Arizona Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Arizona has enacted targeted drone regulations primarily through SB 1449 (2016), which establishes state preemption over local drone ordinances and prohibits UAS operations near critical infrastructure — within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facilities. The state maintains a broadly permissive stance toward recreational and commercial drone operations while imposing specific restrictions on interference with emergency responders and manned aircraft. Several bills pending in the 2026 legislative session, including SB 1627 (schools prohibition) and SB 1160 (entertainment events prohibition), could significantly expand Arizona's drone restrictions if enacted.
State Drone Laws
A.R.S. § 13-2904 / SB 1449 (2016)Unmanned Aircraft System Operations and Critical Infrastructure Protection
SB 1449 (codified primarily within Title 13 and Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes) establishes statewide regulations for unmanned aircraft systems. The law prohibits UAS from interfering with police, firefighters, or manned aircraft. Operating a drone in 'dangerous proximity' to a person or property constitutes Disorderly Conduct under A.R.S. § 13-2904. UAS cannot fly within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facilities including oil and gas facilities, water treatment facilities, power plants, courthouses, military installations, and hospitals. Cities and towns containing more than one park must designate at least one park for drone use. The law asserts state preemption, prohibiting cities and towns from enacting their own drone regulations that conflict with state law.
A.R.S. § 13-3729Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft — Voyeurism / Privacy
Arizona law prohibits using an unmanned aircraft to observe, photograph, or record another person in a private place without consent in a manner that would intrude on a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations can be prosecuted as voyeurism or criminal surveillance under existing Arizona criminal statutes. This provision complements the broader SB 1449 framework by addressing privacy-specific drone misuse.
A.R.S. § 28-8247Unmanned Aircraft — State Preemption of Local Regulation
Arizona statute expressly preempts local governments — cities, towns, and counties — from enacting ordinances or rules that regulate the use of unmanned aircraft systems in airspace. Local governments retain the authority to regulate UAS takeoff and landing on government-owned property (such as parks), but may not regulate flight operations in airspace. Cities and towns with more than one park must designate at least one park where drone use is permitted.
A.R.S. § 28-8248Unmanned Aircraft — Critical Infrastructure Proximity Prohibition
Prohibits operation of unmanned aircraft within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facilities. Critical facilities are defined to include oil and gas facilities, water treatment plants, electric power generation and transmission facilities, courthouses, military installations, and hospitals. Violators are subject to criminal penalties. The statute does not apply to authorized law enforcement or government operations.
A.R.S. § 28-8246Unmanned Aircraft — Interference with Law Enforcement or Emergency Services
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft to interfere with or hinder police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, search and rescue operations, or any other emergency responder acting in an official capacity. Also prohibits UAS interference with manned aircraft operations. This provision works in concert with the broader Disorderly Conduct classification for dangerous proximity operations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Phoenix
cityCity Code Section 24-49 — Drone Operations in Parks and Preserves
Prohibits drone operations from taking off or landing within city parks or preserves owned by the City of Phoenix, with exceptions for parks designated as model aircraft and drone use parks. Eight parks have been designated for legal model aircraft and drone operations. This ordinance is consistent with state preemption law, which allows local governments to regulate takeoff and landing on government-owned property but not airspace operations.
Restrictions
No takeoff or landing in Phoenix parks except in designated drone parks; eight designated parks available for legal operations
Maricopa County
countyOrdinance R-116 — Aircraft and Engine Powered Models
Prohibits drone and model aircraft operations in any Maricopa County-owned park or recreation area that is not designated for such use. Aircraft cannot be operated in a manner that could create a hazard to the public. This ordinance governs takeoff and landing on county-owned property and is consistent with state preemption provisions.
Restrictions
No drone or model aircraft operations in Maricopa County parks except in designated areas; must not create a public hazard
Town of Prescott Valley
cityMunicipal Policy — City Drone Operations Policy
Policy outlines drone use by city employees and authorizes various municipal operations including emergency management, capital project management, search and rescue, and law enforcement applications. This is an internal operational policy for municipal employees and does not restrict the general public.
