Missouri Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Missouri maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations, with no state registration, licensing, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA standards. The state has enacted targeted criminal statutes addressing drones near correctional facilities, large entertainment venues, and critical infrastructure, plus wildlife protections on conservation areas, but imposes few restrictions on routine commercial or recreational flights.
State Drone Laws
RSMo 217.850Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System Over a Correctional Center
Prohibits intentionally operating a drone within 400 feet above a correctional facility's secure perimeter fence or allowing a drone to contact the facility, staff, or inmates. Applies to state prisons, private jails, county and municipal jails. Carve-outs include facility employees with authorization, law enforcement, government officials, utilities conducting infrastructure inspections, and those operating under FAA waiver.
RSMo 577.800Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System Over an Open-Air Facility (as amended by SB 1421)
Prohibits intentionally operating a drone within 400 feet of the ground and within the property boundary of an open-air facility with a capacity of 500 or more people not completely enclosed by a roof, including sports, theater, music, performing-arts, or other entertainment venues. Amended by SB 1421 (effective July 9, 2026) to also extend restrictions to critical-infrastructure facilities, add explosive devices to prohibited cargo, and authorize law enforcement to intercept and seize drones posing imminent threats. Carve-outs include employees, written facility authorization, law enforcement, government officials, and utilities.
RSMo 565.252Invasion of Privacy; Unauthorized Photography or Videography
Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or recording another person without their knowledge and consent while that person is in full or partial nudity in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, or filming under or through another person's clothing. Applies to drones used to capture such images.
RSMo 569.086Trespass Upon Critical Infrastructure Facility
Prohibits purposely trespassing or entering the property of critical-infrastructure facilities including electrical generation and substations, water and wastewater treatment, gas compressor stations, chemical plants, telecom infrastructure, ports and rail yards, dams, pipelines, and related facilities. While not drone-specific, applies to drone operations where physical entry or trespass occurs. SB 1421 (2026) extended RSMo 577.800 to include critical-infrastructure facilities within drone restrictions.
RSMo 632.575Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System Over Mental Health Hospital
Prohibits the operation of drones within 400 feet vertical distance over a mental health hospital's property line.
3 CSR 10-7.410Missouri Wildlife Code - Unmanned Aircraft System Operations on Conservation Areas
Requires a special use permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation to launch, land, or operate a drone on any of Missouri's 1,000+ conservation areas. Exception allows use of drones to recover wounded black bear, deer, elk, or turkey only with prior authorization from a conservation agent. Prohibits using drones to pursue, take, drive, or molest wildlife. Effective September 15, 2024: drones with thermal imaging are legal for locating and recovering wounded deer, turkey, elk, and black bear, provided no firearms or weapons are possessed during drone flight (except concealable firearms) and drones are not used to harass or take game.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Jackson County
countyPark Regulations - Unmanned Aircraft Operations (Ord. 1447, Ch. 50)
Requires drone operators to obtain a permit issued by Jackson County Parks and to maintain liability insurance at minimum AMA member levels before operating a drone within Jackson County parks.
Restrictions
Drones may operate only in areas designated by the Parks Director. Operators must prominently display frequency flags and channel numbers on transmitter while flying in designated areas. Noise limit: drones must not exceed 98 decibels on a weighted scale when measured from 50 or more feet.
City of Columbia
cityCity Parks - Unmanned Aircraft Operations (Municipal Code Chapter 17)
Prohibits drone operations within city parks except in designated areas or with a special-use permit issued by the Parks Director.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all city parks outside designated recreational areas unless permit holder
St. Louis (City Parks and Forest Park)
cityCity Parks and Forest Park - Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Requires drone operators to submit an application for a City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit and provide proof of liability insurance.
Restrictions
Drone pilots must submit a copy of pilot license, drone specifications, and certificate of insurance covering $1,000,000 minimum liability. General city parks are off-limits outside designated areas; Forest Park requires separate permit application through official channels.
St. Louis County
countyCounty Parks - Unmanned Aircraft Operations Policy (2017)
Restricts drone operations to specific county parks only.
Restrictions
Drones are permitted only at Buder Park and a portion of Antire Valley. All other St. Louis County parks prohibit drone operations.
St. Charles County
countyParks & Recreation - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy (2017)
Prohibits drone operations within St. Charles County parks and preserved areas without a permit.
Restrictions
All drone operations on county park and preserved land require prior permit approval from Parks & Recreation department.
Randolph County
countyCounty Drone (Unmanned Aircraft) Ordinance (2019)
Requires electronic notice to the county clerk before operating a drone on county land.
