Georgia Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Georgia maintains a relatively permissive regulatory environment for drone operations through comprehensive preemption that prevents local governments from restricting private drone use. The state has enacted targeted regulations addressing privacy surveillance, hunting-related drone use, operations over correctional facilities, and flights near ticketed entertainment events. No state-level registration, commercial licensing, or insurance requirements exist beyond federal FAA mandates.
State Drone Laws
O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4Unmanned Aircraft Systems Preemption (HB 481)
Reserves exclusive authority over UAS regulation to the state and preempts cities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances restricting private drone operations after April 1, 2017. Carves out narrow exceptions for pre-April 2017 ordinances, ordinances enforcing federal regulations, and launch/landing restrictions on public property for non-commercial operations. Permits state and local governments to operate their own drones for government functions.
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62Invasion of Privacy
Prohibits using any device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of a person in a private place and out of public view without consent, or to secretly record activities outside a private place in a manner that invades the reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies directly to drone surveillance of private property, windows, pools, and private spaces. A drone-mounted camera used to film into a fenced yard, balcony, or bedroom window violates this statute.
O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a)Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Hunting
Prohibits electronic communications equipment used to facilitate the pursuit of game. Interpreted by Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division to prohibit using a UAS to hunt, drive, locate, or communicate the position of deer or other game animals. Applies to scouting before hunting season, locating animals during season, and deer recovery. Unlike some states, Georgia does not provide a deer-recovery exception; any drone flight tied to a deer hunt is at risk.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-4-2-.26Hunting Regulations - Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Administrative regulation enforcing O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a). Explicitly prohibits drone use in connection with hunting game animals. Violations are enforced by Georgia DNR Law Enforcement.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-5State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites - Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits the operation, launch, or landing of model aircraft and UAS on state park, state historic site, and recreation area property administered by Georgia DNR Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division, except in designated areas or with a written permit from the park manager or division director. Covers all Georgia state parks including Cloudland Canyon, Amicalola Falls, Tallulah Gorge, Skidaway Island, and others. Permit requests are handled case-by-case by individual parks.
HB 58Restrictions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over Mass Public Gatherings
Makes it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event, defined as a gated event requiring a revocable license for attendance. Applies to music festivals, sporting events, and performing-arts events. Exceptions include: consent from event authorities, federal-regulation-compliant operations (Part 107 waiver), employee-on-official-business flights, and property owners flying over their own property consistent with federal rules. Misdemeanor violation.
HB 946Authorization to Locate Feral Hogs Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft to locate feral hogs on private land. Armed drones remain prohibited. Also removes the hunting/trapping license requirement for feral hogs on private land provided the animals are killed upon capture. This is the single lawful hunting-adjacent drone use case in Georgia.
HB 1230Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over Places of Incarceration
Prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over any place of incarceration, including state and local correctional facilities, jails, and prison work camps. Requires facilities to post warning signs. Declares such systems contraband. Violations carry significant penalties given the documented history of drone contraband delivery to Georgia prisons (1,000+ incidents since 2022).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Stone Mountain Park
countyStone Mountain Park Drone Prohibition
Prohibits recreational and commercial drone operations at Stone Mountain Park
Restrictions
No personal or recreational drone flights allowed. Commercial film flights handled through park production office only. Park sits inside Atlanta Class B airspace; LAANC authorization required regardless. Grandfathered ordinance (adopted 2014, before April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff).
City of Augusta / Richmond County
cityRichmond County Ordinance No. 7531 - Populated Area Drone Restrictions
Prohibits drone operations in highly populated areas within Richmond County without written authorization from Richmond County Sheriff
Restrictions
Highly populated area defined as: any sporting, recreation, or entertainment event with seating capacity of 100+ persons, open-air assembly of 100+ persons, or area specifically designated by Augusta Commission. Exception for existing model aircraft field at Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road intersection, and other model aircraft fields approved by Augusta Commission. Grandfathered ordinance (adopted 2016, before April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff).
Cherokee County
countyCherokee County Ordinance Section 42-55 - Model Aircraft and Drone Flight Areas
Restricts drone and model aircraft flights to designated areas only
Restrictions
Unlawful to launch, fly, or use electric-powered model aircraft or unmanned aerial systems in all Cherokee County public parks and recreation areas except at areas designated by the county director. Grandfathered ordinance (adopted 2016, before April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff).
