Georgia Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Georgia is a relatively permissive state for drone operations due to broad state preemption (O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4) that prevents cities and counties from regulating UAS operations. The state has enacted targeted restrictions on privacy violations, operations near ticketed events, hunting use, state parks, and incarceration facilities, but does not impose state-level drone licensing or registration requirements beyond federal FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4Unmanned Aircraft Systems Preemption
Preempts local governments from adopting ordinances regulating UAS operations after April 1, 2017. Reserves drone regulation to the state and allows local governments only to regulate launch and landing on public property they own for recreational (non-commercial) operations.
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62Invasion of Privacy
Prohibits using any device to observe, photograph, or record activities in a private place without consent. Applies directly to drone-mounted cameras filming into fenced yards, hotel balconies, windows, or other private places out of public view.
HB 58 (Act 4)Unmanned Aircraft Near Mass Public Gatherings
Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event (defined as a gated event requiring a revocable license for attendance, including music festivals, sporting events, and performing-arts events below 30,000-seat threshold). Exceptions include event authority consent, federal compliance operations, employee official business, and property owners flying over their own property.
O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a) and Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 391-4-2Prohibition on Hunting with Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits using UAS to hunt, drive, locate, or facilitate the pursuit of game animals including deer and all wild game. Prohibits drone flights to scout game before or during hunting season and drone-assisted recovery of harvested game. Does not apply to feral hogs (see HB 946 exception).
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5State Parks and Historic Sites - Drone Operation Prohibition
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating UAS on Georgia State Parks and State Historic Sites property, including Stone Mountain (non-DNR park with own policy), Cloudland Canyon, Amicalola Falls, F.D. Roosevelt, Tallulah Gorge, Skidaway Island, and others. Commercial and recreational projects may obtain written permits from individual park manager or DNR Division Director.
HB 1230 (Act 388)Prohibition of UAS Operation Over Places of Incarceration
Prohibits operating UAS over any place of incarceration in Georgia (state prisons, local jails, detention facilities). Violating UAS declared contraband. Georgia Department of Corrections required to post warning signs. Enacted in response to 1,000+ prison contraband drone incidents since 2022 and 540+ felony arrests in 2024.
HB 946 (Act 575)Authorization for Unmanned Aircraft to Locate Feral Hogs
Authorizes use of UAS to locate feral hogs on private land. Armed drones remain prohibited. Also removes hunting/trapping license requirement for feral hogs on private land provided animals are killed upon capture. Represents Georgia's single lawful hunting-adjacent drone use case.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Richmond County (City of Augusta)
countyDrone Operations in Populated Areas
Prohibits drone operations in highly populated areas within Richmond County (except cities of Hephzibah and Blythe) without written authorization from Richmond County Sheriff and Augusta Georgia Commission. Exception for previously identified model aircraft fields.
Restrictions
Highly populated areas defined as sporting/recreation/entertainment events with 100+ person seating capacity, open air assemblies of 100+ persons, or areas specifically designated by Augusta Commission. Model aircraft field at Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road exempted.
Cherokee County
countyModel Aircraft and UAS in Public Parks
Restricts launch and operation of electric-powered model aircraft and UAS to designated areas only in Cherokee County public parks and recreation areas.
Restrictions
No launching, flying, or using UAS except in areas specifically designated by the county director.
Gwinnett County
countyModel Aircraft and Powered Models in Parks
Prohibits operation of fuel-powered, jet-type, or electric-powered model aircraft, boats, rockets in parks except in designated areas per director approval.
Restrictions
Restricted to designated areas only; must comply with director-approved rules and restrictions.
City of Conyers
cityDrone Operations at Horse Park and Golf Course
Prohibits drone operations within the boundaries of Georgia International Horse Park and Cherokee Run Golf Course.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone launch, flight, or landing within both facilities.
Stone Mountain Memorial Association (Stone Mountain Park)
otherDrone Operations - Park Prohibition
Prohibits personal and recreational drone flights at Stone Mountain Park. Commercial film productions handled through park production office. Park is state authority managed and sits within Atlanta Class B airspace.
Restrictions
Complete ban on recreational drone operations. Commercial operations require special arrangement through park production office.
City of Atlanta
cityTakeoff and Landing on City Parks
Requires prior written permission from City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department to launch or land drones on city park property including Piedmont Park and other city parks.
Restrictions
Launch and landing on City of Atlanta park property prohibited without prior department authorization. NOTE: Centennial Olympic Park is state property under Georgia World Congress Center Authority with separate permit requirements.
City of Savannah
cityParks and Squares - Launch Restrictions
Parks and Tree Department enforces takeoff and landing restrictions on city-owned parks and squares in historic district including Forsyth Park and historic squares.
