South Carolina Drone Laws

Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility without written consent from the SCDC Director. Carves out FAA-registered commercial operators monitoring infrastructure if they notify SCDC 2-5 days in advance with the drone's FAA registration number. Superseded by S.C. Code § 55-1-220 effective January 1, 2027.

Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any local detention facility without written consent from the jail administrator. Carves out FAA-registered commercial operators monitoring infrastructure if they notify the jail administrator 2-5 days in advance with the drone's FAA registration number. Superseded by S.C. Code § 55-1-220 effective January 1, 2027.

Applies broadly to eavesdropping, peeping, and voyeurism. Extends to drone-based surveillance where a person uses a device designed to improve visual acuity to spy upon another in a manner violating reasonable expectations of privacy. Includes definition of 'surveillance' as secret observation for purposes of spying and invading privacy. Aggravated voyeurism includes distribution of images obtained in violation of privacy. Remains in effect after H4679 becomes effective.

Authorizes the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to issue Aerial Management Program (AMP) permits allowing use of drones to count, photograph, relocate, capture, hunt, or take feral hogs and coyotes only. Permit holders must carry the AMP permit paired with signed Landowner's Authorization (LOA) for each tract and maintain a daily flight log. Drone-based operations for other wildlife or purposes outside AMP are unlawful.

Establishes operational details of the Aerial Management Program (AMP) for managing feral hogs and coyotes using drones on private land with landowner authorization.

Makes it unlawful to intentionally or knowingly operate, take off, or land a drone within 1,500 feet horizontal distance of any correctional facility, detention facility, or military installation without express written consent from the facility director or military command authority. Expands the current 500-foot corrections buffer to 1,500 feet and adds new military installation protections. Military installations include Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base, Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Fort Jackson, Coast Guard sector at Charleston Harbor, and all SC National Guard and State Guard facilities.

Makes it a felony to operate, take off, land, or possess a drone with the intent to deliver contraband to a correctional or detention facility. Directly addresses the ongoing problem of drone-assisted smuggling into South Carolina prisons.

Makes it a felony to operate, take off, land, or possess a drone with intent to surveil or map a military installation or correctional/detention facility for purposes of identifying security measures, vulnerabilities, or response patterns.

Makes it a felony to operate, take off, land, or possess a weaponized drone, or to use a drone to threaten, harm, or damage a person or property.

Explicitly requires compliance with FAA regulations as part of state law. Preserves federal airspace authority and establishes that state drone regulations operate within the FAA regulatory framework.

Partially preempts local government drone regulations. Cities, counties, and other political subdivisions cannot enact ordinances that conflict with Article 3 of Chapter 1, Title 55, or with FAA rules. However, local governments retain authority to impose reasonable restrictions on takeoff and landing sites on or above their own public property.

Drone Operation Restrictions

Restricts drone operations within 1/4-mile (1,320 feet) radius of schools (while in session), hospitals, parks, recreation facilities, sporting events, road races, outdoor festivals, fireworks shows, stadiums, and public gatherings of more than 50 people. Camera-equipped drones must maintain minimum 200-foot distance from any person, vehicle, building, or structure. Operator name and address must be affixed to the outside of the aircraft.

Blanket Ban on Drone Operations in County Parks

Prohibits launching drones in any CCPRC park or recreation area unless a permit has been granted for a designated area. Applies to all CCPRC facilities including James Island County Park, Wannamaker County Park, Palmetto Islands, Caw Caw Swamp, Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, Stono River, Laurel Hill, McLeod Plantation, and SK8 Charleston.

Drone Permit Requirement

Requires permits for drone operations within city limits.

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Drone Ban

Prohibits drone operations at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.

Drone Operator Certification Requirement

Prohibits launching or landing drones within town limits unless the operator holds a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and the aircraft is registered with the FAA according to Part 107 requirements.

State Park Drone Ban

Hunting Island State Park explicitly bans drone operations. Commercial drone work in any SC state park requires contacting the SCPRT Chief of Park Operations.

No City-Specific Drone Ordinance

City of Myrtle Beach has no specific drone ordinance and defers to FAA rules. However, Myrtle Beach International Airport Class D controlled airspace with extensive Class E shelf coverage means LAANC authorization is required for nearly all flights under 400 feet in the metropolitan area.

City Parks Drone Policy

City of Columbia's parks prohibit drone use without special-event permits. Policies vary by individual park. Contact Columbia Parks & Recreation for specific restrictions.

Falls Park on the Reedy Drone Ban

Drones are prohibited at Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville.