Maryland Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maryland has enacted a state preemption law (codified from SB 370, 2015) reserving drone regulatory authority at the state level, preventing counties and municipalities from imposing their own UAS restrictions. The state's regulatory posture is best characterized as moderate: while it imposes few broad prohibitions beyond federal FAA requirements, Maryland has targeted regulations addressing government/law enforcement use of drones, correctional facility airspace, and commercial photography in state parks. Proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area creates significant federal airspace complexity, including Special Flight Rules Areas and frequent TFRs, making Maryland airspace among the most restricted in the nation for drone operators near the capital.
State Drone Laws
Transportation Article § 2-103.4Preemption of County and Municipal Authority Over Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Codifies the preemption of county and municipal authority over UAS, specifying that only the state—consistent with applicable federal law—may enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Local jurisdictions are prohibited from creating their own drone regulations. This statute was enacted via SB 370 during the 2015 legislative session.
Criminal Law Article § 3-809Misuse of Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Correctional Facilities
Prohibits the unauthorized operation of an unmanned aircraft over or near a correctional facility. Also prohibits using an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband to a correctional facility. Violations constitute a criminal offense.
Public Safety Article § 1-208Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft — Warrant Requirement
Restricts law enforcement agencies from using unmanned aircraft for surveillance without a warrant, except in specific circumstances including emergency situations, search and rescue operations, monitoring of public gatherings, and certain infrastructure inspections. Establishes that evidence collected in violation of this section is inadmissible.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Calvert County
countyCalvert County Parks & Recreation — County Code
Prohibits the operation of drones or any unmanned aircraft within any Calvert County park and recreation area. Note: This ordinance may be subject to challenge under Maryland's state preemption statute (Transportation Article § 2-103.4), which reserves UAS regulatory authority to the state. Its continued enforcement warrants monitoring.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted in any Calvert County park or recreation facility.
Maryland State Parks (DNR)
stateMaryland State Parks — Commercial Photography and UAS Policy
Requires that commercial photographers, film productions, and commercial drone operators enter into an agreement with DNR and pay a service charge in order to use state park facilities and lands for commercial drone photography or filming purposes. Recreational drone use in state parks may also be restricted depending on individual park rules.
Restrictions
Commercial drone operations in Maryland State Parks require prior agreement and service charge payment to DNR. Individual park restrictions may further limit recreational UAS operations.
Baltimore City
cityBaltimore City — Parks and Recreation Drone Policy
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks generally prohibits drone operations in city parks without prior authorization. Commercial operations require permits. Note: Enforceability may be subject to state preemption analysis.
Restrictions
Drone operations in Baltimore City parks generally require prior authorization; commercial operations require permits.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Maryland does not require state-level drone registration. Operators must comply with federal FAA registration requirements for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g).
No general state permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations, though commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 certification. Commercial operations in Maryland State Parks require a DNR agreement. Local parks and facilities may require individual permits.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS Rule
Commercial drone operators in Maryland must comply with FAA Part 107 certification requirements.
All individuals operating drones for commercial purposes in Maryland must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. This includes operations for business, work, or compensation. Maryland's state preemption law is explicitly conditioned on being consistent with applicable federal law, meaning FAA authority remains paramount.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must pass the TRUST examination.
Hobbyists and recreational fliers in Maryland must complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements apply to all UAS operations in Maryland.
As of September 16, 2023, operators must comply with federal Remote ID requirements. Drones must broadcast identification and location information. Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension, civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation, and criminal penalties. FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) may be available through community organizations.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government agencies in Maryland may operate under COA authority.
Law enforcement, fire departments, and other government entities may obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) as an alternative to Part 107 certification for government drone operations. Maryland's Public Safety Article § 1-208 imposes additional state-level warrant requirements on law enforcement UAS use beyond federal COA authorization.
Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)
Extensive federal flight restrictions cover large portions of Maryland near the D.C. metropolitan area.
The FAA's Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) extends 30 nautical miles from DCA, and the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) extends approximately 15 nautical miles, encompassing much of Montgomery, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel Counties. Drone operations within these areas require specific FAA authorization. The FRZ effectively prohibits recreational and most commercial drone operations without special authorization. This is among the most significant federal airspace constraints on any state's drone operations in the nation.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 affects drone regulatory frameworks nationwide, including in Maryland.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (signed October 2024) extended FAA authority through 2028 and included provisions affecting UAS integration, including expanded BVLOS rulemaking, drone delivery frameworks, and counter-UAS authorities. Maryland operators should monitor new rulemakings stemming from this reauthorization.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available throughout Maryland for airspace coordination near controlled airports.
