Alabama Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alabama maintains a moderate regulatory stance toward drone operations. The state has no drone-specific pilot licensing, registration, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA rules. However, Alabama has enacted targeted criminal statutes protecting critical infrastructure—particularly Department of Corrections facilities—with severe felony penalties including mandatory jail time. Recent legislation (HB 429, effective October 1, 2026) restricts drones near ticketed entertainment events. Beyond these narrow restrictions, Alabama recognizes FAA airspace preemption and allows local governments to regulate takeoff and landing on city property but not to establish airspace restrictions.
State Drone Laws
Ala. Code § 13A-7-91Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act—Operating Drone Near Department of Corrections Facility
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility, or using a drone to conduct surveillance of, photograph, or record images of such a facility. Facility defined as any state correctional facility (including construction), property owned/leased by DOC, and public roads within 100 yards of physical barrier. Exceptions for DOC, federally authorized operators, U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, and contractors/agencies with Commissioner's written permission.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-92Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act—Introducing Contraband by Drone
Makes it a crime to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a Department of Corrections facility by drone.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-93Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act—Introducing Drone Components
Makes it a crime to introduce any individual piece or component of a drone into a Department of Corrections facility.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility with Armed Drone
Enhances penalties for unauthorized entry into a critical infrastructure facility (those enclosed by physical barrier or clearly posted against entry). If the person possesses or operates a drone with an attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition during unauthorized entry; or damages the facility or interrupts its operations; the offense becomes a Class C felony.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32Criminal Surveillance
Makes it a crime to conduct surveillance of a person while trespassing in a private place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This general criminal statute applies to drone operations used for surveillance.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1Aggravated Criminal Surveillance
Makes it a crime to conduct surveillance of a person in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy specifically for the purpose of sexual gratification. This general criminal statute applies to drone operations used for voyeurism.
Ala. HB 429 (2026)Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Near Ticketed Entertainment Events Prohibited
Prohibits operating a drone within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event (music, sporting, or performing-arts event at a gated or barriered location) without consent from someone with legal authority over the event. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully under Part 107 or with a waiver are exempt.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Oxford
cityOrdinance 2016-28 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation Restrictions
Prohibits flying drones over city-owned property including parks, recreational areas, and any areas designated by the police chief. City police authorized to enforce FAA regulations.
Restrictions
No UAV operations over city-owned property, parks, recreational areas, or areas designated by police chief.
City of Orange Beach
cityChapter 54, Article IV — Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operations in beaches and around venues and special events. Recreational drones prohibited on beaches; commercial operations require permits and city approval.
Restrictions
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or gulf beach area unless expressly permitted by FAA and city administrator. Recreational use not allowed on beaches. Commercial use requires permit and city approval.
City of Gulf Shores
cityChapter 3, Article II, Division 9 — Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Comprehensive drone ordinance prohibiting operations at beaches and venues without permits. Includes voyeurism and harassment provisions.
Restrictions
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or gulf beach area without FAA and city administrator permission. Violations subject to fines up to $500 and/or up to 6 months jail. Prohibits equipping drones with weapons or unapproved modifications.
City of Daphne
cityOrdinance 2017-34 — Drone Operations on City Property
Restricts drone launch and landing in city parks; requires permits for commercial operations during special events.
Restrictions
No UAV launch, landing, or operation in city parks without written consent from city. Commercial drone photography during special events requires special event permit. Recreational use allowed on designated fields (Al Trione Sports Complex) only, must maintain 100-foot clearance from people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
cityUSS Alabama Drone Policy
Prohibits all UAV operations over the battleship memorial and associated exhibits unless approved by park management.
Restrictions
All UAV operations prohibited unless approved by Deputy Executive Director. Mandatory 100-foot horizontal and vertical buffer from USS Alabama, USS Drum, Aircraft Pavilion, park memorials, and ground-based aircraft or artifacts.
Huntsville
cityCity Property Drone Restrictions
Restricts drone operations over city-owned property and parks.
Restrictions
No drone operations over city-owned property including parks and recreational areas or any area designated by police chief.
Birmingham
cityCity Parks Drone Restrictions
Prohibits drone operations over all city-owned parks and recreational areas.
