Ohio Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Ohio enacted House Bill 77 in 2025, establishing criminal penalties for reckless drone operation, interference with emergency services, and flying near critical infrastructure with criminal intent. The state permits recreational and commercial drone operations under FAA rules, with state-level restrictions applying to state parks, wildlife operations, and critical facilities. Ohio does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or insurance beyond federal requirements.
State Drone Laws
ORC § 4561.51(A)Endangering Operation of Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits operating a drone in a careless or reckless manner that knowingly endangers any person or property, or that purposely disregards the rights or safety of others.
ORC § 4561.51(B)Interference with Emergency Services
Prohibits disrupting, interrupting, or impairing law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical services while performing duties. Reckless interference is a fourth-degree misdemeanor; knowing interference is a first-degree misdemeanor on first offense, fifth-degree felony on subsequent offenses.
ORC § 4561.51(C)Critical Facility Loitering with Criminal Intent
Prohibits photographing, recording, or loitering over or near critical facilities with purpose to further another criminal offense or to destroy/tamper with the facility. Critical facilities include power generation/transmission, petroleum/chemical plants, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas infrastructure, distribution/logistics centers, courts, police stations, prisons, hospitals with air ambulance service, and military installations.
ORC § 4561.50Definition of Critical Infrastructure Facility
Defines critical facilities for purposes of ORC § 4561.51, including critical infrastructure facilities defined in ORC § 2911.21 (power generation, petroleum, chemical, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas), commercial distribution/logistics centers, courts, law enforcement facilities, correctional institutions, federal and state military installations, and hospitals with air ambulance service.
OAC 1501:46-13-11State Parks Unmanned Aerial Craft Authorization Requirement
Requires written permission from Chief of ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft before operating any unmanned aerial craft (drones, model aircraft, etc.) in Ohio state parks, or operation must be at designated landing fields only. Prohibits flying over beaches, open-air assemblies, boats, and roadways on division-administered land. Harassment of wildlife or people constitutes violation.
OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)Prohibition on Aircraft Use for Hunting
Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to hunt, shoot, kill, take, or attempt to take wild birds or wild quadrupeds. Narrow exception: drones may be used to recover an already-harvested deer, provided no party is actively hunting or carrying hunting implements during the recovery flight.
ORC § 2907.08Voyeurism
Prohibits secretly recording a person in a place with reasonable expectation of privacy. Recording through or under clothing is a first-degree misdemeanor; other voyeurism violations are second-degree misdemeanor. Drone operators who film into fenced backyards or bedroom windows can be prosecuted under this section.
ORC § 2903.211Menacing by Stalking
Prohibits menacing by stalking, defined as a pattern of conduct. Drone-based surveillance can supply the 'pattern of conduct' element required for prosecution under this section.
ORC § 2933.52Recording of Private Conversations
Ohio is a one-party-consent state for audio recording, but a drone microphone that captures a conversation without any party's consent violates this section.
HB 292Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee
Creates the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee to study and develop comprehensive strategies to promote the aviation, aerospace, and technology industry, including research and development of unmanned aerial vehicles. Does not directly restrict drone operations but establishes state authority and support for UAS innovation.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Columbus
cityColumbus & Franklin County Metro Parks Drone Policy
Recreational drone flight is permitted in all 20 Metro Parks except state Nature Preserves. Scioto Grove Metro Park has a dedicated 12-acre droning field. Commercial drone operations require a separate permit via info@metroparks.net.
Restrictions
No flights over state Nature Preserves. Commercial operations require permit approval. Check in with on-duty ranger before launching.
Cleveland
cityCity of Cleveland Drone Enforcement Ordinance
Authorizes Cleveland police officers to enforce FAA regulations regarding drone operations.
Restrictions
All drone operations must comply with FAA regulations.
