Alabama Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alabama maintains a generally permissive stance toward drone operations, with no state-level pilot licensing, registration, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA rules. The state imposes specific criminal penalties for drone operations near correctional facilities (Class C felony with mandatory jail time), critical infrastructure (when armed), and ticketed entertainment events, but does not restrict broad recreational or commercial drone use. General criminal surveillance and trespass statutes apply to drone operators, and the state explicitly recognizes FAA airspace preemption.
State Drone Laws
Ala. Code § 13A-7-91 (Act 2024-222)Operation of Drone Within 500 Feet of Correctional Facility
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of any Alabama Department of Corrections facility, or using a drone to conduct surveillance of, photograph, or record images of a facility. Defines facility broadly to include state correctional facilities, property owned or leased by ADOC out to outermost physical barriers, and public roads within 100 yards of facility barriers. Limited exceptions for ADOC, federally authorized operators, U.S. Armed Forces, Alabama National Guard, and with Commissioner's written permission, certain contractors and emergency responders.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-92 (Act 2024-222)Introducing Contraband into Facility by Drone
Makes it a separate Class C felony to attempt to introduce or introduce any contraband into a correctional facility using a drone.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-93 (Act 2024-222)Introducing Drone Component into Facility
Makes it a separate Class C felony to introduce any individual piece or component of a drone into a correctional facility.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-94 (Act 2024-222)Confiscation and Civil Forfeiture of Aircraft
Authorizes the Department of Corrections to confiscate any drone and subject it to civil forfeiture. Everything attached to or dropped from the drone is also subject to civil forfeiture.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3 (amended by HB 36/SB 45, 2020)Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility with Armed Drone
Pre-existing unauthorized-entry trespass law protecting critical-infrastructure facilities completely enclosed by physical barriers or clearly posted against entry. Enhanced penalty when unauthorized entry is committed while possessing or operating a drone equipped with weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition. Also applies to anyone who damages the facility or interrupts its operations during unauthorized entry.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-96 (HB 429, enacted 2026)Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System Near Ticketed Entertainment Events Prohibited
Prohibits operating a drone within 400 feet of or over any 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 are exempt.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-94.1 (HB 274, enacted 2026)Department of Corrections Authority to Disable, Disrupt, or Seize Drones
Grants the Alabama Department of Corrections the authority to disable, disrupt, or seize drones operating in violation of prison drone regulations. Rare state-level counter-UAS authority.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32 (amended 2019)Criminal Surveillance While Trespassing in Private Place
Pre-existing statute making it unlawful to conduct surveillance of a person in a place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy while trespassing on private property. Applies to drone operators using cameras to surveil private spaces without authorization.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1 (amended 2019)Aggravated Criminal Surveillance
Pre-existing statute covering aggravated criminal surveillance when surveillance of a person in a location where they reasonably expect privacy is done for sexual gratification. Applies to drone-based surveillance conducted for sexual purposes.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Oxford
cityOrdinance 2016-28 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation
Prohibits flying a drone over city-owned property, including parks and recreational areas, or any area designated by the city's police chief.
Restrictions
No drone operations over city-owned property without prior authorization. Police authorized to enforce FAA regulations.
City of Orange Beach
cityMunicipal Code Chapter 54, Article IV - Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits flying a drone at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or gulf beach area unless operation has been expressly permitted by both the FAA and city administrator.
Restrictions
Recreational UAS use not allowed on beach. Commercial operations require permit and FAA approval. No flights within 500 feet of venues, events, or gulf beaches without dual approval. Drones with weapons or unapproved modifications prohibited.
City of Gulf Shores
cityMunicipal Code Chapter 3, Article II, Division 9 - Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone at or within any venue, outdoor special event, or gulf beach area unless permitted by both the FAA and city administrator.
Restrictions
No flights within 500 feet of beaches, venues, or events without dual FAA/city approval. Violations carry fines up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail. Specific voyeurism and harassment provisions included.
