Minnesota Drone Laws

Requires all commercial unmanned aircraft system operators to obtain drone insurance specific to the aircraft. Annual liability insurance policy meeting Minnesota Rule 8800.3200 requirements is mandatory; per-flight or pay-as-you-go insurance policies are not accepted for MnDOT registration.

All commercial drone pilots must register their aircraft with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Registration can be completed online or by submitting an Aircraft Registration Application. Annual registration fee is typically $100 per aircraft.

Requires commercial drone operators to obtain a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT Aeronautics when offering drone services to third parties. License is determined case-by-case based on whether flight outputs go to third parties. Annual fee is $30.

Law enforcement agencies must obtain a search warrant before using drones for surveillance, except in nine specific situations: emergencies with risk of death or bodily harm, public events with heightened safety risk, credible terrorist threats, natural or man-made disasters, threat assessment for specific events, reasonable suspicion of criminal activity in public areas, crime scene or crash reconstruction, officer training, or when requested in writing by another government entity. Facial recognition and biometric-matching on drones are prohibited without a warrant. Weaponizing drones is prohibited. Data collection on public protests requires a warrant. Law enforcement must document each drone use and delete collected data within seven days unless part of an active criminal investigation.

Prohibits voyeurism via drone, including surveillance of persons or private areas in violation of reasonable expectations of privacy.

Prohibits repeated unwanted drone flights over property or surveillance that constitutes harassment or stalking of another person.

Classifies as misdemeanor: operating aircraft with canceled, revoked, suspended, or altered license; operating in manner indicating willful or wanton disregard for safety of persons or property; performing acrobatic flying over thickly inhabited areas or public gatherings; endangering, killing, or attempting to kill birds or animals; using aircraft to concentrate, drive, rally, or stir up migratory waterfowl.

Defines aircraft as any contrivance now known or hereafter invented, used, or designed for navigation or flight in the air, excluding parachutes. Provides legal framework that applies to unmanned aircraft systems.

Prohibits knowingly flying a drone over a state correctional facility or grounds controlled by the facility without written consent of the commissioner.

Authorizes law enforcement use of drones for emergency situations involving risk of death or bodily harm, public events with heightened safety risk, counter-terrorist operations, traffic crash documentation, public relations, and training purposes.

Establishes law enforcement drone surveillance warrant requirements and restrictions. Prohibits facial recognition and biometric-matching on drones without warrant. Prohibits weaponizing drones. Prohibits collecting data on public protests without warrant. Requires law enforcement agencies to document UAV use, establish written policies, and provide public comment opportunities before acquiring or using UAVs. Data collected must be retained only if part of active investigation, otherwise deleted within seven days.

Appropriates $348,000 to assess the use of unmanned aircraft systems for monitoring ecosystem changes and moose population dynamics.

County Parks Drone Permit Requirement

Requires special use permit from Parks Department to fly drones over county parklands

Ramsey County Parks Drone Restrictions

Takeoff or landing of drones not allowed in any county parks. Drones may only be operated in designated areas.

Dakota County Parks Drone Landing Prohibition

Prohibits landing or launching of any aircraft within county parks

Minneapolis Parks Drone Permit Requirement

All drone operations on Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board property require prior approved permit. Drone insurance is one of the requirements for permit application.

Arlington Airspace Drone Prohibition

Prohibits use of drones within city airspace unless permission granted. Exceptions: commercial drone operators hired for property photography if operations restricted within property boundaries; operations over own property without surveillance capabilities.

Saint Bonifacius Drone Airspace Prohibition

Prohibits use of drones within city public airspace. Exceptions include drone flight over individual's own property. Commercial operations by licensed drone pilots within one's own property must be done with prior notification to local law enforcement.

Bloomington Parks Drone Restrictions

Prohibits drone operations within city parks unless operator has obtained special permit. Any commercial filming or photography within city parks requires permit.

Eagan Defers to FAA Regulations

City of Eagan has revised policy to defer to the FAA for all drone requirements, guidance, and regulations

Three Rivers Park District Drone Prohibition

Prohibits use of drones and other powered toys within all parks and trails managed by the Park District unless permit granted. District does not issue permits for drone operations.

Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Drone Prohibition

Prohibits launching, landing, or operations of drones on any Refuge unit

Mississippi River NPS Drone Restrictions

National Park Service implements drone restrictions over approximately 64 hectares of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area located around Coldwater Spring