Restrictions
Policy governs municipal employee drone operations for specified purposes; does not impose restrictions on general public
Arizona State Parks
state_agencyArizona State Parks — UAS Use Policy
Arizona State Parks generally prohibit recreational drone use within state park boundaries without prior authorization. Commercial drone operations are allowed within state parks with the appropriate film permit obtained from Arizona State Parks and Trails. The policy is administered on a park-by-park basis and operators must also comply with all applicable FAA regulations.
Restrictions
Recreational drone use prohibited without authorization; commercial use requires film permit; FAA regulations apply; individual park rules may impose additional restrictions
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating UAS in dangerous proximity to person or property (A.R.S. § 13-2904 / SB 1449) | Disorderly Conduct — Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety | Classified as Disorderly Conduct under A.R.S. § 13-2904; penalty is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Arizona law. Prior data noted 'up to 30 days' which was inconsistent with Class 1 misdemeanor maximum — corrected to 6 months. |
| UAS interference with police, firefighters, or manned aircraft (A.R.S. § 28-8246) | Criminal violation — misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances | Variable; up to $150,000 in federal penalties if FAA jurisdiction applies | Variable; up to 1 year for misdemeanor; more for felony charges | Local Law Enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety, FAA | Subject to state criminal penalties and potential federal prosecution under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 or 18 U.S.C. § 32 if manned aircraft are involved |
| Operating UAS within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facility (A.R.S. § 28-8248) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement, Arizona Department of Public Safety | Critical facilities include oil and gas facilities, water treatment plants, power plants, courthouses, military installations, and hospitals. Prior data listed 'up to 1 year' imprisonment which overstated the Class 1 misdemeanor maximum — corrected to 6 months. |
| FAA Remote ID non-compliance | Federal civil violation | Up to $36,770 per violation (2025 inflation-adjusted FAA civil penalty) | Up to 1 year for criminal violations under 49 U.S.C. | FAA | Federal enforcement; not a state penalty but relevant to Arizona operators. FAA significantly increased enforcement posture in 2025-2026. |
Operating UAS in dangerous proximity to person or property (A.R.S. § 13-2904 / SB 1449)
Classified as Disorderly Conduct under A.R.S. § 13-2904; penalty is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Arizona law. Prior data noted 'up to 30 days' which was inconsistent with Class 1 misdemeanor maximum — corrected to 6 months.
UAS interference with police, firefighters, or manned aircraft (A.R.S. § 28-8246)
Subject to state criminal penalties and potential federal prosecution under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 or 18 U.S.C. § 32 if manned aircraft are involved
Operating UAS within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facility (A.R.S. § 28-8248)
Critical facilities include oil and gas facilities, water treatment plants, power plants, courthouses, military installations, and hospitals. Prior data listed 'up to 1 year' imprisonment which overstated the Class 1 misdemeanor maximum — corrected to 6 months.
FAA Remote ID non-compliance
Federal enforcement; not a state penalty but relevant to Arizona operators. FAA significantly increased enforcement posture in 2025-2026.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Arizona does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA requirements. Federal registration is required for recreational drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g), which requires a $5 registration fee with the FAA valid for 3 years. Commercial operators under Part 107 must also register each drone with the FAA.
Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certification and Remote Pilot Certificate. Arizona State Parks require a film permit for commercial drone operations within park boundaries. Individual municipalities may require permits for filming on government-owned land.
No state insurance mandate exists, but some municipalities and state agencies may require proof of insurance as a condition of issuing film or commercial operation permits on government property.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in Arizona must comply with FAA Part 107 rules, which preempt conflicting state airspace regulations.
Commercial pilots must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Part 107 covers operations conducted for business or compensation and requires compliance with altitude limits (400 ft AGL as default), visual line-of-sight requirements, airspace authorization, and Remote ID. Arizona's state laws generally complement rather than conflict with Part 107.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots in Arizona must complete the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) before flying.
All hobby and recreational drone pilots must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof of completion. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee valid for 3 years. Recreational flyers must fly within FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO) guidelines.
Remote ID Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirements are fully enforced across Arizona as of September 2023.
All drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID rules, either through a built-in Remote ID broadcast module or an add-on module. Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension or denial and civil penalties up to $36,770. Remote ID allows real-time remote identification and location tracking of UAS in flight. FAA began active enforcement in 2025.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government agencies in Arizona may operate under COA or Part 107.
Government agencies in Arizona including police and fire departments may apply for federal Certificates of Authorization as an alternative to Part 107 compliance for certain public safety operations. Many Arizona law enforcement agencies have obtained COAs or operate under Part 107 waivers for routine aerial surveillance and search and rescue.
Military Airspace Interaction
Arizona hosts significant military airspace that restricts drone operations statewide.
Arizona is home to multiple major military installations including Luke Air Force Base (F-35 training), Davis-Monthan AFB (AMARC boneyard), Fort Huachuca (Army intelligence), Barry M. Goldwater Range, and the Yuma Proving Ground. These facilities have associated restricted airspace, Military Operations Areas (MOAs), and Warning Areas that prohibit or restrict drone operations. Operators must consult sectional charts and NOTAMs before flying anywhere near these areas.
FAA Preemption of Airspace Regulation
Federal law preempts state and local regulation of navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103.
The FAA has exclusive authority to regulate the use of navigable airspace. Arizona's state preemption statute (A.R.S. § 28-8247) acknowledges this by limiting local government regulation to takeoff and landing on government property rather than airspace operations. Arizona's critical infrastructure proximity rules and disorderly conduct provisions operate as surface-level criminal prohibitions rather than airspace regulations, which is the approach most likely to survive federal preemption challenge.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Arizona and covers major metropolitan areas including Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and other populated regions near towered airports. Operators should check the FAA DroneZone or B4UFLY app for real-time LAANC authorization availability.
Major Airports
PHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor International AirportTUS — Tucson International AirportGYR — Phoenix Goodyear AirportSDL — Scottsdale AirportIWA — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway AirportFLG — Flagstaff Pulliam AirportYUM — Yuma International AirportPRC — Prescott Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around major events (Super Bowl, Cardinals and Suns games, Waste Management Phoenix Open), emergency response areas, wildfires, and federal facilities including Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, and Fort Huachuca. The Phoenix metro area has complex Class B airspace. Operators must check current TFRs via 1800wxbrief.com or FAA apps before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increased penalties for drone violations following detection of unauthorized drones over restricted airspace including Fort McNair, signaling an enhanced enforcement posture that affects Arizona operators near military installations such as Luke AFB and Davis-Monthan AFB.
FAA Steps Up Enforcement Against Reckless Drone Pilots
enforcementFAA announced heightened enforcement actions against unauthorized and unsafe drone operations nationwide, with civil fines reaching up to $36,770 per violation in 2025. Arizona operators near restricted military and federal airspace are particularly subject to enhanced scrutiny.
FAA Tightens Drone Enforcement and Restrictions
regulatory changeFAA signaled a tougher stance on unauthorized drone operations with enhanced enforcement guidance and increased penalties for violations, including Remote ID non-compliance. Arizona's dense network of military installations and Class B airspace makes compliance particularly important for in-state operators.
Pending Legislation
HB 2875Passed House (37-16-6-0); In Senate Committee — RAGE and RULES with Do Pass Amended recommendationLocal Regulation; Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft
This bill addresses local regulation and prohibition of unmanned aircraft, likely strengthening or clarifying the existing state preemption framework under A.R.S. § 28-8247. Passed the House on 2026-03-04 and was transmitted to the Senate. Senate committees have recommended Do Pass Amended, suggesting final passage is likely. If enacted, this bill could further restrict local government authority to regulate drone operations.
