Michigan Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Michigan maintains a moderate regulatory approach to drone operations, with comprehensive state-level statutes addressing privacy, harassment, critical infrastructure protection, and hunting restrictions. The state notably preempts local drone ordinances, reserving all UAS regulation to the state and federal levels. Michigan does not require separate state-level drone registration or licensing beyond federal FAA requirements, and permits both commercial and recreational operations. State parks require permits and observe a 100-yard buffer from facilities.
State Drone Laws
MCL § 259.305Preemption of Local UAS Regulation
Political subdivisions (cities, villages, townships, counties) are prohibited from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate drone ownership or operation, with narrow carve-outs for the subdivision's own UAS fleet and locally-owned airports.
MCL § 259.321UAS Interference with Emergency Personnel
Knowingly and intentionally operating a UAS in a manner that interferes with official duties of police officers, firefighters, EMS, or search-and-rescue personnel is prohibited.
MCL § 259.322Harassment, Stalking, PPO Violations, and Registered Sex Offender UAS Restrictions
Prohibits (1) operating UAS in violation of a personal protection order; (2) subjecting another person to harassment or stalking via UAS in a manner that causes reasonable person emotional distress; (3) capturing photographs, video, or audio of another person without consent that would cause emotional distress; (4) registered sex offenders operating UAS to follow, contact, or photograph a minor they are prohibited from contacting.
MCL § 750.539jSurveillance and Photography in Private Places Without Consent
Makes it unlawful to surveil, photograph, or film an individual in a private place (location where person reasonably expects privacy) without consent. Applies to drone operators hovering cameras at bedroom windows, over fenced yards, or observing private activity.
MCL § 750.539cNon-Consensual Audio Recording
Michigan is a two-party-consent state for recording oral communications. A drone carrying a microphone that records private conversation without consent of all parties is prohibited.
MCL § 324.40111cUAS Prohibition on Hunting and Fishing
Prohibits using UAS to locate, harass, molest, take, wound, or kill wild birds or mammals. Includes prohibition on scouting game for hunters or fish for anglers. Narrow exception permits drone recovery of lawfully taken deer, elk, or bear only if no hunting party member is actively hunting during recovery flight. Violations reported to 1-800-292-7800.
MCL § 750.45aInterference with Critical Infrastructure or Correctional Facilities
Prohibits drone overflight or trespass that interferes with operation of critical infrastructure (power plants, refineries, water-treatment facilities, airports, military bases) or correctional facilities. Pending amendments via HB5319 would expand and clarify UAS-specific prohibitions.
Michigan DNR Director's Order 5.1 (2019)UAS Restrictions in Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Prohibits operating UAS in manner that interferes with DNR employee duties or search-and-rescue operations. Prohibits flying within 100 yards of cultural or historical structures, occupied beaches, campgrounds, equestrian facilities, restrooms, or open-air changing areas. Designates certain areas as no-fly zones. Commercial drone operations in state parks, state forest campgrounds, state game areas, and state recreation areas require written DNR permission.
Michigan Admin. Code R. 318.146Mackinac Island State Park Commission UAS Prohibition
Use or operation of unmanned aircraft without proper written permission from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MSHP) is prohibited. MSHP administers Mackinac Island State Park, Fort Mackinac, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Historic Mill Creek. Enforcement is active; MSHP rangers and island police routinely confiscate aircraft operating without prior written approval.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of West Bloomfield
townshipParks and Recreation No-Fly Zone Ordinance
Municipal ordinance establishes all town parks managed by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission as no-fly zones for unmanned aircraft.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission-managed parks. Enforcement by park rangers.
University of Michigan
cityInstitutional UAS Policy for U-M Property
University policy (Standard Practice Guide 601.32) prohibits outdoor drone operations over University of Michigan property (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint campuses) without prior approval. Indoor drone use is permitted in designated spaces with established safety policies.
Restrictions
Outdoor flights prohibited without Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer approval through the Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC). No flights over Michigan Stadium, medical campus, or during athletic events. Indoor operations require building manager permission.
