Kentucky Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kentucky maintains a moderate regulatory framework for drone operations with strong protections against both government and private surveillance. The state requires law enforcement to obtain drone-specific warrants for surveillance operations, and prohibits private operators from recording private property or individuals without authorization. Recent amendments (2024-2025) expanded protections over critical infrastructure and agricultural facilities, and established a statewide ban on using drones for hunting and wildlife harassment.
State Drone Laws
KRS 500.130Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System - Surveillance and Warrant Act
Prohibits law enforcement from conducting drone surveillance without a warrant that specifically authorizes unmanned aircraft use. Prohibits recreational and professional operators from recording images of private property or occupants with intent to surveil or publish without authorization. Presumes reasonable expectation of privacy for people not visible from ground level. Private property owners may sue for injunctive relief, actual and punitive damages, and attorney's fees.
KRS 511.100Trespass Upon Key Infrastructure Assets
Prohibits knowingly operating a drone above key infrastructure assets with intent to cause harm, damage, or conduct surveillance without owner consent. Key infrastructure includes electrical generation facilities, petroleum refineries, hazardous chemical manufacturing and storage, natural-gas processing, railroad yards, drinking-water facilities, prisons and jails, military weapons facilities, telecom/broadband facilities, commercial food processing facilities, animal feeding operations, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Exempts commercial operators in compliance with FAA regulations, government agencies, emergency responders, utilities, and insurers.
KRS 501.110Offense Committed with Aid of Unmanned Aircraft System
Extends criminal liability for crimes committed using a drone. If an act would be a crime when done in person, it carries the same penalties when committed via drone. Stalking, harassment, trespass, voyeurism, and other offenses committed with drone assistance face identical sentencing.
KRS 183.086Restrictions on Operation of Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits drone operation in areas marked as restricted on a commercial airport's unmanned-aircraft facility map without airport operator approval. Prohibits reckless operation of drones that creates serious risk of physical injury or property damage. Exempts FAA-compliant commercial operators. Prior version (KRS 183.085) was repealed in 2025.
301 KAR 3:140Wildlife Regulation - Prohibition on Use of Aircraft and Drones to Hunt, Fish, or Take Wildlife
Effective October 16, 2025, prohibits using drones to hunt, fish, take, drive, herd, or harass wildlife. Limited exceptions for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employees conducting lawful duties, authorized landowners conducting wildlife-damage control, and commercial fishers removing invasive carp.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Louisville
cityLouisville Metro Parks Drone Operations
Drone takeoff and landing on Louisville Metro Parks property must comply with park-conduct rules. Class C airspace around SDF (Muhammad Ali International Airport) requires LAANC authorization. Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs (typically May) subject to special-event flight restrictions.
Restrictions
LAANC authorization required for flights in controlled airspace around SDF. Compliance required with park rules for takeoff/landing on Metro Parks property. Kentucky Derby TFR in effect during event week.
Lexington
cityLexington Park Drone Operations
Drone takeoff and landing on city parks must comply with park-conduct rules. Class C/D airspace around LEX (Blue Grass Airport) requires LAANC authorization. University of Kentucky campus requires separate institutional approval.
Restrictions
LAANC authorization required for controlled airspace flights. Park rules govern takeoff/landing. University of Kentucky approvals required for any campus flights.
Covington
cityCovington Unmanned Aircraft Restrictions
City code § 94.017 requires permits for certain drone activities on city property.
Restrictions
Permits required for specified drone activities on city-owned property
Dayton
cityDayton Unmanned Aircraft Restrictions
City code § 95.34 limits drone activities to designated areas.
Restrictions
Drone operations limited to specific designated areas only
Bowling Green
cityBowling Green Parks Drone Policy
Parks Director written consent required for all drone operations on city property. Drones permanently prohibited over Russell Sims Aquatics Center, city golf courses, and other locations designated by Parks Director.
Restrictions
Written Parks Director approval required before operation. Application must specify dates, times, and purpose. Permanently banned over Russell Sims Aquatics Center and city golf courses. Director may designate additional prohibited areas.
