Maryland Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Establishes that only the State of Maryland may enact a law or take any action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Preempts and supersedes any existing or future county or municipal ordinance that attempts to prohibit, restrict, or regulate drone testing or operation, even if enacted prior to this statute. Preserves federal preemption of state law.

Prohibits using a drone to deliver contraband to any person detained or confined in a correctional facility. Also prohibits intentionally operating a drone over a correctional facility to record images without authorization from the managing official or the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Requires all correctional facilities to post warning signage. Enacted in response to 35 confirmed drone sightings at Maryland correctional facilities in 2023, with contraband including cell phones, drugs, and weapons.

Prohibits conducting visual surveillance of an individual in a private place with prurient intent and without consent. The statute explicitly defines 'camera' to include any electronic device used surreptitiously to observe someone, which includes drone-mounted cameras. A 'private place' includes any location where a person can reasonably expect to disrobe with an expectation of privacy, including bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, fenced backyards, and hotel balconies. Victims have both criminal and civil remedies.

Prohibits surreptitiously recording the private area of an individual without consent. Applies directly to drone-mounted cameras and microphones capturing images or recordings in private contexts without authorization.

Maryland is a two-party-consent state for audio recording. Any drone microphone that captures a private conversation without consent from all parties violates this law. Applies to all surreptitious audio recording, including drone-captured audio. The simplest compliance approach is to disable audio recording unless flying at public events or with explicit consent from all parties.

Prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from any aircraft within Maryland. The prohibition explicitly reaches drones used to hunt or to assist in a hunt, including using drones to locate game or scout for wildlife. Enforced by the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service and backed by the federal Airborne Hunting Act. Maryland has not adopted a separate rule expressly allowing drone deer recovery, so operators should confirm current DNR policy before flying for wildlife recovery purposes.

Makes it illegal to use an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly enter the property of another person without consent. A violation occurs regardless of whether the operator was recording, surveilling, or interfering with the property — simply flying a drone onto or over someone's property without permission is sufficient. Each incident constitutes a separate violation. This is Maryland's newest drone-specific law, enacted in response to increased residential drone incursions.

Seasonal Drone Restrictions on Beach and Boardwalk

Town of Ocean City prohibits operating a drone over the beach, the Boardwalk, or any large gathering of people during peak season without prior written approval. The town frames this as a safety and privacy authority rather than airspace regulation, though it may be legally contestable under the state preemption statute (§ 14-301).

Frederick County Parks and Recreation - Drone Operation Restrictions

Frederick County Parks allow drone operations only in specific parks and only after completion of a Special Request Form.

Baltimore Parks and Recreation - Model Airplane and Toy Aviation Rule 42

Baltimore Parks Rule 42 restricts model airplane flying and toy aviation in city parks to designated areas only.