Tennessee Drone Laws

Prohibits using a drone to capture images of individuals or privately owned property with intent to conduct surveillance where the person has reasonable expectation of privacy. Each image captured constitutes a separate offense. Applies to open-air events (100+ attendees), fireworks events, correctional facilities, and critical infrastructure areas.

Makes it a separate offense to possess, display, distribute, or otherwise use unlawfully captured drone images. Each image constitutes a separate offense. Distributing images escalates the charge from Class C to Class B misdemeanor.

Prohibits operating a drone within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facilities to conduct surveillance, gather evidence, or collect information without business operator's written consent. Includes power generation systems, electrical transmission/distribution, petroleum refineries, chemical/rubber manufacturing, water treatment facilities, natural gas facilities, railroad yards, and communication service facilities. Penalty increased to Class E felony by HB 308/SB 306 (2019).

Defines 19+ lawful exceptions to surveillance restrictions. Includes: professional/scholarly research by higher education institutions, FAA-authorized test sites, military operations, satellite mapping, utility company infrastructure inspection, property owner consent, law enforcement with warrant or emergency authorization, state emergency management, real estate photography, insurance claims assessment, licensed private investigators, oil/gas pipeline inspection, port authority security, commercial services with FAA authorization, land surveying, and photogrammetric mapping.

Restricts law enforcement use of drones. Police generally require a search warrant to conduct drone surveillance, with limited exceptions: imminent danger to life, search and rescue operations, counterterrorism with DHS determination of credible threat, fugitive/escapee monitoring, and missing person searches. Images collected in violation are inadmissible in prosecution. Revised by HB 2256 (2017).

Prohibits capturing images of individuals or events at open-air event venues with 100+ attendees (or capacity for 100+) without consent of venue owner or operator. Covers concerts, festivals, sports events, fairs, and similar ticketed events. Enacted by HB 153 (2015).

Prohibits knowingly operating a drone within designated fireworks discharge sites, display sites, or fallout areas during fireworks events. Applies to Fourth of July, New Year's Eve, and all organized fireworks displays. Enacted by HB 153 (2015).

Prohibits private entities from using drones to conduct video surveillance of private citizens lawfully engaged in hunting and fishing activities without written consent. Tennessee Hunter Protection Act provision enacted by SB 1777 (2014).

Prohibits knowingly operating a drone over the grounds of a correctional facility. Currently Class C misdemeanor, but pending HB 1538/SB 1631 would upgrade to Class C felony.

Authorizes Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Commission to promulgate rules permitting use of drones to locate and retrieve deer wounded by hunters. Enacted 2025, effective 07/01/2025.

Creates new Class C misdemeanor offense for knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over the grounds of any school in Tennessee. Enacted April 2026, effective 07/01/2026.

Permits law enforcement agencies to use drones to search for and collect evidence or obtain information with: property owner consent, natural emergency, or active crime investigation. Sunset date removed by HB 1620/SB 1645 (2023), making provisions permanent.

Requires law enforcement agencies to develop and enforce policies prohibiting officers from using drones as weapons. Simultaneously authorizes qualified officers to use drones to remotely detonate bombs or similar incendiary/explosive devices. Enacted 2023.

Prohibits state agencies, local agencies, and law enforcement agencies from purchasing or acquiring drones or covered telecommunications equipment produced by manufacturers banned under federal National Defense Authorization Act of 2019. Effectively bans DJI drones and other Chinese-origin UAS.

Allows Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to use drones to capture images for emergency management and disaster assessment. Limits image retention to 1 year for damage assessment (or FEMA requirement if major disaster declared), 15 business days for other purposes. Enacted 2022.

Prohibits dropping items or substances from drones into open-air event venues where 100+ persons are gathered for ticketed events. Enacted 2019.

Drone operations in Tennessee State Parks subject to same rules as manned aircraft. Operations, launching, or landing prohibited unless written permission from Park Manager granted. Exemptions: designated landing areas. Drones may not operate within 500 feet of bathing beaches, boat docks, piers, ramps, or within one mile of water-controlled structures (dams, water intake facilities).

UAVs may operate on undeveloped TVA public lands in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Public operation strictly prohibited on developed TVA lands including dam reservations, power plants, substations, transmission lines, and developed recreation areas. Drones must not harass, harm, or interfere with persons, property, wildlife, or TVA operations.

Nashville Metro Parks Drone Flight Restrictions

Drone flights restricted to three designated areas: Warner Park, Peeler Park, and Cane Ridge Park. Prior approval from Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Director required for operations in designated areas.

Davidson County Code § 13.24.400 — Prohibition of Flying Machines in Parks

Prohibits use of any drones or flying machines in all Davidson County parks.