Idaho Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Prohibits using a drone to intentionally surveil, gather evidence about, collect information about, or record a specifically targeted person or their dwelling and curtilage, or a farm, dairy, ranch, agricultural operation, or commercial or industrial property without written consent. Also prohibits recording an individual without written consent for the purpose of publishing or publicly disseminating the image. Carves out emergency response, search and rescue, controlled substance investigations, accident reconstruction, crowd management, disaster assessment, training, warrant-based operations, and mapping or resource management.

Makes it unlawful to operate a drone within the restricted airspace of an Idaho Department of Correction facility, defined as airspace from the surface up to 400 feet above ground level within the facility's perimeter. Authorizes the Department of Correction and law enforcement to take mitigation measures such as jamming against drones operating in a nefarious manner. Lack of knowledge that the drone was over a correctional facility is not a defense.

Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to locate any big game animal for the purpose of hunting that animal on the same calendar day that the animal was located from the air. Also prohibits using a drone to spot game animals, birds, or furbearers from the air and signal their location to a person on the ground. Exemptions: wolf and mountain lion hunting, recovery of wounded game.

Prohibits hunting or scouting big game animals or game birds from August 30 through December 31 using any drone, night vision, thermal imaging, or (on government land) transmitting trail cameras. Exemptions: wolf and mountain lion hunting, recovery of wounded game. Does not restrict using a drone to photograph wildlife outside hunting context, monitor personal property, or protect livestock.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any aircraft (including drones) on lands owned or controlled by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, such as Wildlife Management Areas, except on public airstrips or with specific authorization from the Commission, Director, or Regional Supervisor. Authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Drone operation in an Idaho state park may be authorized by the park or program manager when the operation does not interfere with traditional park uses and is consistent with preserving park resources. Parks are not categorically closed to drones but authorization is required before any flight.

Requires all drone operators in Ada County to register their aircraft with the FAA, including drones under 250 grams. Prohibits operating a drone in a manner that harasses, startles, or annoys people or vehicles or creates a public nuisance. Prohibits reckless or careless operation endangering life or property. Prohibits operating a drone to capture visual images, audio recordings, or other physical impressions of a person in places where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Prohibits interference with firefighters or other public safety officers. Carves out FAA-authorized operations and warranted law enforcement use.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone in any Canyon County park, natural area, or cultural resource. Prohibits any drone from flying below 500 feet AGL over Canyon County park airspace except when authorized by the Director of the County Department of Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources.

Unmanned Aircraft - Ordinance No. 883

Comprehensive countywide drone regulations requiring FAA registration for all drones and prohibiting unsafe or privacy-invasive operations.

Canyon County Parks Drone Restrictions - Ordinance No. 16-020

Prohibits drone operations in all Canyon County parks and park airspace below 500 feet AGL without Director authorization.

City Parks Drone Policy and Capitol Building Coordination

Boise Parks and Recreation requires advance contact before flying drones in city parks. Julia Davis Park (adjacent to Zoo Boise) is completely closed to drone operations. Flights near Idaho State Capitol should be coordinated with Division of Security Operations.