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort (Vail Resorts)
cityMt. Brighton Property Drone Restriction Policy
Property policy prohibits recreational and commercial drone use on Vail Resorts property, including Mt. Brighton.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited except in limited circumstances when operator has FAA exemption and receives written permission from Mt. Brighton management. Restrictions apply to flights over any Vail Resorts property.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAS harassment, stalking, PPO violation (MCL 259.322) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Includes harassment causing emotional distress, stalking via UAS, violating protective orders, and registered sex offender violations |
| UAS interference with emergency responders (MCL 259.321) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Applies to interference with police, fire, EMS, or search-and-rescue operations |
| Surveillance of private place (MCL 750.539j) | Misdemeanor (first), Felony (repeat) | Up to $2,000 (first); up to $5,000 (repeat) | Up to 2 years (first); up to 5 years (repeat) | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone surveillance of private property or individuals with reasonable expectation of privacy |
| Non-consensual audio recording (MCL 750.539c) | Felony | Up to $2,000 | Up to 2 years | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Two-party consent state; recording private conversations via drone microphone without consent prohibited |
| UAS hunting/fishing interference (MCL 324.40111c) | Misdemeanor (first), Felony (repeat) | $500-$1,000 (first); $1,000-$2,500 (repeat) | Up to 90 days (first); up to 1 year (repeat) | DNR Conservation Officers, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Includes using UAS to locate game or fish, scouting for hunters/anglers. Repeat offenders face hunting/fishing license revocation |
| Critical infrastructure interference (MCL 750.45a) | Felony | Up to $2,500 | Up to 4 years | Michigan State Police, Federal Authorities, County Prosecutors | Applies to drone trespass or interference with power plants, refineries, water facilities, correctional facilities, airports |
| UAS operation in DNR state park without permit | Administrative | Variable | None | DNR Parks and Recreation Division, DNR Rangers | Confiscation of aircraft possible; commercial operations face greater penalties |
| UAS operation on Mackinac Island State Park without permission | Administrative/Criminal | Variable | Potentially per UAS Act violations | Mackinac Island State Park Commission, Mackinac Island Police, Michigan State Police | Aircraft routinely confiscated; enforcement strict due to unique island jurisdiction |
UAS harassment, stalking, PPO violation (MCL 259.322)
Includes harassment causing emotional distress, stalking via UAS, violating protective orders, and registered sex offender violations
UAS interference with emergency responders (MCL 259.321)
Applies to interference with police, fire, EMS, or search-and-rescue operations
Surveillance of private place (MCL 750.539j)
Applies to drone surveillance of private property or individuals with reasonable expectation of privacy
Non-consensual audio recording (MCL 750.539c)
Two-party consent state; recording private conversations via drone microphone without consent prohibited
UAS hunting/fishing interference (MCL 324.40111c)
Includes using UAS to locate game or fish, scouting for hunters/anglers. Repeat offenders face hunting/fishing license revocation
Critical infrastructure interference (MCL 750.45a)
Applies to drone trespass or interference with power plants, refineries, water facilities, correctional facilities, airports
UAS operation in DNR state park without permit
Confiscation of aircraft possible; commercial operations face greater penalties
UAS operation on Mackinac Island State Park without permission
Aircraft routinely confiscated; enforcement strict due to unique island jurisdiction
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Michigan
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Michigan does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or commercial permits beyond federal FAA requirements. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 (remote pilot certificate, $175 test fee). Recreational operators must pass TRUST test (free, online) and register drones over 250g with FAA ($5 for 3 years). Normal Michigan business and tax obligations apply to commercial drone businesses. DNR commercial filming permits required only for operations on DNR state-managed land and require proof of liability insurance.
Permits not required at state level except for commercial filming on DNR-managed lands. DNR state parks require written permission for all commercial operations.
Insurance not required by state law. Recommended for commercial operators. Required only as condition of commercial filming permit on DNR lands.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast remote ID, location, and altitude unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Michigan has several FRIAs listed at faa.gov. Remote ID non-compliance is a federal violation.
Part 107 Waivers and Operations Over People
Commercial operations requirements
Commercial drone operators require FAA Part 107 certificate. Part 108 rules for routine BVLOS operations are in development. Michigan's automotive, agricultural, utility, and infrastructure inspection industries actively use Part 107 operations. Operations over people now permitted under Operations Over People rule with compliance requirements.
