Maryland Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maryland maintains strong state preemption of drone regulation through Economic Development Article § 14-301, preventing local governments from creating their own drone rules. The state has enacted targeted criminal statutes addressing privacy surveillance, drone trespass, correctional facility proximity, and hunting restrictions, but avoids broad operational bans beyond federal FAA requirements.
State Drone Laws
Md. Code, Economic Development § 14-301Preemption of Drone Regulation
Only the State of Maryland may enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Preempts and supersedes any county or municipal ordinances that attempt to regulate drone operations.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-902Visual Surveillance in Private Place
Makes it a crime to conduct visual surveillance of an individual in a private place with prurient intent and without consent. Defines 'camera' to include any electronic device used surreptitiously to observe someone, capturing drone-mounted cameras pointed at private areas.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-903Visual Recording of Private Area
Prohibits surreptitious recording of the private area of an individual without consent. Applies to drone cameras filming into bedrooms, fenced backyards, or other private locations.
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10-402Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Two-Party Consent
Maryland is a two-party-consent state for audio recording. A drone microphone that captures a private conversation without everyone's consent violates this law. Applies to any audio recording of private communications.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 9-417.1Unmanned Aircraft - Operation Over Correctional Facilities and Contraband Delivery
Makes it a misdemeanor to use a drone to deliver contraband to a person detained or confined in a place of confinement. Also prohibits intentionally operating a drone over a correctional facility to record images of it without authorization from the managing official or Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Facilities must post warning signage.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 9-417.1 (HB 1349)Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Trespass
Makes it illegal to use an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly enter the property of another person without consent. Does not require recording or surveillance intent; simply flying a drone over or onto someone's property without permission violates this statute.
Md. Code, Natural Resources § 10-410(j)Hunting Prohibition from Aircraft
Prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft within Maryland. Applies to drones used to hunt or assist in a hunt. The federal Airborne Hunting Act provides additional backstop.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Calvert County
countyParks & Recreation - Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits the operation of drones or any unmanned aircraft within any Calvert County park or recreation area.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted in county parks; violation may result in up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail. Note: This ordinance may conflict with state preemption law (§ 14-301) but remains unenforced.
Ocean City
citySeasonal Beach and Boardwalk Drone Restrictions
Prohibits drone operations over the beach, Boardwalk, or large gatherings of people during peak season without prior written approval from the Town of Ocean City.
Restrictions
May 1 - September 30: No drones over beach, Boardwalk, or crowds without written approval from Office of Emergency Management. Town frames this as a safety and privacy exercise rather than airspace regulation. Off-season and away from crowds, Eastern Shore airspace is largely open Class G.
Annapolis
cityMaryland Legislative Branch Buildings and Grounds - Drone Restrictions
Restricts drone use on State-owned property in Annapolis, including Maryland State House grounds and surrounding Legislative Branch area.
Restrictions
Except for federal, State, and local government entities or law enforcement agencies, individuals may not launch, land, or retrieve a drone on State real property without prior written approval from the Secretary or Secretary's designee. Contact Department of General Services.
Maryland State Parks System
countyCommercial Photography and Filming Policy
Requires commercial photographers and film productions to enter an agreement and pay a service charge to use park facilities and lands.
Restrictions
Commercial film and photography requiring park agreement and service charge. Non-commercial private filming and low-impact commercial work (public areas, five people or fewer, minimal gear) does not require a permit but does require advance contact with Park Manager.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of private place with prurient intent (§ 3-902) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Maryland State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Victim also has civil cause of action for damages |
| Drone recording of private area (§ 3-903) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Maryland State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to any surreptitious recording of private body areas |
| Unlawful audio recording without consent (§ 10-402, two-party consent) | Felony/Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Maryland State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Maryland is a two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations |
| Drone contraband delivery to correctional facility or recording over prison (§ 9-417.1) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 3 years | Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services / State Police | Targets contraband delivery attempts and unauthorized surveillance of correctional facilities |
| Drone trespass - operating over another's property without consent (HB 1349, effective Oct 1, 2025) | Crime | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Does not require recording or surveillance intent; simple overflight without permission is a violation. Per-incident penalty. |
| Hunting from aircraft including drones (§ 10-410(j)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service | Also violates federal Airborne Hunting Act |
| DC Flight Restricted Zone overflight (49 U.S.C. § 46307) | Federal Misdemeanor | Federal penalty | Up to 1 year | FAA / Federal law enforcement | 15 NM ring centered on Reagan National Airport; entirely prohibits UAS operations |
| DC SFRA violation without authorization (Federal) | Federal Misdemeanor | Federal civil/criminal penalty | Up to 1 year | FAA | 30 NM ring; recreational flight allowed under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 with LAANC; Part 107 needs SFRA-specific authorization |
| National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / U.S. Attorney | NPS policy prohibits drone launch, landing, and operation in all NPS units nationwide since 2014 |
Drone surveillance of private place with prurient intent (§ 3-902)
Victim also has civil cause of action for damages
Drone recording of private area (§ 3-903)
Applies to any surreptitious recording of private body areas
Unlawful audio recording without consent (§ 10-402, two-party consent)
Maryland is a two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations
Drone contraband delivery to correctional facility or recording over prison (§ 9-417.1)
Targets contraband delivery attempts and unauthorized surveillance of correctional facilities
Drone trespass - operating over another's property without consent (HB 1349, effective Oct 1, 2025)
Does not require recording or surveillance intent; simple overflight without permission is a violation. Per-incident penalty.