Last action: March 24, 2026
SB 1160Passed Senate; Passed House JUD and RULES Committees; On House Consent Calendar — likely to passDrones; Entertainment Events; Prohibition
Proposes prohibition of drone operations at or over entertainment events. Has passed Senate and cleared both House Judiciary and House Rules committees, and is on the House Consent Calendar with majority and minority caucus support. If enacted, this would create a new category of restricted drone zones beyond the existing critical infrastructure proximity rules. The definition of 'entertainment events' and enforcement mechanisms will be critical details to monitor upon enactment.
Last action: March 10, 2026
SB 1627Passed Senate (16-13-1-0); In House PSLE Committee with Do Pass recommendation (6-5-0-3-0-0)Schools; Prohibition; Unmanned Aircraft
Proposes prohibition of unmanned aircraft near or over school campuses. Passed the Senate on 2026-03-04 with a narrow margin (16-13) and is in the House Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee, which has recommended Do Pass. If enacted, this would significantly expand drone no-fly zones in Arizona to include all K-12 school properties — a major change from current law. The narrow Senate vote suggests possible controversy; House floor vote outcome is uncertain.
Last action: March 23, 2026
SB 1098In Senate Committee — NR (Natural Resources) and RULESClimate; Weather; Modification; Prohibition; Penalties
Addresses weather modification and geoengineering prohibitions with penalty provisions. While primarily a climate and atmospheric regulation bill, provisions relating to aerial dispersion or atmospheric modification could tangentially affect certain drone operations. The bill has not advanced significantly since January 2026. Drone operators engaged in cloud seeding, atmospheric research, or similar operations should monitor this bill's progress.
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 — including all campuses in Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale — to be pre-approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Both recreational and commercial drone flights require prior written authorization. Research drone operations may also require IRB approval if collecting data on human subjects. ASU's policy aligns with FAA Part 107 requirements and requires all operators to hold appropriate FAA credentials. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on any ASU campus. Flights must avoid buildings, crowds, parking structures, and athletic facilities. Operators must have FAA registration and appropriate certification. Flights over people or moving vehicles are prohibited without specific waiver. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@asu.edu; (480) 965-1823 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona requires prior written approval from Risk Management Services for all UAS flights on campus property. The university operates an active UAS research program through the College of Engineering and through the UArizona Applied Research Corporation. All operators must comply with FAA regulations, and commercial or research operations require Part 107 certification. Flights are prohibited during home football games, graduation, and other large campus events. Restrictions: All UAS flights on campus property require prior written approval from Risk Management. No flights during sporting events, graduation, or other high-attendance events. All operators must have valid FAA registration. Part 107 certification required for commercial and research operations. | Yes | Risk Management Services — (520) 621-8273; risk.arizona.edu |
| Northern Arizona University | NAU requires authorization for all UAS operations on university property in Flagstaff and at statewide campuses. The Flagstaff campus is located within the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport traffic area, creating additional FAA airspace considerations. All drone operators must comply with NAU's UAS policy, obtain prior approval, and hold valid FAA credentials. NAU's Mechanical Engineering and Informatics programs conduct authorized research drone flights. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus drone flights. Flagstaff campus airspace requires FAA LAANC authorization or ATC coordination due to proximity to FLG airport. No commercial flights without Part 107 certification. Flights prohibited over crowds and university events. | Yes | NAU Environmental Health & Safety — (928) 523-2161; nau.edu/safety |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott Campus) | As an aviation-focused institution, ERAU Prescott has a detailed UAS policy governing all drone operations on and near campus. Given the institution's FAA-affiliated aviation programs and proximity to Prescott Regional Airport, all UAS operations require coordination with campus aviation authorities and must comply with airspace restrictions. ERAU offers Part 107 training and conducts extensive authorized UAS research and education flights under structured protocols. Restrictions: All UAS operations require coordination with ERAU Prescott Flight Operations. Proximity to Prescott Regional Airport requires FAA airspace authorization. Student training flights conducted under supervised curriculum are authorized. No unauthorized commercial or recreational flights on campus property. | Yes | ERAU Prescott Flight Operations — (928) 777-6600; prescott.erau.edu |
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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