Arizona Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Arizona maintains a moderate drone regulatory stance. The state provides broad preemption preventing local drone ordinances, but enforces strict penalties for critical infrastructure violations, federal compliance breaches, and emergency services interference. Recent amendments (2026) added prohibitions near schools and entertainment venues. Recreational drones are banned from all state parks, and state law prohibits wildlife harassment via drone. Commercial operations require only FAA Part 107 certification.
State Drone Laws
A.R.S. § 13-3729Unlawful Operation of Model or Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits drone operations that violate federal law, interfere with law enforcement or emergency services, or photograph/loiter over critical facilities to further a crime. Establishes state preemption preventing local ordinances on drone ownership or operation, except for municipal regulation of takeoff/landing on municipally-owned parks and preserves.
A.R.S. § 13-1424Voyeurism
Prohibits knowingly photographing or recording another person without consent in circumstances with reasonable expectation of privacy with intent for sexual gratification. Applies to drone surveillance.
A.R.S. § 13-3019Surreptitious Recording
Prohibits recording another person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity without consent in a place with reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone surveillance.
A.R.S. § 28-8280Careless or Reckless Aircraft Operation
Prohibits operating an aircraft (including drones) in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of another person.
HB 2755 (2025)Law Enforcement Authority to Disable Drones Used in Crimes
Authorizes Arizona law enforcement to damage or disable a drone being used to commit a crime or carrying contraband. Motivated by drone-delivered narcotics to prisons and cartel smuggling activity.
HB 2733 (2025)Qualified Immunity for Drone Interception Near Southern Border
Shields public entities and public employees from damage liability when they intercept, disable, or destroy a drone within fifteen miles of the southern border.
HB 2875 (2026) - Chapter 116Local Regulation Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft Amendment
Amends Arizona's preemption statute governing local regulation of unmanned aircraft. Reinforces state-level preemption of local drone ordinances with specific definitions and exceptions.
SB 1160 (2026) - Chapter 215Drones; Entertainment Events; Prohibition
Prohibits operating unmanned aircraft during entertainment events in entertainment districts. Adds new criminal classification for unlawful operation of model or unmanned aircraft in these venues.
SB 1627 (2026) - Chapter 236Schools; Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits operating unmanned aircraft near schools or school grounds. Adds new criminal classification for unlawful operation of model or unmanned aircraft in school zones.
Arizona State Parks PolicyRecreational Drone Prohibition in State Parks
Recreational drone use is prohibited across the entire Arizona State Parks system. Commercial drone use can be considered through the state parks Filming Permit process with insurance and current FAA registration.
Arizona Game & Fish RegulationDrones Classified as Aircraft for Hunting Law
Drones are classified as 'aircraft' under Arizona hunting law. Drones cannot be used to pursue, take, disturb, or harass wildlife. The 48-hour pre-season scouting window that applies to airplanes and helicopters applies to drones. Exception: drones may assist in recovering already-lawfully-harvested big game if no one in the party is actively hunting.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Maricopa County
countyOrdinance R-116 - Aircraft & Engine-Powered Models
Prohibits drone and model aircraft operation in Maricopa County-owned regional parks and recreation areas unless specifically designated for such use.
Restrictions
Drones banned in Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Estrella Mountain, Cave Creek, San Tan Mountain, Usery Mountain, Buckeye Hills, and Spur Cross Ranch. Operations must not create hazards to the general public.
City of Phoenix
cityCity Code Section 24-49 - Unmanned Aircraft in Parks
Prohibits drone takeoff and landing in Phoenix city parks and preserves except in eight designated model aircraft parks.
Restrictions
No drones allowed in: all city parks except Coyote Basin, Desert Foothills Park (Lower Field), Dynamite Park, El Prado Park, Esteban Park (East Quadrant), Grovers Basin, Mountain View II Park (South of Ballfield), Werner's Field. All operations must adhere to AMA Safety Code.
City of Scottsdale
cityOrdinance 4276 - Drone Operations in Parks and Preserves
Bans drone takeoff and landing in McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other city-owned parks.
Restrictions
Prohibited: McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Mescal Park, Stonegate Park, WestWorld, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Pinnacle Peak Park, Cactus Aquatic Center, Chaparral Aquatic Center, Eldorado Aquatic Center, McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. First offense: $50-$300 fine; second offense: misdemeanor charge.
City of Tempe
cityOrdinance O2017.36 - Drone Operations in Parks
Prohibits drone takeoff and landing at specified city parks and preserves.
Restrictions
Prohibited: Tempe Beach Park, Tempe section of Papago Park, Rio Salado Park, and city preserves. Other Tempe parks are not covered.
Town of Prescott Valley
cityMunicipal Ordinance (2018) - Drone Use Policy
Outlines official drone uses and permitted operations by town employees.
Restrictions
Policy covers town employee operations including search and rescue, emergency management, law enforcement, and capital project management. Private operations must comply with state and federal law.