Restrictions
Launch and landing from city-owned park property prohibited without permission. Airspace overflight not restricted due to state preemption under O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasion of privacy by drone camera (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | 1 to 5 years | Local law enforcement / District Attorney / Georgia Bureau of Investigation | Also subject to civil liability for damages; applies to filming into private places with drone camera |
| Operating drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58) | Misdemeanor | Per state misdemeanor schedule | Per state misdemeanor schedule | Local law enforcement / venue security | Exceptions for event authority consent, federal compliance operations, and property owners |
| Operating UAS over place of incarceration (HB 1230) | State criminal violation per statute | Per statute | Per statute | Georgia Department of Corrections / Law Enforcement | UAS declared contraband; separate felony charges likely for contraband delivery; active enforcement response to prison drone incidents |
| Using drone to hunt or locate game animals (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a)) | State violation (DNR enforcement) | Per DNR enforcement schedule | Not specified in statute | Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement | Results in loss of hunting privileges, suspension of hunting license eligibility; applies to all game animals except feral hogs |
| Operating drone in state park without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5) | Park violation / Citation | Per park regulation | N/A | Georgia DNR Parks Division / Park Rangers | Ejection from park; commercial and recreational permits available from park manager |
| Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | Federal violation | Up to $75,000 civil penalty | Potential federal criminal referral | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office | Applies to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Sanford Stadium (UGA), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech), and other 30,000+ seat venues during games |
| Masters Tournament TFR violation (NOTAM, April only) | Federal violation (49 U.S.C. § 46307) | Up to $27,500+ civil penalty; criminal exposure possible | Probation plus fines for first-time hobby operators; harder terms for commercial/repeat | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office (Southern District of Georgia) | 3-nautical-mile ring, 3,000 feet MSL, active only April tournament week; multiple federal prosecutions on record |
Invasion of privacy by drone camera (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62)
Also subject to civil liability for damages; applies to filming into private places with drone camera
Operating drone within 400 feet of ticketed entertainment event (HB 58)
Exceptions for event authority consent, federal compliance operations, and property owners
Operating UAS over place of incarceration (HB 1230)
UAS declared contraband; separate felony charges likely for contraband delivery; active enforcement response to prison drone incidents
Using drone to hunt or locate game animals (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-12(a))
Results in loss of hunting privileges, suspension of hunting license eligibility; applies to all game animals except feral hogs
Operating drone in state park without permit (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Ch. 391-5)
Ejection from park; commercial and recreational permits available from park manager
Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Applies to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Sanford Stadium (UGA), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech), and other 30,000+ seat venues during games
Masters Tournament TFR violation (NOTAM, April only)
3-nautical-mile ring, 3,000 feet MSL, active only April tournament week; multiple federal prosecutions on record
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
- State park commercial permit — Varies by park and projectCommercial drone operations in Georgia State Parks require written approval from park manager or DNR Division Director. Cost and terms vary based on project scope, location, and revenue potential.
Georgia does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or business permits beyond federal FAA requirements. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years per drone over 250g) is required but is federal, not state-level.
State parks and individual venues (Centennial Olympic Park, etc.) may require operational permits for specific flight projects, but these are not registration requirements.
No state-level insurance mandate. Commercial operators typically carry $1 million general liability coverage as industry standard.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial operations
Georgia commercial drone operators must obtain FAA Part 107 certification ($175 test fee, valid 24 months). Reciprocal across all U.S. airspace. No separate state commercial license required. PSI testing centers available in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus.
TRUST Recreational Operations
Recreational UAS Safety Test required for hobby flying
All recreational drone operators in Georgia must pass the free online TRUST test before flying. TRUST certificate valid for lifetime; one-time requirement. Covers federal recreational rules and safety.
FAA Registration
Federal registration required for drones over 250g
$5 registration fee per drone, valid for 3 years. Registration number must be visible on aircraft. Federal requirement applies uniformly in Georgia; do NOT report as state registration.
Remote ID
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
Every drone flown outdoors must broadcast its ID, location, and altitude via direct Remote ID. Applies unless operating inside FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Applies statewide in Georgia.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace
Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) Class B covers most of metro Atlanta with restrictive LAANC grids; areas directly south of airport have zero-foot approved ceilings (no authorization available). Savannah (SAV) Class C and Augusta (AGS) Class D have broader LAANC availability. Dobbins ARB and Robins AFB restricted with no LAANC.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Stadium TFRs and special event NOTAMs apply regularly throughout Georgia
14 CFR § 99.7 stadium TFRs: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park, Sanford Stadium, Bobby Dodd Stadium during events (3 nm, 3,000 ft MSL, 1 hour before to 1 hour after). Masters Tournament NOTAM (April). Super Bowl, World Cup, and other major events have recurring or temporary NOTAMs. Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
National Defense Airspace Restrictions
49 U.S.C. § 46307 prohibits operations in restricted airspace
Flying in national defense airspace (stadium TFRs, military bases, special use airspace) carries federal criminal exposure up to federal prosecution. Multiple Georgia pilots prosecuted federally for Masters TFR and stadium violations.