Cleveland Metroparks
countyCleveland Metroparks Drone Operations Rule
Drones under 20 pounds may launch, land, or operate only in four designated areas: The Polo Fields (South Chagrin), Top O' Ledges (Hinckley), Main Street Diamond (Mill Stream Run), and Cleveland Metroparks golf-course fairways (excluding Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki) between November 1 and March 15 when courses are closed.
Restrictions
Drones limited to under 20 pounds. Operations only at four designated locations. Seasonal restrictions apply to golf courses.
Cincinnati
cityCincinnati Parks Board Drone Ban
Drone operations prohibited in Cincinnati parks except with written permission of the park board and within areas designated by the board, subject to reasonable safety regulations.
Restrictions
Written permission from Park Board required. Six eligible parks for permits: Miami Whitewater, Mitchell Memorial, Triple Creek, Sharon Woods, Winton Woods, Woodland Mound. Commercial operators must have FAA Part 107, FAA registration, and $1M liability insurance naming Great Parks as additional insured.
Hamilton County
countyGreat Parks of Hamilton County Drone Policy
Drone operations prohibited except with written authorization from Chief Executive Officer. Recreational drone pilots can submit a Private Drone Usage Application; commercial drone pilots can submit a Commercial Drone Usage Application.
Restrictions
All drone operations require CEO written permission. Applications take up to two weeks. Commercial operators must have Part 107 and liability insurance.
Toledo
cityMetroparks Toledo Drone Ban
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited system-wide. Limited exception: drone use permits issued for Westwinds Metropark only.
Restrictions
General system-wide ban; permits available only for Westwinds Metropark.
Butler County
countyButler County Metro Parks Drone Restriction
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited in all Metro Parks outside of designated areas. Special use permits may be issued by Executive Director under certain conditions.
Restrictions
Operations limited to designated areas or special permit required from Executive Director.
Celina
cityCity of Celina Drone Ban Ordinance
Municipal ordinance bans drones in airspace over all city-owned property, including parks.
Restrictions
Complete ban on drone operations over city-owned properties and airspace.
Anderson Township
townshipAnderson Township Parks Drone Prohibition
Drone operations prohibited in all parks and facilities owned and managed by the township without written permission from Executive Director.
Restrictions
Written permission from Executive Director required for any operations.
Lorain County
countyLorain County Metro Parks Drone Ban
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited system-wide.
Restrictions
Complete ban on all drone and remote-controlled aircraft operations.
Dayton
cityFive Rivers MetroParks Drone Policy
Recreational unmanned aerial system flight is prohibited. Permits issued for commercial or scientific research purposes only, requiring FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
Restrictions
Commercial/scientific permits only at $200 per day per location. Recreational flight prohibited.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A)) | First-degree misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Municipal Prosecutors | Applies to reckless drone operation knowingly endangering persons or property |
| Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | Fourth-degree misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 30 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Municipal Prosecutors | Recklessly disrupting law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical services |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | First-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Municipal Prosecutors | Knowingly disrupting emergency services on first conviction |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, subsequent offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | Fifth-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6–12 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Prosecutors | Knowing interference with emergency services on second or subsequent conviction |
| Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)) | First-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Prosecutors | Flying over critical facility with purpose to further another crime |
| Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)) | Fifth-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6–12 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Local Police, Prosecutors | Second or subsequent violation of critical facility provisions |
| Critical facility loitering with intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)) | Third-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 9 months – 3 years | Ohio State Highway Patrol, Federal Authorities, Prosecutors | Flying over critical facility with intent to destroy or tamper with facility |
| Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08) | Second-degree or First-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000+ | Up to 6 months | Local Police, Prosecutors | Recording someone in place with reasonable expectation of privacy; first-degree if through/under clothing |
| Hunting with drone (OAC 1501:31-15-02) | Determined by Division of Wildlife | Varies | Varies | Ohio Division of Wildlife | Cannot use drone to hunt, track, drive, or take wild birds or quadrupeds |