Restrictions
Prohibits flying drones over all city-owned parks and recreational areas. Police chief may designate additional restricted areas. Commercial operations over city property may require special permits.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of a Department of Corrections facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | $2,500 to $15,000 | 30 days mandatory minimum (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) to 10 years maximum | Alabama Department of Corrections / Local Law Enforcement / District Attorneys | Aircraft subject to civil forfeiture. No intent to deliver contraband required—proximity alone is criminal. |
| Surveillance or photographing a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | $2,500 to $15,000 | 30 days mandatory minimum to 10 years maximum | Alabama Department of Corrections / Local Law Enforcement | Same penalties as operating near facility. |
| Introducing contraband into a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-92) | Class C Felony | $2,500 to $15,000 | 30 days mandatory minimum to 10 years maximum | Alabama Department of Corrections / Local Law Enforcement | Contraband subject to civil forfeiture. |
| Introducing a drone component into a Department of Corrections facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-93) | Class C Felony | $2,500 to $15,000 | 30 days mandatory minimum to 10 years maximum | Alabama Department of Corrections | Any individual piece or component of a drone introduced into facility. |
| Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility while possessing or operating an armed drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3) | Class C Felony | Statutory range for Class C felony | Statutory range for Class C felony | Local Law Enforcement / State Police | Enhanced penalty applies when drone is equipped with weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition, or if entry damages facility or interrupts operations. |
| Criminal surveillance while trespassing in private place (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Statutory range for Class B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone surveillance conducted while trespassing in location where person has reasonable expectation of privacy. |
| Aggravated criminal surveillance for sexual gratification (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1) | Class B Misdemeanor or higher | Statutory range | Statutory range | Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalties when surveillance conducted via drone for sexual gratification. |
| Operating a drone within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event without authorization (Ala. HB 429, effective 10/1/2026) | First Offense: Civil Fine; Repeat Offense: Class A Misdemeanor | First offense: $500; Repeat offense: Class A misdemeanor statutory range | First offense: None; Repeat offense: Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement / Event Security | Ticketed entertainment events are gated/barriered music, sporting, or performing-arts events. FAA-authorized Part 107 operators exempt. Takes effect October 1, 2026. |
| Drone operations at Gulf Shores beaches or venues without city approval (Gulf Shores Code Ch. 3, Art. II, Div. 9) | Municipal violation | Up to $500 per offense | Up to 6 months | Gulf Shores Police Department | |
| Drone operations in National Park Service units (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers / Federal Prosecutors | Applies to Russell Cave, Horseshoe Bend, Tuskegee sites, Little River Canyon, and other NPS units in Alabama. |
Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of a Department of Corrections facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91)
Aircraft subject to civil forfeiture. No intent to deliver contraband required—proximity alone is criminal.
Surveillance or photographing a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91)
Same penalties as operating near facility.
Introducing contraband into a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-92)
Contraband subject to civil forfeiture.
Introducing a drone component into a Department of Corrections facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-93)
Any individual piece or component of a drone introduced into facility.
Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility while possessing or operating an armed drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3)
Enhanced penalty applies when drone is equipped with weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition, or if entry damages facility or interrupts operations.
Criminal surveillance while trespassing in private place (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32)
Applies to drone surveillance conducted while trespassing in location where person has reasonable expectation of privacy.
Aggravated criminal surveillance for sexual gratification (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1)
Enhanced penalties when surveillance conducted via drone for sexual gratification.
Operating a drone within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event without authorization (Ala. HB 429, effective 10/1/2026)
Ticketed entertainment events are gated/barriered music, sporting, or performing-arts events. FAA-authorized Part 107 operators exempt. Takes effect October 1, 2026.
Drone operations at Gulf Shores beaches or venues without city approval (Gulf Shores Code Ch. 3, Art. II, Div. 9)
Drone operations in National Park Service units (36 CFR § 1.5)
Applies to Russell Cave, Horseshoe Bend, Tuskegee sites, Little River Canyon, and other NPS units in Alabama.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Alabama 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
- Local Commercial Permit Fees (varies by municipality) — Varies by citySome Alabama cities including Birmingham, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach may require permits or charge fees for commercial drone operations over city property, parks, or near restricted areas such as beaches and venues. Specific amounts and requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Alabama has no state-level drone registration requirement, commercial licensing requirement, or insurance mandate beyond federal FAA rules. Operators must comply with federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years for drones over 250g), TRUST certification for recreational flying, and Part 107 certification for commercial operations. Alabama does not impose additional state-level fees or licensing requirements.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
All drones over 250 grams must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operate within a FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area). This federal requirement applies to all Alabama drone operators and supersedes any state rules.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operations require FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Alabama does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing requirements. The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the sole commercial credential needed to operate commercially in Alabama.