Hunting from aircraft including drones (§ 10-410(j))
Also violates federal Airborne Hunting Act
DC Flight Restricted Zone overflight (49 U.S.C. § 46307)
15 NM ring centered on Reagan National Airport; entirely prohibits UAS operations
DC SFRA violation without authorization (Federal)
30 NM ring; recreational flight allowed under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 with LAANC; Part 107 needs SFRA-specific authorization
National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5)
NPS policy prohibits drone launch, landing, and operation in all NPS units nationwide since 2014
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Maryland 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
- Maryland State Parks Commercial Photography Service Charge — Varies by park and scopeCommercial film productions and high-impact commercial photography require a park service agreement and service charge payment. Private non-commercial and low-impact commercial use does not require a permit.
Maryland does not require state-level drone registration. Only federal FAA registration applies ($5 for any drone over 0.55 lbs / 250g, valid 3 years). No state commercial drone license, insurance mandate, or sales tax on drone purchases beyond general state sales tax.
State parks require advance contact with Park Manager but do not issue formal permits. Commercial photography in state parks requires service agreement. No statewide permit required for recreational or Part 107 commercial flying.
Insurance not legally required at state level. Most commercial clients require $1 million general liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)
Concentric 30-nautical-mile ring around Reagan National Airport covers large portions of central Maryland
The DC SFRA extends from 15 to 30 NM from Reagan National. Recreational pilots in this zone may fly under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 with LAANC approval. Part 107 pilots require SFRA-specific authorization from the FAA in addition to standard LAANC. The inner Flight Restricted Zone (15 NM) only allows operations at FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) fixed sites for recreational pilots, or with specific FAA waivers for Part 107. Use B4UFLY and FAA NOTAM search to verify current boundaries before every flight.
DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)
Inner 15-nautical-mile ring centered on Reagan National Airport where UAS operations are prohibited
The FRZ clips inner Maryland suburbs including National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, College Park, Bladensburg, and inner edges of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring. No recreational flying, no Part 107 flying, no model aircraft allowed without rare FAA waiver. Federal violation: up to 1 year imprisonment and federal penalties.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
All drones must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation inside a FRIA (Facility Restricted Identification Area). Failure to comply is a federal violation.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Applies to all commercial drone work in Maryland
Remote Pilot Certificate required ($175 knowledge test). Operations are subject to federal altitude limits (400 ft AGL), visual line of sight requirements, daylight/civil twilight rules, and controlled airspace restrictions. Federal penalties for violations.
Recreational TRUST Certification
Free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test required for hobbyist flying
All recreational flyers must pass TRUST and carry proof. Flyers must register drones over 0.55 lbs with FAA ($5 for 3 years) and display registration number on aircraft. Visual line of sight and 400 ft AGL limits apply.
National Park Service Policy
NPS prohibits all drone operations in every NPS unit nationwide
Maryland's NPS units include Assateague Island National Seashore, Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (DC to Cumberland), Catoctin Mountain Park, Fort McHenry, Greenbelt Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad park. Violations are federal Class B misdemeanors (up to 6 months / $5,000 + drone seizure).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Maryland 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 available at 726 airports nationwide, including Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI Class B), Martin State Airport (Class D), and others in Maryland. Required for controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, surface E) operations. DC SFRA also requires LAANC or SFRA-specific authorization for Part 107 flights between 15-30 NM from Reagan National.
Major Airports
BWI - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Class B)MRE - Martin State Airport (Class D, Anne Arundel County)EDW - Andrews Air Force Base (Joint Base Andrews, restricted)Patuxent River Naval Air Station (restricted)MTN - Maryland National Guard, Tipton (restricted)CGS - Coleman A. Young International (formerly Detroit City, Class C)
TFR Notice
DC SFRA and Flight Restricted Zone covers large portions of central Maryland, including all of Montgomery County, Prince George's County, most of Howard County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. Stadium TFRs during events at BWI, Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Periodic Camp David TFRs. Dynamic airspace over federal facilities (NSA Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground). Check B4UFLY and FAA NOTAM search before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
SB 273 Drone Correctional Facility Law Takes Effect
legislationNew law criminalizing drone operations over correctional facilities and contraband delivery takes effect. Maryland prisons logged 35 confirmed drone sightings in 2023, concentrated at Western Correctional Institution and North Branch Correctional Institution near Cumberland.
HB 1349 Drone Trespass Law Takes Effect
legislationNew statute criminalizing drone trespass (knowingly operating a drone to enter another person's property without consent) becomes effective. Penalty up to $5,000 fine and 1 year imprisonment per incident.
Pending Legislation
HB 471In Committee - House JudiciaryPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would prohibit State and local government units from deploying or operating unmanned aircraft with certain exceptions. Would make certain evidence obtained through government drone use inadmissible in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings without proper authorization. Would prohibit government use of information acquired through unauthorized drone operations.
Last action: February 24, 2026
HB 954In Committee (2025 session)Public Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Similar to HB 471. Would limit government drone surveillance and exclude improperly obtained drone evidence from court proceedings. Introduced in 2025 session but carried over.
Last action: December 4, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland | UMD requires approval from the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) for all UAS operations. The university has active UAS research and operations through the UAS Research and Operations Center. SECU Stadium hosts TFR during events. Restrictions: All drone operations require prior approval from ESSR. Campus airspace restricted by DC SFRA proximity (Montgomery County borders SFRA). SECU Stadium generates temporary flight restrictions during athletic events. | Yes | Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) - essr@umd.edu |
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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