| Unauthorized flight in state parks (OAC 1501:46-13-11) | Determined by ODNR | Varies | Varies | ODNR Park Rangers | Flying without written permission from Chief of Division of Parks and Watercraft |
Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A))
Applies to reckless drone operation knowingly endangering persons or property
Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Recklessly disrupting law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical services
Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Knowingly disrupting emergency services on first conviction
Emergency-response interference — knowing, subsequent offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Knowing interference with emergency services on second or subsequent conviction
Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C))
Flying over critical facility with purpose to further another crime
Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(C))
Second or subsequent violation of critical facility provisions
Critical facility loitering with intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C))
Flying over critical facility with intent to destroy or tamper with facility
Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08)
Recording someone in place with reasonable expectation of privacy; first-degree if through/under clothing
Hunting with drone (OAC 1501:31-15-02)
Cannot use drone to hunt, track, drive, or take wild birds or quadrupeds
Unauthorized flight in state parks (OAC 1501:46-13-11)
Flying without written permission from Chief of Division of Parks and Watercraft
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Ohio 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
- State Park Permit — FreeWritten authorization from ODNR Chief of Division of Parks and Watercraft for flights in Ohio state parks; request via parks@dnr.ohio.gov or (614) 265-6561
- Cincinnati Parks Commercial Permit — VariesCommercial operators in Great Parks must have FAA Part 107, FAA registration, and $1M liability insurance naming Great Parks as additional insured
- Five Rivers MetroParks (Dayton) Permit — $200 per day per locationCommercial or scientific research purposes only; must have FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Ohio does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or insurance beyond federal FAA requirements. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, renew every 24 months) and FAA registration ($5 per drone, valid 3 years). Recreational pilots need to pass free TRUST test. No state registration fee, state commercial license, or drone-specific insurance requirement. No state-level sales tax on drone purchases.
ODNR state parks require written permission from Chief of Division of Parks and Watercraft (parks@dnr.ohio.gov or 614-265-6561). Some local jurisdictions and metro parks require permits for operations on their property.
Not required by Ohio state law, but strongly recommended for commercial operations. Many commercial clients require proof of liability insurance naming them as additional insured.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
Ohio imposes no additional state licensing beyond FAA Part 107. All commercial drone pilots in Ohio must hold current Part 107 certification ($175 test fee, renewed every 24 months) and register each drone with FAA ($5 per drone, 3-year registration).
TRUST Recreational Certification
Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Safety Test required for all non-commercial flight
All recreational drone pilots in Ohio must pass the free, online TRUST test before flying. Certificate must be carried at all times during flight. Test available through multiple FAA-approved test administrators.
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information since March 16, 2024
Mandatory for all drones flown outdoors in Ohio except inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Remote ID must continuously broadcast aircraft registration number, location, and altitude to ground-based or remote receivers.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC Authorization
LAANC authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace
Ohio's three major metro airports (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati) sit in controlled airspace. LAANC approvals available through FAA-approved service providers with near-real-time or advanced coordination. Both Part 107 and recreational pilots eligible to apply.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Federal TFRs cover stadiums and sporting events throughout Ohio
Ohio Stadium has 3-nm TFR during Ohio State football games. Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati) has TFR during Reds games. TFRs active from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Check B4UFLY app before every flight to verify active restrictions.
FAA Waivers and Exemptions
Waivers available for operations that would otherwise violate Part 107 rules
Pilots can request FAA waivers for night operations, BVLOS flights, operations over people, and altitudes above 400 feet. ORC 4561.51 explicitly exempts FAA-authorized operations from state criminal penalties.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at three major Ohio airports: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Class B, Columbus John Glenn International Airport (CMH) Class C, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Class B. Automatic approvals in some grid squares; manual coordination available for higher altitudes.