Weaponization Prohibition (18 U.S.C. § 32)
Federal law criminalizes attaching weapons to drones
Attaching firearms, explosives, or other weapons to drones is a federal felony carrying 20+ years prison. FAA considers drones aircraft for this statute. Georgia law compounds with state assault/discharge statutes.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Georgia 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
LAANC available throughout Georgia but with significant limitations in ATL Class B shelf. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) Class B covers most of metro Atlanta with restrictive LAANC grids and zero-foot ceilings in many areas directly south of airport. Savannah (SAV) Class C and Augusta (AGS) Class D have more straightforward LAANC coverage. Check via DJI Fly, Aloft, or AirHub before every flight.
Major Airports
ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (world's busiest by passenger volume)SAV — Savannah/Hilton Head InternationalAGS — Augusta RegionalDobbins Air Reserve Base (restricted military airspace)Robins Air Force Base (restricted military airspace)
TFR Notice
Masters Tournament (Augusta National) — April only, approximately 3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet MSL exclusion ring, Monday through Sunday of tournament week. Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7) during games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons/Atlanta United), Truist Park (Braves), Sanford Stadium (UGA), Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech). Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup 2026, and other major events will have temporary NOTAMs. Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Decatur Man Pleads Guilty to Truist Park TFR Violation
enforcementDecatur, Georgia resident pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Georgia to knowingly violating national defense airspace after flying a drone over Truist Park during July 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Defendant received six months probation and $500 fine; drone's control interface had warned of restriction before launch.
Georgia Corrections: 540+ Felony Arrests for Prison Contraband Drones (2024)
enforcementGeorgia Department of Corrections recorded 540+ felony arrests in fiscal year 2024 for drone contraband deliveries at state prisons. Over 1,000 incidents recorded since 2022 with drugs, weapons, and cellphones recovered. Enforcement crackdown led directly to HB 1230 prohibition.
HB 58 Effective - Ticketed Event Restriction
legislationGeorgia's HB 58 became effective July 1, 2025 (bill signed April 1, 2025), establishing misdemeanor prohibition on operating drones within 400 feet of or above ticketed entertainment events at venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Truist Park.
HB 1230 Effective - Prison Overflight Prohibition
legislationHB 1230 (Act 388) became effective July 1, 2026 after being signed May 5, 2026. Prohibits UAS operation over all places of incarceration in Georgia. Direct legislative response to 1,000+ prison contraband drone incidents since 2022.
HB 946 Effective - Feral Hog Drone Authorization
legislationHB 946 became effective July 1, 2026 after being signed in early 2026. Authorizes use of UAS to locate feral hogs on private land (armed drones prohibited). Represents Georgia's single lawful hunting-adjacent drone use case.
Pending Legislation
HB 949House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (status as of February 2026)Aviation; Prohibit Launch or Landing of UAS on Agricultural Land
Would prohibit launching or intentionally landing UAS from or on agricultural land without owner consent. Bill stalled or died in committee; last recorded action February 2026.
Last action: February 19, 2026
HB 205Passed House By Substitute; Senate Referred (status as of February 2025)Board of Homeland Security; Development of List of Approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Would require Georgia Board of Homeland Security to develop and maintain list of approved UAS models for use by state agencies. Passed House February 21, 2025; referred to Senate February 24, 2025. No further recorded action.
Last action: February 24, 2025
SB 409House Second Readers (status as of February 2026)'Insurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act'
Tangentially related to drones. Protects homeowners regarding insurance companies' use of aerial/satellite imagery for property underwriting. Requires 60-day correction period before adverse action. Passed Senate with substitute (February 20, 2025); referred to House (February 24, 2025).
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 (OSEP). Sanford Stadium (92,000+ capacity) has federal stadium TFR (14 CFR § 99.7) on home game days. Restrictions: Pre-approval required for all campus operations. Sanford Stadium TFR: 3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet MSL, active 1 hour before to 1 hour after game. No flights over crowds, buildings, or athletic events without specific authorization. | Yes | Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech requires all UAS operations to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department. Tech operates active drone research programs under FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). Bobby Dodd Stadium has federal stadium TFR during Yellow Jackets games. Restrictions: EH&S approval required for all campus flights. Bobby Dodd Stadium TFR: 3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet MSL during Yellow Jackets home games. Research operations under FAA COA have expanded permissions. | 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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Georgia's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.