City of Mesa
cityParks Rules and Regulations - Drone Operations
Prohibits drone operations in all Mesa city parks except Basin 114.
Restrictions
Basin 114 is the sole exception and is available for drop-on use on first-come, first-served basis. All operators must follow FAA or AMA safety rules. Pilots must operate from the bottom of the retention basin.
City of Apache Junction
cityParks Recreation Policy - Drone Operations
Permits drone operations at specific parks under designated conditions.
Restrictions
Permitted at rodeo grounds facility (when not in use) and Prospector Park staging area (desert area behind park only, not the park itself).
Town of Paradise Valley
cityCommercial UAS Operations Registration (2015)
Requires commercial drone operations to be registered with the town prior to operations.
Restrictions
Commercial UAS operations must be registered at least 4 hours prior to start of operations. Recreational use by property owners allowed on own property at height less than 500 feet. Flying over others' private property without consent is trespass.
Navajo Nation
countyNavajo Nation Tribal Parks - Drone Prohibition
Prohibits drones in Navajo Nation tribal parks and requires permits for drone operations on tribal land.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in Monument Valley Tribal Park, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Dine Heritage Area, and Little Colorado River Gorge. Filming permits required for commercial operations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAA-prohibited operation or emergency interference (§ 13-3729(A)) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety | Most serious misdemeanor classification. Also subject to federal FAA civil and criminal penalties. |
| Critical facility photography/loitering to further crime, first offense (§ 13-3729(B)) | Class 6 Felony | Varies per § 13-801 | 4 months to 2 years | Local law enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety | Immediate felony classification on first offense. Intent to further criminal purpose required. Conviction affects voting rights and firearm ownership. |
| Critical facility photography/loitering to further crime, repeat offense (§ 13-3729(B)) | Class 5 Felony | Varies per § 13-801 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local law enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety | Enhanced penalties for repeat violations. Serious felony with court sentencing discretion. |
| Voyeurism by drone (§ 13-1424) | Class 5 Felony | Varies | Up to 2.5 years | Local law enforcement | Applied when drone used to photograph person in private circumstances for sexual gratification. |
| Surreptitious recording by drone (§ 13-3019) | Class 5 Felony | Varies | Up to 2.5 years | Local law enforcement | Applied when drone records person in state of undress or sexual activity without consent. |
| Careless or reckless aircraft operation (§ 28-8280) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement | Applies when drone operation endangers life or property. |
| National Park Service drone violation (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | NPS Rangers, Federal prosecutors | Applies to all NPS units in Arizona. Drone can be seized. Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks actively enforce. |
| Wilderness Act violation - drone use in USFS/BLM wilderness (Wilderness Act of 1964) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | USFS Rangers, BLM Officers, federal court | Applies to designated wilderness areas including Red Rock-Secret Mountain, Munds Mountain, Superstition, Mazatzal, and others. |
| Drone violation in Arizona State Parks (state parks policy) | Per-park citation | Varies by park | Varies | Arizona State Parks rangers | Recreational drones prohibited; commercial permits available through Filming Permit process. |
| Wildlife harassment via drone (Arizona Game & Fish Regulation) | Varies | Varies | Varies | Arizona Game & Fish Department | Report violations to Operation Game Thief: 1-800-352-0700 |
| Drones at entertainment events (SB 1160) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement | Effective June 22, 2026. Prohibits drones during entertainment events in entertainment districts. |
| Drones near schools (SB 1627) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement | Effective June 22, 2026. Prohibits drones near school grounds or school buildings. |
FAA-prohibited operation or emergency interference (§ 13-3729(A))
Most serious misdemeanor classification. Also subject to federal FAA civil and criminal penalties.
Critical facility photography/loitering to further crime, first offense (§ 13-3729(B))
Immediate felony classification on first offense. Intent to further criminal purpose required. Conviction affects voting rights and firearm ownership.
Critical facility photography/loitering to further crime, repeat offense (§ 13-3729(B))
Enhanced penalties for repeat violations. Serious felony with court sentencing discretion.
Voyeurism by drone (§ 13-1424)
Applied when drone used to photograph person in private circumstances for sexual gratification.
Surreptitious recording by drone (§ 13-3019)
Applied when drone records person in state of undress or sexual activity without consent.
Careless or reckless aircraft operation (§ 28-8280)
Applies when drone operation endangers life or property.
National Park Service drone violation (36 CFR § 1.5)
Applies to all NPS units in Arizona. Drone can be seized. Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks actively enforce.
Wilderness Act violation - drone use in USFS/BLM wilderness (Wilderness Act of 1964)
Applies to designated wilderness areas including Red Rock-Secret Mountain, Munds Mountain, Superstition, Mazatzal, and others.
Drone violation in Arizona State Parks (state parks policy)
Recreational drones prohibited; commercial permits available through Filming Permit process.