Restrictions
Operators of aircraft heavier than 250 grams must file electronic notice with the county clerk before taking off, landing, or operating on county land. Ordinance sets time-place-manner restrictions and allows the commission to deny special-use permits. Fines: up to $100 for failing to file notice, up to $500 for reckless or noncompliant operation.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone operation within 400 feet over correctional facility (baseline) | Infraction | Not specified | None | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol | Escalates to felony if delivering contraband |
| Delivering weapon via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue | Class B Felony | Not specified | 5-15 years | Local law enforcement, State Highway Patrol | Enhanced penalty for weapon delivery |
| Facilitating escape via drone at correctional facility | Class C Felony | Not specified | Up to 10 years | County prosecutors, State Highway Patrol | Specific to correctional facility context |
| Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue | Class D Felony | Not specified | Up to 7 years | Local law enforcement, drug enforcement | Enhanced penalty for narcotics delivery |
| Drone operation within 400 feet over open-air venue (500+ capacity, as of July 9, 2026) | Infraction | Not specified | None | Local law enforcement, venue security | Baseline violation; escalates for contraband delivery |
| Invasion of privacy / voyeurism via drone (RSMo 565.252) | Class A Misdemeanor (baseline); Class E Felony (repeat, multiple victims, dissemination) | $2,500 (misdemeanor); $5,000 (felony) | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor); Up to 5 years (felony) | Local law enforcement, State Highway Patrol | Applies to filming persons in areas of reasonable privacy expectation without consent |
| Critical infrastructure trespass (RSMo 569.086) | Class B Misdemeanor (basic trespass); Class A Misdemeanor (intent to damage/tamper); Class D Felony (actual damage) | Not specified | Up to 1 year (B misdemeanor); Up to 1 year (A misdemeanor); Up to 7 years (felony) | Local law enforcement, facility security | Applies when drone operation constitutes trespass on critical infrastructure |
| Unlawful MDC conservation area drone operation without permit | Wildlife Code violation | Not specified | Not specified | Missouri Department of Conservation agents | Special use permit required for all conservation area operations |
| Jackson County parks drone operation without permit or insurance | Municipal violation | Not specified | None | Jackson County Parks Division | Liability insurance at AMA member minimum levels required |
| Randolph County unauthorized drone operation | County ordinance violation | Up to $100 (failure to file notice); Up to $500 (reckless operation) | None | Randolph County Sheriff | Applies to aircraft heavier than 250 grams operated on county land |
| FAA stadium TFR violation | Federal violation | Up to $100,000 civil penalty | Possible criminal penalties | FAA, Federal law enforcement | Applies during covered sporting events at Arrowhead, Kauffman, and Busch stadiums |
Drone operation within 400 feet over correctional facility (baseline)
Escalates to felony if delivering contraband
Delivering weapon via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue
Enhanced penalty for weapon delivery
Facilitating escape via drone at correctional facility
Specific to correctional facility context
Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue
Enhanced penalty for narcotics delivery
Drone operation within 400 feet over open-air venue (500+ capacity, as of July 9, 2026)
Baseline violation; escalates for contraband delivery
Invasion of privacy / voyeurism via drone (RSMo 565.252)
Applies to filming persons in areas of reasonable privacy expectation without consent
Critical infrastructure trespass (RSMo 569.086)
Applies when drone operation constitutes trespass on critical infrastructure
Unlawful MDC conservation area drone operation without permit
Special use permit required for all conservation area operations
Jackson County parks drone operation without permit or insurance
Liability insurance at AMA member minimum levels required
Randolph County unauthorized drone operation
Applies to aircraft heavier than 250 grams operated on county land
FAA stadium TFR violation
Applies during covered sporting events at Arrowhead, Kauffman, and Busch stadiums
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Missouri imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Jackson County parks permit — Not specifiedPermit required to operate drone in Jackson County parks; liability insurance (AMA minimum) also required.
- MDC conservation area special use permit — Not specifiedPermit required to launch, land, or operate drone on any Missouri Department of Conservation conservation area.
- St. Louis park permits — Not specifiedBoard of Public Service Permit required for St. Louis City Parks and Forest Park operations; $1 million liability insurance must accompany application.
Missouri does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. There is no Missouri state drone license (beyond FAA Part 107 for commercial or TRUST for recreational), no state insurance mandate, and no state sales tax on drones. Operators must register with the FAA ($5 for 3 years) if their drone exceeds 250 grams. Some local ordinances (Jackson County, St. Louis parks) require liability insurance as a condition of park operation, but no statewide insurance is mandated.