City of Daphne
cityOrdinance No. 2017-34 - Remote-Controlled Aircraft in City Parks
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating remote-controlled aircraft (including drones) within or upon any city park without prior written authorization.
Restrictions
Commercial drone photography during special events requires special event permit. Recreational drone use allowed only in designated fields (e.g., Al Trione Sports Complex) when fields are not otherwise in use. Minimum distances: 100 feet from people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
cityUSS Alabama Drone Policy (2017)
Prohibits all UAV operations over the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park unless given prior approval by the Deputy Executive Director.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone operations over USS Alabama, USS Drum, Aircraft Pavilion, Park Memorials, and aircraft or artifacts on the ground. Restriction extends 100 feet horizontally and vertically from these structures.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation of drone within 500 feet horizontal or 200 feet vertical of Department of Corrections facility (§ 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorneys | One of the harshest drone penalties in the United States; most states treat similar violations as misdemeanors |
| Surveillance or photography of Department of Corrections facility by drone (§ 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorneys | No intent to deliver contraband required; photographing from outside facility boundary is sufficient |
| Introducing contraband into correctional facility by drone (§ 13A-7-92) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | Aircraft and contents subject to civil forfeiture |
| Introducing any piece or component of a drone into a correctional facility (§ 13A-7-93) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | Even a single drone component is a separate felony |
| Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility while possessing or operating armed drone (§ 13A-7-4.3) | Class C Felony | Up to $15,000 | Up to 10 years | Local Law Enforcement, State Police | Enhanced penalty for trespass when drone is equipped with weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition |
| Operation of drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event without authorization (§ 13A-7-96, effective 10/1/2026) | First offense: Civil fine; Repeat offense: Class A Misdemeanor | $500 (first offense) | Up to 1 year (repeat offense) | Local Law Enforcement | FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt. Effective date is October 1, 2026 |
| Criminal surveillance while trespassing in private place by drone (§ 13A-11-32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Pre-existing statute applied to drone surveillance; reaches operators hovering over fenced yards or private spaces |
| Aggravated criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32.1) | Criminal charges (enhanced) | Varies | Varies | Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced charges when surveillance is conducted for sexual gratification |
Operation of drone within 500 feet horizontal or 200 feet vertical of Department of Corrections facility (§ 13A-7-91)
One of the harshest drone penalties in the United States; most states treat similar violations as misdemeanors
Surveillance or photography of Department of Corrections facility by drone (§ 13A-7-91)
No intent to deliver contraband required; photographing from outside facility boundary is sufficient
Introducing contraband into correctional facility by drone (§ 13A-7-92)
Aircraft and contents subject to civil forfeiture
Introducing any piece or component of a drone into a correctional facility (§ 13A-7-93)
Even a single drone component is a separate felony
Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility while possessing or operating armed drone (§ 13A-7-4.3)
Enhanced penalty for trespass when drone is equipped with weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition
Operation of drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event without authorization (§ 13A-7-96, effective 10/1/2026)
FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt. Effective date is October 1, 2026
Criminal surveillance while trespassing in private place by drone (§ 13A-11-32)
Pre-existing statute applied to drone surveillance; reaches operators hovering over fenced yards or private spaces
Aggravated criminal surveillance by drone (§ 13A-11-32.1)
Enhanced charges when surveillance is conducted for sexual gratification
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 drone permit/authorization fees (city-specific) — Varies by jurisdictionCities like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores require written approval from city administrator for commercial or special-event drone use. Specific fee amounts not published in municipal codes reviewed.
Alabama does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or insurance beyond federal FAA requirements. All commercial drone operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. No separate state drone license, registration fee, insurance mandate, or drone-specific tax is imposed. HB 185 (2026, pending) proposes exempting certain aircraft from ad valorem taxation, which may clarify drone tax treatment if enacted.
No state-level permit required. However, local jurisdictions (Oxford, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne) require prior authorization or permits for flights on city-owned property.