City of Conyers
cityCity of Conyers Ordinance Section 11-1-2 - Georgia International Horse Park Drone Prohibition
Prohibits drone launching or landing at specific venues
Restrictions
Unlawful to launch or land a drone within the boundaries of the Georgia International Horse Park or Cherokee Run Golf Course. Grandfathered ordinance (adopted 2017, presumed before April 1, 2017 preemption cutoff).
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of private place without consent (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | 1-5 years | Georgia Bureau of Investigation, local police, district attorneys | Civil liability for damages also possible. High-profile prosecution avenue for drone privacy violations. |
| Operating drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58) | Misdemeanor | Per Georgia misdemeanor schedule | Up to 12 months | Local law enforcement, event security | Exceptions: event authority consent, Part 107 waiver, employee official business, property owner on own land |
| Using drone for hunting or game location (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a)) | Administrative violation | Variable per DNR | N/A | Georgia DNR Law Enforcement | Penalties include fines, suspension of hunting privileges, loss of ability to obtain hunting license |
| Drone operation in Georgia state parks without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-5) | Administrative violation | Per park rules | N/A | DNR Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division; park rangers | Can result in ejection from park and citation |
| Operating drone over place of incarceration (HB 1230) | Felony | Substantial | Significant prison term possible | Georgia Department of Corrections, State Police, FBI | Drone declared contraband. Given 1,000+ drone incidents at state prisons since 2022, enforcement is active and aggressive. |
| Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park, etc. | Federal civil and criminal | Up to $75,000+ civil penalty | Potential criminal prosecution | FAA, U.S. Attorney's Office | Three-nautical-mile ring from stadium up to 3,000 feet MSL during qualifying games |
| Masters Tournament TFR violation (April, Augusta) | Federal civil and criminal | Up to $75,000+ civil penalty | Potential criminal prosecution under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 | FAA, FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office (Southern District of Georgia) | Multiple federal prosecutions in prior years. 3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL TFR during tournament week (typically second week of April) |
Drone surveillance of private place without consent (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62)
Civil liability for damages also possible. High-profile prosecution avenue for drone privacy violations.
Operating drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58)
Exceptions: event authority consent, Part 107 waiver, employee official business, property owner on own land
Using drone for hunting or game location (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a))
Penalties include fines, suspension of hunting privileges, loss of ability to obtain hunting license
Drone operation in Georgia state parks without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-5)
Can result in ejection from park and citation
Operating drone over place of incarceration (HB 1230)
Drone declared contraband. Given 1,000+ drone incidents at state prisons since 2022, enforcement is active and aggressive.
Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park, etc.
Three-nautical-mile ring from stadium up to 3,000 feet MSL during qualifying games
Masters Tournament TFR violation (April, Augusta)
Multiple federal prosecutions in prior years. 3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL TFR during tournament week (typically second week of April)
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Georgia 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
- Individual state park permit fees (if required) — Variable by parkSome Georgia state parks may charge fees for special-use permits to operate drones on park property. Costs vary and are determined case-by-case by park manager.
Georgia requires no separate state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4 preemption prevents cities and counties from implementing registration schemes. Federal registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for any drone over 250 grams. Georgia does not impose state licensing, insurance, or drone-specific tax requirements.
State-level permit not required. Local jurisdictions may impose launch/landing restrictions on public property they own (non-commercial only). Individual state parks may require permits for flights on park property.
No state-mandated insurance requirement. Commercial operators may need liability insurance (typically $1 million) for clients or contracts.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for commercial drone operations in Georgia
Any drone operation that benefits a business (paid or unpaid), including real estate, cinematography, infrastructure inspection, and surveys, requires FAA Part 107 certification. Test costs $175, valid 24 months. Georgia does not add state-level commercial licensing beyond this federal requirement.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational drone flights in Georgia
Recreational pilots must pass the free online TRUST certificate before flying. Certificate must be carried. Required for all non-commercial flight. Georgia recognizes federal TRUST as sole recreational authorization.