No statewide permit required. Local ordinances in some jurisdictions (Jackson County, Columbia, St. Louis City/County, St. Charles County, Randolph County) require permits for operations on county or city park property. MDC conservation areas require a special use permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
No state-level insurance mandate. Jackson County parks require liability insurance at minimum AMA member levels. St. Louis parks and Forest Park require $1 million liability insurance for permit holders. Insurance is recommended but not legally required outside these specific local jurisdictions.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for commercial drone operations
All commercial drone operations in Missouri must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations. Operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA knowledge test ($175). No additional state-level commercial drone license is required.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational drone flying
Recreational drone operators must pass the free TRUST test and carry a completion certificate. Missouri does not impose additional recreational licensing requirements beyond the federal TRUST standard.
FAA Drone Registration
Required for drones over 250 grams
All drones exceeding 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years) through FAA Drone Zone. Registration numbers must be visible on the aircraft.
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information or operate within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Altitude Ceiling
400 feet AGL for most operations
Federal altitude limit of 400 feet above ground level applies in Missouri. LAANC may authorize different ceilings near airports in controlled airspace.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Mandatory for all operations
Drone must remain within visual line of sight or operate with a visual observer in direct communication. Part 107 night operations are allowed with proper anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
Stadium TFRs
Federal restrictions apply to major sporting venues
Federal stadium TFRs (14 CFR 99.7) apply at Arrowhead, Kauffman, and Busch stadiums during covered games, reinforcing state law restrictions (RSMo 577.800).
National Park Service Restrictions
Drones prohibited at NPS units
Gateway Arch National Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, and other Missouri NPS units are no-drone zones under 36 CFR 1.5.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is required in controlled airspace around major Missouri airports. LAANC is available from multiple FAA-approved UAS Service Providers.
Major Airports
STL — St. Louis Lambert International Airport (Class B)MCI — Kansas City International Airport (Class C)SGF — Springfield-Branson National Airport (Class C)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are active during major sporting events at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals), and Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals). Gateway Arch National Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, and other NPS units are no-drone zones under 36 CFR 1.5. FIFA World Cup 2026 no-drone zones may be in effect around host-city stadiums.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ozark County Drone Stalking Case
enforcementOrval Don Merriman was charged with felony second-degree stalking and first-degree harassment after flying a drone over a law enforcement officer's property. Search warrant on his phone revealed drone photographs of the victim's house. Case demonstrates application of existing stalking and harassment statutes to drone misuse.
Pending Legislation
HB 209Introduced (2025 session)Establishes the Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act
Would establish warrant requirements for law enforcement drone surveillance and prohibit use of drone-gathered evidence without a warrant. This bill has been introduced repeatedly since 2013 and has not been enacted. Proposed statute sections (RSMo 305.635-305.641) do not currently exist in Missouri law.
Last action: March 4, 2025
HB 210Introduced (2025 session)Establishes the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025
Would ban state and local government agencies from purchasing or using drones manufactured by countries of concern (targeting Chinese manufacturers like DJI). Would not affect private recreational or commercial operators.
Last action: March 4, 2025
SB 296Introduced (2025 session)Enacts The Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Law
Companion to HB 210 and HB 751. Would restrict government agencies from purchasing drones from countries of concern.
Last action: March 20, 2025
HB 751Introduced (2025 session)Establishes the Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Law
Would restrict use of foreign-manufactured drones by Missouri government agencies.
Last action: February 11, 2025
HB 930Introduced (2025 session)Establishes the Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Law
Companion bill to restrict government agencies from purchasing drones from foreign manufacturers.
Last action: February 11, 2025
HB 1101Introduced (2025 session)Establishes the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft over a crime scene, critical incident, law enforcement tactical operation, or hazardous material site
Would create new criminal offense for drone operation over crime scenes, active law enforcement tactical operations, or hazardous material incident sites.
Last action: March 4, 2025
HB 1225Introduced (2025 session)Requires liability insurance for the operation of unmanned aircraft
Would impose statewide liability insurance requirement for drone operations. Currently Missouri has no statewide insurance mandate.
Last action: May 15, 2025
HB 1807Referred to Committee (2026 session)Authorizes law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft that post credible threats to public safety
Would authorize law enforcement to intercept and disable drones posing credible threats to public safety. Related to drone enforcement provisions in SB 1421.
Last action: May 15, 2026
HB 2587Placed on Informal Calendar (2026 session)Modifies provisions relating to law enforcement interception of unmanned aircraft systems
Modifies law enforcement authority to intercept and handle unmanned aircraft systems.
Last action: May 7, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | Mizzou requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety before flying. Stadium TFR restrictions apply during Razorback football games at Faurot Field. Restrictions: Prior EHS approval required for all campus operations. Faurot Field subject to FAA stadium TFR during football events. No flights over buildings, crowds, or parking areas without specific authorization. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
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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