TRUST Certification for Recreational Pilots
Recreational drone pilots must pass the free TRUST examination
All recreational drone operators in Alabama must complete and carry proof of the free FAA TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) certification. Alabama does not issue a separate state recreational license.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC Authorization
Class C airspace over major Alabama cities requires LAANC authorization before flight
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM), Huntsville International (HSV), and Mobile Regional (MOB) are Class C airports. Drones must obtain LAANC authorization via FAA-approved apps before flying in these controlled rings. Redstone Arsenal's military restricted airspace (R-2104) over Huntsville does not permit civilian drone flight and does not offer LAANC authorization.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
Automatic TFRs apply during major college football games
Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University) both exceed the 30,000-seat threshold triggering automatic stadium TFRs during NCAA Division I football games: 3 nautical miles radius, below 3,000 feet, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Violations may result in FAA civil and criminal enforcement.
National Airspace System Preemption
FAA has exclusive authority over Alabama's national airspace
Alabama recognizes the FAA as the sole regulator of the national airspace. No local government may establish no-fly zones without prior FAA approval. Local governments may only regulate drone takeoff and landing on property they own and enforce state and federal criminal laws.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at major Alabama airports including Huntsville International (HSV), Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM), Mobile Regional (MOB), and Jack Edwards National (JKA). However, Redstone Arsenal's military restricted airspace (R-2104) over Huntsville does not offer LAANC authorization—this airspace is not available for routine civilian drone flights and requires coordination through other FAA processes.
Major Airports
HSV — Huntsville InternationalBHM — Birmingham-Shuttlesworth InternationalMOB — Mobile RegionalBFM — Brookley FieldJKA — Jack Edwards National
TFR Notice
Automatic stadium TFRs apply during football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University, Auburn)—3 nautical miles radius, below 3,000 feet, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Redstone Arsenal maintains permanent military restricted airspace over Huntsville that is not available for civilian drone flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Andrea Robinson Charged with Attempted Drone Drug Delivery to Alabama Prison
enforcementAndrea Robinson arrested after attempting to deliver nearly one pound of marijuana to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore via drone. She made a second attempt before being arrested and charged with attempted controlled substance crime, illegal drone operation, and promoting prison contraband. This incident directly led to passage of HB 274, which granted Alabama Department of Corrections authority to disable, disrupt, or seize drones on sight.
William Dale Stuart Arrested Near Ventress Correctional Facility
enforcementWilliam Dale Stuart arrested near Ventress Correctional Facility after Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 officers spotted his drone on state property. Charged with illegal drone operation near correctional facility under Ala. Code § 13A-7-91.
Pending Legislation
HB 484 / SB 322In Committee (2026 Regular Session)Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility; Reservoirs Removed from List
Would remove reservoirs from the definition of critical infrastructure facilities protected under Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3. This could affect drone operations near water facilities, as reservoirs would no longer be protected critical infrastructure locations subject to enhanced penalties when accessed with armed drones.
Last action: March 11, 2026
HB 185Pending — House Ways and Means General Fund (2026 Regular Session)Taxation and Revenue; Exempt Certain Aircraft, Machinery, and Equipment from Ad Valorem Taxation
Would exempt certain aircraft and related machinery from ad valorem taxation. Unclear whether commercial drones or UAS equipment would be covered under aircraft exemptions.
Last action: January 14, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | UAS operations on university property require prior approval from the Office of Risk Management. All flights must comply with FAA regulations. Stadium TFRs apply during football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Restrictions: No flights over crowds, athletic events, or university buildings without prior approval. Stadium TFR applies during football game days (3 nm radius, below 3,000 feet, 1 hour before to 1 hour after events). | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Auburn University | Drone operations on Auburn campus require authorization from the Office of Risk Management and Safety. Auburn maintains an active drone research program through the Department of Aviation. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus flights. No flights over crowds or sporting events. | Yes | Office of Risk Management and Safety |
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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