National Park Service Drone Bans
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 applies to Michigan NPS units
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, and Keweenaw National Historical Park prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation under 36 CFR § 1.5. Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness under Wilderness Act § 4(c), adding motorized-equipment ban. Rangers enforce actively; violations subject to federal citations.
Endangered Species Act - Piping Plover
Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections
Lake Michigan shorelines within Michigan have nesting closures for federally listed piping plover from late April through mid-August. Disturbing nests constitutes federal 'take' violation. Check B4UFLY for current closure areas.
Stadium TFRs
14 CFR § 99.7 Restrictions
Three-nautical-mile stadium TFRs apply to Michigan Stadium, Ford Field, Comerica Park during covered events. Violations carry federal penalties; pilots have been arrested for stadium TFR violations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Mich. Comp. Laws § 259.322 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act) — Operation of UAS — interference with key facility, correctional facility, or law enforcement facility prohibited
Penalty: Misdemeanor (penalty under § 259.323); § 259.320 also criminalizes any drone-assisted commission of an underlying crime
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
The 'key facility' list is incorporated by cross-reference to MCL 750.552c rather than enumerated in the UAS Act itself; check both sections when assessing coverage.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at 726 US airports including major Michigan airports. Required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace. Near-real-time authorization available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
DTW — Detroit MetropolitanGRR — Gerald R. Ford (Grand Rapids)LAN — Capital Region (Lansing)FNT — FlintTVC — Cherry Capital (Traverse City)AZO — KalamazooMBS — MBS (Saginaw)
TFR Notice
Federal stadium TFRs under 14 CFR § 99.7 apply within three nautical miles of Michigan Stadium (107,601 seats, largest in US), Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football events, and major motor-sports events. Violations are federal offenses. Great Lakes airspace over water is generally permissive for general aviation. Upper Peninsula has minimal controlled airspace outside major airport rings.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB5319Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Critical Infrastructure Flying/Trespassing Prohibition
Amends MCL 750.45a to explicitly prohibit flying UAS over or trespassing on key facilities or critical infrastructure. Proposed enhancement to existing critical facility statute.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5323Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Geofencing Requirements for Critical Infrastructure
Would authorize installation of geofencing technology around critical infrastructure or buildings to prevent unauthorized UAS entry.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5325Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Destruction of Drones Violating Critical Infrastructure Restrictions
Would authorize destruction of UAS flying in violation of critical infrastructure guidelines. Complements HB5326 (FAA violations).
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5327Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Downing of Trespassing Drones
Would allow property owners or law enforcement to down drones trespassing on property. Amends MCL 259.322.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5328Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)State Drones Federal Restricted List Compliance
Would require all drones used by state government to comply with federal restricted drone list.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5329Passed House with immediate effect (May 19, 2026)State Funds Restriction for Certain Drone Purchases
Would prohibit state funds from being used to purchase drones from companies of concern (likely targeting DJI).
Last action: May 19, 2026
HB5330Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Cybersecurity and Data Protection for Drones
Would establish cybersecurity and data protection requirements for drone operations in Michigan.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB5332Placed on third reading (May 12, 2026)Public Agency Prohibition on Certain Drone Purchases
Would prohibit public agencies from purchasing or using drones from companies of concern.
Last action: May 12, 2026
SB0525Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (March 11, 2026)Expand Exceptions to Prohibited UAS Use
Would expand exceptions to prohibited UAS use by amending MCL 259.307.
Last action: March 11, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | U-M prohibits outdoor drone operations on any University of Michigan property (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint campuses) without prior written approval. Indoor drone use is permitted in university spaces with established safety policies. Restrictions: Outdoor flights require Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer approval through Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC). Comprehensive restrictions on Michigan Stadium, medical campus, and other sensitive areas. No flights during athletic events. | Yes | Office of Campus Safety & Security / IASC committee; ehs@uark.edu for EH&S matters |
| Michigan State University | MSU requires all drone flights on campus to be approved by the Office of Regulatory Affairs and campus police. Spartan Stadium has strict TFR enforcement during athletic events. Restrictions: Regulatory Affairs approval required for all operations. Spartan Stadium TFR during events. No flights over campus buildings or athletic facilities without authorization. | Yes | Office of Regulatory Affairs / MSU Police Department |
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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