Alabama Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alabama maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations with limited state-specific restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state has enacted targeted laws addressing prison security, critical infrastructure protection, and ticketed entertainment events, but does not impose state-level licensing, registration, or insurance mandates. Alabama recognizes the FAA as the sole regulator of state airspace and preempts local governments from establishing no-fly zones without FAA approval.
State Drone Laws
Act 2024-222 (Ala. Code § 13A-7-90 et seq.)Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act
Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft system within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility, or using a drone to conduct surveillance, photograph, or record images of a correctional facility. Applies to state correctional facilities, facilities under construction, property owned or leased by ADOC or contractors, and public roads within 100 yards of facility barriers.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-92Introducing Contraband into Correctional Facility by Unmanned Aircraft
Makes it a Class C felony to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a Department of Corrections facility using an unmanned aircraft system.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-93Introducing Unmanned Aircraft Component into Correctional Facility
Makes it a Class C felony to introduce any individual piece or component of an unmanned aircraft system into a Department of Corrections facility.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-94Confiscation and Forfeiture of Unmanned Aircraft
Authorizes the Department of Corrections to confiscate unmanned aircraft systems and subjects all equipment attached to or dropped from the aircraft to civil forfeiture proceedings.
Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure Facility with Armed Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits intentional unauthorized entry of a critical-infrastructure facility completely enclosed by a physical barrier or clearly posted against entry. A person who commits unauthorized entry while possessing or operating an unmanned aircraft system with an attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition is guilty of a Class C felony. Also a felony to damage the facility or interrupt its operations.
HB 274 (2026)Department of Corrections Authority to Disable and Seize Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Grants the Alabama Department of Corrections authority to disable, disrupt, or seize unmanned aircraft systems operating in violation of drone regulations near correctional facilities. Provides enforcement mechanisms and exemptions for authorized operators.
HB 429 (2026)Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Near Ticketed Entertainment Events Prohibited
Makes it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft system within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event (music, sporting, or performing-arts event at a gated or barriered location) without consent of someone with legal authority over the event. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32Criminal Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to conduct surveillance of a person while trespassing in a private place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and safety from intrusion. The statute applies to drone-based surveillance conducted from outside the private place.
Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1Aggravated Criminal Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to conduct surveillance of a person in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. Applies to drone-based surveillance.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Oxford
cityOrdinance 2016-28 — Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
Prohibits unmanned aircraft system operations over any city-owned property, including parks, recreational areas, or any other areas designated by the police chief. Authorizes local law officials to enforce FAA regulations.
Restrictions
No UAV operations over city property, parks, recreational areas, or police-designated areas
City of Orange Beach
cityMunicipal Code Article IV (2020) — Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
Restricts recreational and commercial drone operations, particularly in beach and event areas. Recreational use on beaches is prohibited; recreational use is limited to private property with owner consent. Commercial operations require permits and fees.
Restrictions
Recreational drones prohibited on beaches. No launch/land/operate within 500 feet of venues, special events, or gulf beach areas without FAA and city administrator written approval. Commercial operations require permits.
City of Gulf Shores
cityMunicipal Code Chapter 3, Article II, Division 9 — Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems at or within any venue, outdoor special event, or Gulf Beach area without FAA authorization and city administrator written approval. Includes prohibitions on weaponized drones and voyeurism provisions.
Restrictions
No launch/land/operate within venues, special events, or gulf beach areas without FAA and city administrator approval. Penalties up to $500 per offense and up to 6 months in jail.
City of Daphne
cityOrdinance No. 2017-34 — Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
Restricts drone operations in city parks and establishes safety requirements for recreational flights. Allows recreational flights at designated sports complex fields with distance restrictions.
Restrictions
No launch/land/operate in city parks without prior written city consent. Commercial operations during special events require special event permit. Recreational flights at Al Trione Sports Complex only in unoccupied fields, minimum 100 feet from people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
cityUSS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Drone Policy (2017)
Prohibits all unmanned aircraft operations over the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park unless prior approval is obtained from the Deputy Executive Director.
Restrictions
No UAV operations without approval from Deputy Executive Director. 100-foot horizontal and vertical buffer from USS Alabama, USS Drum, Aircraft Pavilion, Park Memorials, and aircraft or artifacts on ground.
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 | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency | Aircraft subject to civil forfeiture. No intent to deliver contraband required — merely photographing a facility from outside is sufficient for prosecution. |
| Surveillance or photography of a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | Distinct violation from mere operation; recording images triggers this charge in addition to operational violation. |
| Introducing contraband into a correctional facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-92) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | All contraband and items attached to aircraft subject to forfeiture. |
| Introducing any piece or component of a drone into a correctional facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-93) | Class C Felony | Minimum $2,500 | Mandatory minimum 30 days (cannot be suspended or placed on probation) | Alabama Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | Even a single component constitutes a separate felony violation. |
| Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility with armed drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3) | Class C Felony | Up to $15,000 | Up to 10 years | Local Law Enforcement, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency | Applies to facilities completely enclosed by physical barrier or clearly posted against entry. Drone must have attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition. |
| Operating drone within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event without authorization (HB 429) | First offense: Civil violation; Repeat offense: Class A Misdemeanor | First offense: $500; Repeat offense: Included in misdemeanor penalty | First offense: None; Repeat offense: Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Effective October 1, 2026. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt. |
| Criminal surveillance while trespassing in a private place (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone surveillance conducted outside a private place where victim has reasonable expectation of privacy. |
| Aggravated criminal surveillance for sexual gratification (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1) | Class A or B Misdemeanor | Up to $6,000 (Class A) or $3,000 (Class B) | Up to 1 year (Class A) or 6 months (Class B) | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drone-based surveillance for sexual gratification in private locations. |
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 — merely photographing a facility from outside is sufficient for prosecution.