Remote ID Mandate
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
Every drone flown outdoors must broadcast its ID, location, and altitude in real time, unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Georgia does not impose additional restrictions beyond federal Remote ID requirements.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal restrictions over major stadiums
Stadiums with seating capacity of 30,000+ have automatic 3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL TFRs during games (one hour before to one hour after). In Georgia: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech), Sanford Stadium (UGA). HB 58 adds state-level restrictions for smaller ticketed events (100+ seating capacity) at 400 feet.
Masters Tournament Temporary Flight Restriction
Annual TFR over Augusta National Golf Club
Every April, FAA issues TFR for Masters Tournament week: 3-nautical-mile ring up to 3,000 feet MSL. Enforcement is aggressive; multiple federal prosecutions under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 in prior years. Pilots should check tfr.faa.gov for current NOTAM before any Augusta-area flight in April.
National Defense Airspace Violations (49 U.S.C. § 46307)
Federal criminal statute for knowing/willful TFR violations
Violating a national defense airspace notice is a federal crime. Penalties include criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and drone forfeiture. Multiple Georgia pilots prosecuted for Masters and stadium TFR violations.
Weaponization of Aircraft (18 U.S.C. § 32)
Federal felony for attaching weapons to aircraft
Attaching firearms, explosives, or weapons to a drone is a federal felony (up to 20 years imprisonment). FAA classifies drones as aircraft for this purpose. Georgia state weapons statutes (Title 16) add additional charges.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
Authorization required for Class B, C, D airspace
Most of Atlanta metro sits inside Hartsfield-Jackson's Class B shelf. Savannah has Class C. LAANC authorization is widely available but altitude ceilings vary dramatically by location. Check B4UFLY or Aloft before every flight.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization available but highly variable. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta's Class B airspace covers most of metro Atlanta with aggressive altitude restrictions. Areas south and east of the airport have zero-foot ceilings (no authorization possible). North of downtown (Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta) has better availability, typically 100-200 feet. Savannah's Class C airspace has more straightforward LAANC coverage.
Major Airports
ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Class B, busiest airport in world by passenger volume)SAV — Savannah/Hilton Head International (Class C)AGS — Augusta Regional (Class D)
TFR Notice
Masters Tournament TFR (April, annually): 3-nautical-mile ring up to 3,000 feet MSL centered on Augusta National, active Monday-Sunday of tournament week. Stadium TFRs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves in Cobb County), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech in Atlanta), and Sanford Stadium (UGA in Athens) during home games: 3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL, one hour before to one hour after. Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Decatur Pilot Pleads Guilty to Truist Park TFR Violation
enforcementDecatur resident pleaded guilty in Northern District of Georgia to knowingly violating national defense airspace after flying a drone over Truist Park during July 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Drone's control interface had warned of the restriction before launch. Received six months probation and $500 fine.
Pending Legislation
HB 205In Senate CommitteeBoard of Homeland Security - Development of Approved UAS List
Would authorize the Board of Homeland Security to develop and maintain a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems for use in Georgia by state agencies and potentially the public. Passed House as substitute on 2025-02-21, referred to Senate on 2025-02-24.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 949In House CommitteeProhibition on UAS Launch or Landing from Agricultural Land
Would prohibit launching or intentionally landing unmanned aircraft systems from or on agricultural land without owner consent. Designed to protect agricultural property and farming operations. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute on 2026-02-19.
Last action: February 19, 2026
SB 409In House CommitteeInsurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act
Would provide homeowner protections regarding insurance companies' use of aerial or satellite images for rate determination. Requires 60-day cure period for homeowners to correct identified issues before rate changes. Senate passed substitute version on 2026-02-20; in House Second Readers as of 2026-02-25. Relevant to drone-based aerial imagery used by insurers.
Last action: February 25, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | UGA requires all drone operations on campus property to be approved by the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness. Sanford Stadium TFR applies during football game days. Restrictions: Pre-approval from OSEP required for any flight. Federal stadium TFR applies during UGA home football games (3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL, one hour before to one hour after). No flights over crowds, buildings, or parking areas. | Yes | Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech requires all UAS operations to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety department. Active drone research programs operate under FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. Restrictions: EH&S approval required prior to any flight on campus. Bobby Dodd Stadium federal TFR applies during Yellow Jackets home games (3-nautical-mile, 3,000-foot-MSL, one hour before to one hour after). Research flights may operate under separate FAA COA authority. | Yes | Environmental Health & 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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