Major Airports
BWI — Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall AirportDCA — Ronald Reagan Washington National AirportIAD — Washington Dulles International AirportMTN — Martin State Airport (Baltimore)GAI — Montgomery County Airpark
TFR Notice
Maryland is subject to among the most complex drone airspace restrictions in the United States. The Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) extend into significant portions of Maryland, particularly Montgomery, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel Counties. Drone flight is prohibited without authorization within the FRZ (approximately 15 nautical mile radius of DCA). Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently issued for national security events, major sporting events, and VIP movements. Operators must check NOTAM/TFR status before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties after detection over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies increased enforcement and penalties for drone violations following detection of unauthorized drone operations over Fort McNair in the Washington, D.C. area, which borders Maryland. Fort McNair is within the Washington, D.C. Flight Restricted Zone.
FAA stepping up drone restriction enforcement ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementThe FAA and FBI announced enhanced drone restriction enforcement and no-fly zones in preparation for Super Bowl LX, affecting airspace management protocols relevant to Maryland operators.
Pending Legislation
HB 471In Committee — First Reading Judiciary (2026 Session)Public Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Proposes to restrict government use of unmanned aircraft by establishing that certain evidence obtained through UAS use is inadmissible in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. Would prohibit state and local government units from deploying, operating, or using information acquired through unmanned aircraft subject to certain exceptions for emergency situations and authorized law enforcement operations. This bill would significantly expand upon existing Public Safety Article § 1-208 restrictions.
Last action: January 29, 2026
HB 954Inactive — 2025 Session EndedPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would have restricted government deployment and operation of unmanned aircraft with certain exceptions. Did not advance out of committee in the 2025 session. Similar provisions may be incorporated into 2026 session bills.
Last action: December 4, 2025
HB 1349Inactive — 2025 Session EndedCriminal Law - Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Trespass and Surveillance
Would have addressed criminal use of unmanned aircraft systems related to trespass and surveillance violations. Did not advance in the 2025 session. If enacted in a future session, this would represent a significant expansion of Maryland's drone criminal law.
Last action: December 4, 2025
SB 273Inactive — 2024 Session EndedState and Local Correctional Facilities - Operation of Unmanned Aircraft - Image Recording and Delivery of Contraband
Would have expanded existing restrictions on unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities and the use of drones to deliver contraband. Did not advance. Existing Criminal Law Article § 3-809 already covers some of this subject matter.
Last action: November 14, 2024
SB 702Inactive — 2023 Session EndedCorrectional Services - State Correctional Facilities - Unauthorized Operation of Unmanned Aircraft
Would have established additional restrictions on unauthorized drone operations near state correctional facilities. Did not advance in the 2023 session.
Last action: November 14, 2023
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, College Park | UMD requires approval from the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) for all UAS operations on campus. The university maintains active UAS research programs through its UAS Research and Operations Center. Operators must comply with FAA regulations, university policy, and submit a UAS Flight Request prior to any operation. Restrictions: All UAS operations on campus require prior written approval from ESSR. SECU Stadium (now CEFCU Stadium) TFR applies during athletic events. Proximity to Washington, D.C. SFRA/FRZ imposes significant additional federal restrictions — UMD's College Park campus is within the Washington D.C. SFRA (30nm radius of DCA). Operators must obtain LAANC authorization or FAA waiver for flights in controlled airspace over campus. | Yes | Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk — essr@umd.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University requires that all drone operations on university property comply with FAA regulations and receive prior approval from the university's Office of the Provost or designated safety office. Commercial and research drone operations require formal authorization. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all UAS operations on JHU property. Operations near the medical campus and Homewood campus in Baltimore must comply with Baltimore airspace restrictions. Research drone operations must comply with IRB and safety protocols as applicable. | Yes | JHU Environmental Health and Safety — ehs@jhu.edu |
| Towson University | Towson University prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus grounds. All UAS flights require advance approval. The campus is located in the Baltimore metropolitan area with associated airspace considerations. Restrictions: Unauthorized drone operations are prohibited on all Towson University property. Advance approval required for any UAS operation. Operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Towson University Campus Police and Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) | UMBC requires prior authorization for drone operations on campus. The university's proximity to BWI Airport creates Class B and C airspace considerations that require FAA authorization (LAANC or waiver) for most flights. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all drone operations on UMBC property. Campus is near BWI Airport — FAA airspace authorization required. Commercial operations require Part 107 certification. | Yes | UMBC Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management |
| Morgan State University | Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, requires compliance with FAA regulations for any drone operations on campus. University policy requires prior notification and approval for UAS flights. Restrictions: Prior approval required. Campus located in Baltimore metropolitan area with associated airspace restrictions. Operations near Northeast Airport (KBAX) require attention to airspace classifications. | Yes | Morgan State University Office of Environmental Health and Safety |
| Bowie State University | Bowie State University requires that all UAS operations on campus comply with FAA regulations and receive prior university approval. The campus is within the Washington D.C. SFRA, creating significant airspace restrictions for drone operators. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all UAS operations. Campus is within the Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) — substantial federal airspace restrictions apply. Most flights will require FAA authorization. | Yes | Bowie State University Campus Safety and Environmental Health |
Last Updated
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