Surveillance or photography of a Department of Corrections facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-91)
Distinct violation from mere operation; recording images triggers this charge in addition to operational violation.
Introducing contraband into a correctional facility by drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-92)
All contraband and items attached to aircraft subject to forfeiture.
Introducing any piece or component of a drone into a correctional facility (Ala. Code § 13A-7-93)
Even a single component constitutes a separate felony violation.
Unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure facility with armed drone (Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3)
Applies to facilities completely enclosed by physical barrier or clearly posted against entry. Drone must have attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition.
Operating drone within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event without authorization (HB 429)
Effective October 1, 2026. FAA-authorized operators flying lawfully are exempt.
Criminal surveillance while trespassing in a private place (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32)
Applies to drone surveillance conducted outside a private place where victim has reasonable expectation of privacy.
Aggravated criminal surveillance for sexual gratification (Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.1)
Applies to drone-based surveillance for sexual gratification in private locations.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Alabama does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration for $5 (valid for 3 years). Recreational drones under 0.55 pounds are exempt from FAA registration but must comply with all flight rules.
No Alabama state permit is required for drone operations beyond FAA requirements. Some municipalities (Oxford, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne) require local permits for operations in their jurisdictions. Commercial drone operations over city property may require additional city permits in some jurisdictions.
Alabama does not require drone insurance. Insurance is recommended but not mandated for either recreational or commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations in Alabama require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107.
Commercial operators must pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test ($175 fee) at an FAA-approved testing center in Alabama (Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and other cities). The certificate is valid for 24 months. No Alabama state commercial license or additional permit is required beyond the FAA certificate.
Recreational Flight — TRUST Certification
Recreational drone pilots must complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying.
The free, online TRUST test covers aeronautical knowledge and safety. Pilots must carry proof of completion when flying. No Alabama state endorsement required. Test administered by FAA-approved providers.
Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID has been mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024.
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information via Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or operation inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Enforcement is by the FAA with civil and criminal penalties for violations.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Drones are prohibited on National Park Service lands in Alabama.
NPS units in Alabama include Russell Cave National Monument, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Tuskegee National Historic Site, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and others. Violations carry federal petty offense penalties (up to 6 months and/or $5,000 fine under 36 CFR § 1.5).
Redstone Arsenal Military Restricted Airspace
Military restricted airspace (R-2104) surrounds Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville and is off-limits to civilian drones.
This airspace is not available for LAANC authorization. Routine approvals cannot be obtained. Treat as a hard no-fly zone. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Cummings Research Park are within this restricted airspace.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
Large stadiums trigger automatic Temporary Flight Restrictions during events.
Bryant-Denny Stadium (Alabama) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn) each exceed 100,000 capacity and trigger automatic TFRs during NCAA Division I football games. The TFR extends 3 nautical miles horizontally and 3,000 feet vertically, 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event. Violations carry federal civil and criminal penalties.
FAA Airspace Preemption
Alabama law recognizes the FAA as the sole regulator of airspace.
Municipalities and counties cannot establish no-fly zones without FAA approval. Local governments can regulate takeoff and landing on property they own, but cannot restrict airspace operations. This preemption is explicit in Alabama statute.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Alabama has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available at major Alabama airports including Huntsville International (HSV), Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM), Mobile Regional (MOB), and others. LAANC is required for flights in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface E) around these airports. Huntsville sits under Redstone Arsenal's restricted airspace (R-2104), which is NOT LAANC-eligible and is effectively off-limits for civilian drone operations.
Major Airports
HSV — Huntsville International Airport (Class C, Redstone Arsenal restricted airspace overlay)BHM — Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Class C)MOB — Mobile Regional Airport (Class C)JKA — Jack Edwards National Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are active over Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University) during NCAA Division I football games (3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet AGL, 1 hour before to 1 hour after event). Additional TFRs may be in effect for special events, national security operations, and natural disasters. Always check NOTAMs before flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 484In Committee — Reported Out of House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure; Placed on Calendar for Third ReadingUnauthorized Entry of a Critical Infrastructure Facility; Reservoirs Removed from List of Facilities
Would remove reservoirs from the list of critical infrastructure facilities covered by Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3. This narrowing amendment would reduce the scope of critical infrastructure protections for water resources and dams.
Last action: March 11, 2026
SB 322Pending — Referred to Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic DevelopmentUnauthorized Entry of a Critical Infrastructure Facility; Reservoirs Removed from List of Facilities
Senate companion to HB 484. Would remove reservoirs from the definition of critical infrastructure facilities under Ala. Code § 13A-7-4.3.
Last action: February 25, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | Unmanned aircraft system 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 University of Alabama football games at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Restrictions: No flights over crowds, athletic events, or university buildings without prior approval. Stadium TFR during game days (3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet, 1 hour before to 1 hour after). | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Auburn University | Unmanned aircraft system 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 and has established approval processes for operational flights. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus flights. No flights over crowds or sporting events without explicit approval. Stadium TFR applies during Auburn football games at Jordan-Hare Stadium. | 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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