Wildlife harassment via drone (Arizona Game & Fish Regulation)
Report violations to Operation Game Thief: 1-800-352-0700
Drones at entertainment events (SB 1160)
Effective June 22, 2026. Prohibits drones during entertainment events in entertainment districts.
Drones near schools (SB 1627)
Effective June 22, 2026. Prohibits drones near school grounds or school buildings.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Arizona 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
Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Commercial License
- Required — fee not specified
Arizona does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is the only registration requirement. Arizona does not impose a separate state drone license, business permit, or registration fee on top of federal requirements. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test.
No state-level permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations beyond FAA Part 107 for commercial use. Local cities and towns are barred by state preemption from requiring drone permits, except for regulation of takeoff/landing on municipally-owned parks and preserves.
Arizona does not mandate drone insurance. However, commercial operators often obtain $1 million liability coverage as industry standard, and some clients require it.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors in Arizona must broadcast identification, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID or broadcast module. Exception: operating inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This is enforced federally by the FAA with civil and criminal penalties.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Federal regulatory requirement for commercial drone work
Arizona commercial operators must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, pass the knowledge test ($175 fee), and maintain current FAA registration. Part 107 rules apply statewide and cannot be modified by state or local regulations. Arizona state preemption prevents cities from adding additional commercial licensing requirements.
National Park Service Closures
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5
All National Park Service units in Arizona are closed to drone launch, landing, and operation, including Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Glen Canyon NRA, Lake Mead NRA, Organ Pipe Cactus, Canyon de Chelly, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, Tonto, Casa Grande Ruins, Tumacácori, Coronado Memorial, Pipe Spring, Navajo National Monument, and Hubbell Trading Post. Violation is federal class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine. Drones can be seized.
Wilderness Area Restrictions
Wilderness Act of 1964
Drones are prohibited in USFS and BLM designated wilderness areas as 'motorized equipment' and 'mechanical transport.' Covers Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Munds Mountain Wilderness, Sycamore Canyon, Pusch Ridge, Superstition, Mazatzal, and dozens more across Arizona's six national forests. Violation penalties: up to $5,000 and federal court proceedings.
Military Restricted Airspace
Federal military flight restrictions
Large restricted airspace zones over Luke Air Force Base (western Phoenix metro), Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), Fort Huachuca (Cochise County), Yuma Proving Ground, and Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range (1.7 million acres in southern Arizona). Not available through LAANC. Stay well clear of all military airspace boundaries.
Stadium TFRs
14 CFR § 99.7 stadium TFRs plus special event TFRs
Standing TFR covers any stadium with 30,000+ seats during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, or major motor sports events. Within 3 nautical miles of stadium, surface to 3,000 feet AGL, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after event. Arizona venues: State Farm Stadium (Glendale), Chase Field (downtown Phoenix), Sun Devil Stadium (Tempe), Arizona Stadium (Tucson). Special events (Super Bowl, Final Four, World Cup) produce larger TFRs.
Controlled Airspace Authorization
LAANC required in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace
Drone operations in controlled airspace require LAANC authorization or manual FAA coordination. Arizona's metro areas fall under Class B (Phoenix), Class C (Tucson), Class D (Flagstaff, Scottsdale), or surface-E. Recreational and Part 107 pilots can request real-time LAANC approval; Part 107 pilots can request 'further coordination' for flights up to 400 feet.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization available at major Arizona airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX, Class B, extensive coverage), Tucson International (TUS, Class C, good coverage), and Scottsdale Airport (SDL, Class D). LAANC available through DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, and other FAA-approved providers. Typical approval altitudes 50-200 feet in controlled grid squares.
Major Airports
PHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor International (Class B)TUS — Tucson International (Class C)SDL — Scottsdale Airport (Class D)FLG — Flagstaff Pulliam (Class D)PGA — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (Class D)
TFR Notice
Rio Rico Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) imposed August 8, 2025 through February 9, 2026 (may be renewed) over 5-mile radius north of Nogales in Santa Cruz County to prevent cartel drone activity. Border-zone TFRs are recurring pattern in southern Arizona. Stadium TFRs active during NFL/MLB/NCAA Division I football games and major events (e.g., Super Bowl, Final Four). Check tfr.faa.gov and NOTAMs before every flight, especially in Pima, Cochise, Yuma, and Santa Cruz counties.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 1098In CommitteeClimate; Weather; Modification; Prohibition; Penalties
Proposed legislation addressing climate and weather modification with provisions related to penalties and prohibition. May include drone-related provisions for weather modification activities.
Last action: January 14, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | ASU requires all drone operations on university property, both recreational and commercial flights, to be pre-approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Authorization required before launch. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. All flights must avoid buildings, crowds, and parking structures. Operations are monitored by EHS. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona requires drone operations on campus to receive approval from Risk Management Services. The university operates its own UAS program through the College of Engineering for research purposes. Restrictions: All UAS flights on campus property require prior written approval from Risk Management Services. No flights during sporting events or other campus activities. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. | Yes | Risk Management Services |
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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