Test
Non-commercial flights require completion and possession of TRUST certificate. No additional Louisiana recreational license exists. TRUST is one-time requirement.
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Mandatory since March 16, 2024. Drones must have Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operate inside a FRIA. Louisiana does not waive federal Remote ID requirement.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Pilots must maintain visual line of sight at all times unless waivered
Federal requirement applies statewide. 400 feet AGL maximum altitude for most operations. Louisiana does not lower the federal ceiling or impose stricter VLOS requirements.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
BVLOS operations require specific FAA waiver; no routine BVLOS authority
FAA Part 108 rule pending finalization. Until then, BVLOS requires individual waiver request to FAA. Pipeline operators and agricultural surveying companies in Louisiana must currently operate under individual waivers for long-distance operations.
Night Operations
Allowed with required anti-collision lighting
Both recreational and Part 107 pilots may fly at night if drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. Federal requirement applies; Louisiana imposes no additional night-flying restrictions or prohibitions.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Federal TFRs establish no-fly zones around major sporting and entertainment events
Events with 30,000+ attendance trigger FAA TFRs. Super Bowl LIX (New Orleans, February 2025) had TFR expanding to 30 nautical miles at 18,000 feet. Violations subject to up to $75,000 FAA civil penalties and possible criminal prosecution. Drone confiscation mandatory.
Airborne Hunting Act and Wildlife Protection
Federal prohibition on using aircraft to scout, drive, or take wildlife
Federal Airborne Hunting Act restricts drone use near game animals. Louisiana hunting regulations also prohibit drones for scouting, driving, or harassing game. Proposed 2026 rule would allow FAA-certified operators to recover mortally wounded deer/bear under strict safeguards, pending finalization.
National Park Service Drone Policy
Drones prohibited in all NPS units within Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Cane River Creole, New Orleans Jazz sites, and other NPS properties prohibit drone launches, landings, and operations. Violations are federal petty offenses with up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine per 36 CFR § 1.5.
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: up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment (misdemeanor). Second/subsequent offense: $500–$4,000 and/or 6 months–2 years. Aggravated offense: up to $5,000 and up to 5 years at hard labor (felony).
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization required for operations in controlled airspace. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) has Class B airspace extending across much of the New Orleans metro area including parts of the French Quarter and Superdome area. Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR), Lafayette Regional (LFT), and Shreveport Regional (SHV) are Class C airports requiring LAANC approval within controlled rings.
Major Airports
MSY — Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (Class B)BTR — Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (Class C)LFT — Lafayette Regional Airport (Class C)SHV — Shreveport Regional Airport (Class C)NEW — Lakefront Airport, New Orleans (Class D)
TFR Notice
Federal stadium TFRs active during major events at Caesars Superdome and other venues. Mardi Gras parade routes trigger state-mandated Drone No Fly Zones (RS 14:337.1) with required signage along all parade routes during parade season. Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City has military restricted airspace. Special event TFRs may apply for major conventions and festivals.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 514Subject to CallDepartment of Transportation and Development Aeronautic Activities
Provides relative to Louisiana DOTD aeronautic activities and UAS-related aviation matters; full bill details not yet publicly available
Last action: May 20, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | LSU requires pre-approval from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for all drone operations on campus property. Tiger Stadium is subject to a federal TFR during football game days. Restrictions: EHS pre-approval required before any drone flight on LSU campus. Tiger Stadium TFR during football games (no flights within TFR boundaries during events). No flights over LSU 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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