No state mandate for liability insurance. Liability insurance is recommended but not required for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in Alabama require FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Alabama has no state-level commercial licensing or permitting layer. Commercial operators flying under Part 107 must comply with federal airspace rules, altitude limits (400 feet AGL), visual line-of-sight, daylight/civil twilight requirements, and LAANC authorization in controlled airspace around BHM, HSV, and MOB airports. No additional state credentials needed.
Recreational Drone Exemption (49 USC § 44809)
Alabama recognizes federal recreational flying exception
Recreational drone operators must pass the free TRUST test and comply with FAA recreational rules (400 feet AGL, visual line-of-sight, no commercial benefit). No state-equivalent TRUST test or additional Alabama recreational licensing required.
Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation inside FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) satisfies requirement. Alabama has no alternative state remote ID system.
Redstone Arsenal Restricted Airspace
Huntsville area under military restricted airspace (R-2104)
Redstone Arsenal, home to U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, maintains extensive military-controlled airspace that is off-limits to civilian drones. This is not a no-fly zone pilots can get permission to enter—it is a hard restriction. The airspace overlaps with HSV's Class C controlled airspace.
Controlled Airspace (Class B, C, D, E)
LAANC required for flights in controlled airspace
HSV, BHM, and MOB each anchor Class C airspace. Flights within designated UAS Facility Map altitudes require LAANC authorization or Part 107 further-coordination request. Class D airspace present near some smaller airports.
National Park Service Drone Ban
All NPS units in Alabama prohibit drone operations
Russell Cave National Monument, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and all other NPS properties in Alabama are off-limits for drone launches and landings under 36 CFR § 1.5. Violations result in federal petty offense (up to 6 months and $5,000 fine).
Alabama Airspace Preemption
State statute recognizes FAA as sole regulator of national airspace
Alabama's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act explicitly recognizes the FAA as the sole regulator of the national airspace over Alabama. Municipal and county governments cannot establish no-fly zones without prior FAA approval. They may regulate takeoff and landing on property they own and enforce state/federal criminal law.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM), Huntsville International (HSV), Mobile Regional (MOB), and Brookley Field (BFM). Redstone Arsenal's military restricted airspace (R-2104) around Huntsville is NOT LAANC-eligible and cannot be accessed through routine authorization—treat as hard no-fly zone.
Major Airports
HSV — Huntsville InternationalBHM — Birmingham-Shuttlesworth InternationalMOB — Mobile RegionalBFM — Brookley Field (Mobile area)JKA — Jack Edwards Airport (Gulf Shores area)
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs apply during NCAA Division I football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University, Auburn) — 3 nautical mile radius, below 3,000 feet, from one hour before to one hour after games. Automatic TFRs triggered by stadium capacity (over 30,000). Redstone Arsenal's military restricted airspace dominates Huntsville metro.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 484 / SB 322Pending in Committee (2026 Regular Session)Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility; Reservoirs Removed from List of Facilities
Modifies the existing critical infrastructure unauthorized entry statute (§ 13A-7-4.3) by removing reservoirs from the list of protected critical infrastructure facilities. May affect the scope of facilities protected from drone surveillance or armed drone intrusion.
Last action: March 11, 2026
HB 185Pending in Committee (2026 Regular Session)Taxation and Revenue; Exempt Certain Aircraft, Machinery, and Equipment from Ad Valorem Taxation
Proposes to exempt certain aircraft, machinery, and equipment from ad valorem (property) taxation. May have implications for drone tax treatment if drones are classified as aircraft for tax purposes.
Last action: January 14, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | UAS operations on University of Alabama 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 authorization. Automatic stadium TFR in effect on game days over Bryant-Denny Stadium (3 nm radius, below 3,000 feet, 1 hour before to 1 hour after game). | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Auburn University | Drone operations on Auburn University campus require authorization from the Office of Risk Management and Safety. Auburn maintains an active drone research and development program through the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Engineering. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus flights. No flights over crowds or sporting events. Stadium TFR applies during Jordan-Hare Stadium football games. | 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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