Major Airports
CLE — Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Class B)CMH — Columbus John Glenn International Airport (Class C)CVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Class B)DAY — Dayton International Airport (Class D)LCK — Rickenbacker International Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions cover Ohio Stadium (Paycor Stadium) and Great American Ball Park during major sporting events (3-nm radius during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, major motor sports). Wright-Patterson Air Force Base maintains restricted military airspace. Standard TFRs for VIP movement and natural disasters.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ohio Stadium Drone Incident During Ohio State vs. Maryland Football Game
enforcementDrone drifted over Ohio Stadium rim during game with over 100,000 fans present, halting play. Pilot Rigoberto Canaca Escoto arrested and charged with unsafe operation of aircraft, inducing panic, and disorderly conduct. Incident directly prompted expedited consideration of House Bill 77.
Ohio Prison Contraband Drone Smuggling Ring
enforcementRobert Faulkner, Cory Sutphin, and Charles Gibbs used drones to deliver drugs, weapons, cell phones, and contraband into at least five Ohio prisons including Toledo Correctional Institution and Mansfield Correctional Institution from 2021–2023. Combined 116 felony charges filed; $319,820 in contraband seized from Faulkner's residence alone. Gibbs sentenced to 10 years, Sutphin to approximately 5 years. Case exemplifies criminal drone use that ORC 4561.51(C) now targets.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Drone Sightings
enforcementMysterious drone sightings around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton forced base officials to shut down airspace for approximately four hours overnight. Part of broader wave of unexplained drone sightings across northeastern United States. Incident highlighted sensitivity of military airspace and underscored urgency of HB 77 implementation.
Pending Legislation
HB 425Referred to Transportation CommitteeProhibit Trespass and Unauthorized Recording by Drones
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact ORC § 4561.54 to prohibit trespass and unauthorized recording with unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Proposed expansion of drone conduct prohibitions beyond HB 77.
Last action: September 15, 2025
HB 597Referred to Transportation CommitteeProhibit Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Over Schools
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact ORC § 4561.54 to prohibit drone operations over school buildings, grounds, and facilities. Aims to protect K-12 and higher education institutions from unauthorized drone surveillance.
Last action: November 19, 2025
SB 180 / HB 317Referred to Committee (SB 180: Transportation; HB 317: Technology and Innovation)Prohibit Purchase of Drones Made by Covered Foreign Entity
Would enact ORC § 5501.84 to prohibit state and local government procurement of small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities. Addresses national security concerns regarding Chinese-manufactured drones and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HB 251Signed by Governor July 7, 2026; Effective October 6, 2030Drone Use by Law Enforcement; Aviation Facilities
Establishes requirements for unmanned aerial vehicle use and purchase by law enforcement and other public entities. Amends ORC §§ 4561.01 and 4561.11; enacts ORC §§ 4561.60–4561.64 and 5501.84. Incorporates additional aviation facilities into state Aeronautics Law. Note: Already signed but not effective until October 2030.
Last action: July 7, 2026
HB 290Referred to Natural Resources CommitteeAtmosphere Protection Act
Would enact ORC § 2917.43 to prohibit solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, and sunlight reflection methods. While not drone-specific, could impact weather-modification drone operations if enacted.
Last action: May 21, 2025
HR 11Referred to Public Safety CommitteeUrge Ohio Expansion of Domestic Drone Manufacturing
Resolution urging the State of Ohio to expand domestic drone manufacturing to ensure competitiveness and national security against increased Chinese-manufactured drones. Non-binding advocacy resolution.
Last action: January 28, 2025
HCR 15Referred to Public Safety CommitteeUrge Congress to Pass Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
Concurrent resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1907 (Defense Against Drones Act of 2025). Non-binding advocacy measure supporting federal counter-drone measures.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HR 304Adopted February 18, 2026Support Ohio's FAA Advanced Air Mobility Proposal
Resolution supporting Ohio's proposal to the FAA related to Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program. Encourages state participation in FAA urban air mobility testing and development initiatives.
Last action: February 18, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Ohio State University requires all unmanned aerial system operations on campus to obtain approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety before flying. Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) has strict federal temporary flight restrictions during football games. Restrictions: All flights require advance EHS approval. Ohio Stadium TFR strictly enforced during games. No flights over medical center, residential areas, or buildings without authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@osu.edu |
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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