Idaho Drone Laws

Prohibits using a drone to intentionally surveil, gather evidence, collect information about, or record a specifically targeted person, their dwelling and curtilage, or specifically targeted private property (farm, dairy, ranch, agricultural operation, 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 or recording. Exemptions include emergency response, search and rescue, controlled substance investigations, traffic accident documentation, crowd management, mapping or resource management, and certain government uses including law enforcement with warrant, accident reconstruction, disaster assessment, training, and crime-scene work.

Makes it unlawful to operate a drone within the restricted airspace of an Idaho Department of Correction facility, defined as the airspace from the surface up to 400 feet above ground level within the facility's perimeter. Enacted by House Bill 522 (signed March 31, 2026). The statute 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 you were over a correctional facility is not a defense.

Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to locate big game animals for the purpose of hunting them on the same calendar day they were spotted 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. House Bill 939 amendments (effective July 1, 2026) further prohibit hunting or scouting big game animals or game birds from August 30 through December 31 using any drone, night vision, thermal imaging, or transmitting trail cameras on government land. Exceptions include wolf and mountain lion hunting and recovery of wounded game.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating aircraft, including drones, on any land owned or controlled by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Wildlife Management Areas), except on public airstrips or with specific authorization from the Commission, Director, or a Regional Supervisor.

Drone operation in state parks may be authorized by the park or program manager when it does not interfere with traditional uses of the park and is consistent with preserving park resources. Drone flights are not prohibited but require prior manager approval.

Ada County Ordinance No. 883 — Unmanned Aircraft

Requires all drone operators (except model aircraft hobbyists) to register with the FAA, regardless of drone weight. Prohibits operating in a manner that harasses, startles, or annoys people or vehicles, or creates a public nuisance. Prohibits reckless or careless operation that endangers life or property. Prohibits capturing visual images, audio recordings, or physical impressions of a person where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Prohibits interference with firefighters or other public-safety officers. Applies countywide including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and surrounding areas.

Canyon County Parks Ordinance No. 96-012 — Drone Operations in Parks

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

Boise Parks and Recreation — Drone Operation Policy

Boise Parks and Recreation requests operators to contact them before flying in any city park. Julia Davis Park is prohibited for drone operations due to proximity to Zoo Boise. Operators are also asked to contact the state's Division of Security Operations before flying near the Idaho State Capitol.