Maryland Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maryland maintains a permissive general stance toward drone operations while imposing targeted regulations addressing privacy violations, trespass, and critical infrastructure protection. The state has strong statutory preemption preventing local drone ordinances, though proximity to Washington D.C. creates significant federal airspace restrictions (SFRA/FRZ) that apply to all operators.
State Drone Laws
SB 370 (2015) / Economic Development Article § 14-301Unmanned Aircraft Systems State Preemption
Establishes that only the State of Maryland may enact laws to prohibit, regulate, or restrict the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preemption overrides any existing local ordinances and prevents counties and municipalities from creating drone-specific regulations.
HB 0620 (2015)Unlawful Drone Surveillance
Prohibits the intentional use of a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or private property in a manner that violates reasonable expectations of privacy.
HB 1349Drone Trespass
Makes it illegal to knowingly use a drone to enter the property of another person without consent. Violation does not require recording, surveillance, or any malicious intent; simply flying a drone onto or over another's property without permission constitutes a crime.
SB 273Unauthorized Drone Operation Near Correctional Facilities
Criminalizes operating a drone near or over Maryland correctional facilities without authorization. Applies to both attempted contraband delivery and unauthorized flights near prisons.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Frederick County
countyFrederick County Parks and Recreation Drone Policy
Drone operations permitted in designated parks only with prior approval.
Restrictions
Drone operations allowed only in: Catoctin Creek Nature Center, Kemptown Park, Middletown Park, Old National Pike Park, and Utica District Park. Operators must complete and submit a Special Request Form prior to flying.
City of Baltimore
cityBaltimore Parks and Recreation - Model Aircraft and Toy Aviation Policy
Prohibits model airplane flying and toy aviation in city parks except in designated areas.
Restrictions
No model airplane flying or toy aviation allowed in Baltimore city parks except at places designated or maintained for such activities (Rule 42, Department of Recreation and Parks Rules and Regulations).
Calvert County
countyCalvert County Parks Drone Ban
Local ordinance banning drone operations in Calvert County parks.
Restrictions
Drone operations banned in all Calvert County parks. Penalty: $50–$1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. NOTE: This ordinance may conflict with Maryland's state preemption statute (§ 14-301) and has not been formally challenged in court.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (HB 0620) | Criminal violation | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement / Maryland State Police | Civil liability also possible for damages from privacy invasion |
| Drone trespass without permission (HB 1349) | Criminal violation | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement / Maryland State Police | Enforced per incident; does not require recording or surveillance intent |
| Unauthorized operation near correctional facilities (SB 273) | Felony | Up to $1,000 | Up to 3 years | Maryland Department of Public Safety / Local law enforcement | Highest penalty in Maryland's drone statutes; targets contraband delivery and unauthorized flights near prisons |
| Model aircraft/toy aviation in non-designated Baltimore parks | Ordinance violation | As determined by Baltimore Parks and Recreation | Baltimore Parks and Recreation | Applies only within City of Baltimore jurisdiction | |
| Drone operation in Calvert County parks | Ordinance violation | $50–$1,000 | Up to 6 months | Calvert County Parks and Recreation | Local ordinance; may be preempted by state law § 14-301 |
Drone surveillance violating privacy (HB 0620)
Civil liability also possible for damages from privacy invasion
Drone trespass without permission (HB 1349)
Enforced per incident; does not require recording or surveillance intent
Unauthorized operation near correctional facilities (SB 273)
Highest penalty in Maryland's drone statutes; targets contraband delivery and unauthorized flights near prisons
Model aircraft/toy aviation in non-designated Baltimore parks
Applies only within City of Baltimore jurisdiction
Drone operation in Calvert County parks
Local ordinance; may be preempted by state law § 14-301
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Maryland does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3-year registration). Drones under 250 grams used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all flight rules and pass the TRUST test.
No state permit required. Individual parks and facilities may require permits or prior approval (e.g., Maryland State Parks require operators to contact the relevant Park Manager before flying).
Maryland does not legally mandate drone insurance. Commercial operators should carry liability coverage; most clients (especially in government contracting) require $1 million in general liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information since March 2024.
Remote ID enables identification of drones and operators from a distance. Mandatory for all recreational and commercial drones. Failure to broadcast Remote ID can result in civil penalties up to $27,500.
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)
Federal airspace restrictions unique to Maryland due to proximity to Washington D.C.
The SFRA (30 NM ring) covers all of Montgomery and Prince George's counties, most of Howard County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. All drone flights in the SFRA require specific authorization. The inner FRZ (15 NM) is even more restrictive: recreational pilots can only fly at FAA-recognized Community Based Organizations (CBOs); Part 107 pilots need LAANC or specific airspace authorization. Multiple Maryland pilots have been intercepted by military/law enforcement for unauthorized SFRA flights. Use B4UFLY to check exact boundaries before every flight.
FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Federal regulations governing commercial drone operations.
Commercial operators in Maryland must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, valid 24 months). Maryland has PSI testing centers in Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, Annapolis, and other locations. No Maryland state drone-specific business license required, but standard business registration with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and local business licensing apply.
Recreational Flying Exception (49 USC § 44809)
Federal authorization for recreational drone operations under specific conditions.
Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, maintain visual line of sight, comply with the 400-foot altitude limit, and follow all other FAA rules. Drones under 250 grams are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all flight rules.
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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including BWI Marshall, Martin State, Hagerstown Regional, Frederick Municipal, and other Maryland airports. Typical approvals allow flights at 50–100 feet in outer rings; closer to major airports, approvals are limited to very low altitudes or denied.
Major Airports
BWI - Baltimore/Washington International (Class B, Anne Arundel County)MDA - Martin State Airport (Baltimore County)HGR - Hagerstown Regional Airport (Washington County)FDK - Frederick Municipal Airport (Frederick County)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) apply around presidential activities at Camp David (Catoctin Mountain area). The DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) extends 30 nautical miles around Washington D.C., covering all of Montgomery and Prince George's counties, most of Howard County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. The Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) at 15 NM is even more restricted. Andrews Air Force Base, NSA/Fort Meade, and other military installations have permanent restricted airspace. Multiple Maryland pilots have been contacted by law enforcement for SFRA violations; use B4UFLY app before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Launches DETER Program for Drone Enforcement
enforcementThe FAA introduced the DETER (Drone Enforcement Through Education and Rapid Response) program, offering first-time drone violators fast-track penalties and reduced fines in exchange for waiving appeal rights. This nationwide program applies to Maryland pilots.
Enhanced FAA Drone Enforcement Operations
enforcementThe FAA announced increased drone enforcement efforts nationwide. In Maryland, focus areas include the DC SFRA (30 NM around Washington D.C.), where multiple pilots have been contacted by law enforcement for unauthorized operations.
Pending Legislation
HB 471In Committee (Judiciary)Public Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Proposes to make evidence obtained through government use of unmanned aircraft inadmissible in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings without proper authorization. Would prohibit state and local government units from deploying or operating unmanned aircraft subject to certain exceptions, and would restrict use of information acquired through government drone operations.
Last action: January 29, 2026
HB 954PendingPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would limit government drone surveillance and make evidence obtained by government drones inadmissible in court without proper authorization. Proposed to add civil liberties protections to Maryland's drone law framework.
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 unmanned aircraft system operations on campus. The university conducts active UAS research through the UAS Research and Operations Center. SECU Stadium is subject to temporary flight restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval required from ESSR. SECU Stadium TFR during events. Subject to federal DC airspace restrictions (SFRA/FRZ) due to proximity to Washington D.C. | Yes | Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) |
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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