Kenton County Airport Board
countyKenton County Airport Board Rule 620.00 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems at CVG
Rule 620.00 governs unmanned aircraft operations on and around CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport) located in Boone County, Kentucky.
Restrictions
Operations subject to Kenton County Airport Board Rule 620.00. Class B airspace (CVG) requires LAANC authorization before flight.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement drone search without drone-specific warrant (KRS 500.130) | Evidence Suppression | N/A | N/A | Court (suppression order) | Evidence obtained in violation of warrant requirements is inadmissible in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings |
| Private operator recording private property without authorization (KRS 500.130) | Civil Action | Actual and punitive damages (amount discretionary) | N/A | Private civil suit | Property owner may sue for injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees; 7-year statute of limitations (KRS 413) |
| Trespass over key infrastructure with intent to harm or surveil (first offense, KRS 511.100) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 90 days | Local law enforcement / County prosecutor | Exemption for FAA-compliant commercial operators |
| Trespass over key infrastructure (repeat offense, KRS 511.100) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | Local law enforcement / County prosecutor | Escalated penalty for second and subsequent violations within statute of limitations |
| Reckless drone operation violating airport facility map or creating serious risk (KRS 183.086) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | Local law enforcement / FAA | Exemption for FAA-compliant commercial operators |
| Reckless drone operation causing significant aircraft disruption (KRS 183.086) | Class D Felony | Unspecified | Up to 5 years | Local law enforcement / FAA | Applies when violation causes significant change of course or serious disruption to safe air travel of manned aircraft |
| Using drone to hunt, fish, take, drive, herd, or harass wildlife (301 KAR 3:140) | Fish and Wildlife Violation | Unspecified | Unspecified | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers | Effective October 16, 2025. Exceptions for Fish and Wildlife staff, authorized landowners conducting wildlife damage control, and commercial fishers removing invasive species |
| Crime committed with aid of drone (KRS 501.110) - e.g., stalking, harassment, trespass | Same as underlying crime | Same as underlying crime | Same as underlying crime | Local law enforcement / County prosecutor | Drone is treated as a tool, not a loophole. Same penalties apply as if crime were committed in person. |
Law enforcement drone search without drone-specific warrant (KRS 500.130)
Evidence obtained in violation of warrant requirements is inadmissible in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings
Private operator recording private property without authorization (KRS 500.130)
Property owner may sue for injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees; 7-year statute of limitations (KRS 413)
Trespass over key infrastructure with intent to harm or surveil (first offense, KRS 511.100)
Exemption for FAA-compliant commercial operators
Trespass over key infrastructure (repeat offense, KRS 511.100)
Escalated penalty for second and subsequent violations within statute of limitations
Reckless drone operation violating airport facility map or creating serious risk (KRS 183.086)
Exemption for FAA-compliant commercial operators
Reckless drone operation causing significant aircraft disruption (KRS 183.086)
Applies when violation causes significant change of course or serious disruption to safe air travel of manned aircraft
Using drone to hunt, fish, take, drive, herd, or harass wildlife (301 KAR 3:140)
Effective October 16, 2025. Exceptions for Fish and Wildlife staff, authorized landowners conducting wildlife damage control, and commercial fishers removing invasive species
Crime committed with aid of drone (KRS 501.110) - e.g., stalking, harassment, trespass
Drone is treated as a tool, not a loophole. Same penalties apply as if crime were committed in person.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Kentucky 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
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Kentucky State Parks Drone Permit Application — No fee identifiedPermit application required for any drone operation on state park property. Must include proof of liability insurance and pilot credentials. No application processing fee identified in state sources. Allow processing time before planned park visit.
Kentucky does not require state-level drone registration beyond FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 certification; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. State parks require proof of liability insurance and a copy of pilot credentials (TRUST or Part 107) as part of permit application, but these are not registration requirements. No state commercial licensing, sales tax on drones, or drone-specific taxes apply.
Kentucky State Parks require permit applications for any drone use (recreational or commercial). Permit application must include: (1) completed permit form, (2) proof of liability insurance, and (3) copy of pilot license (TRUST for recreational, Part 107 for commercial). State parks located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land require separate Corps approval. No permit application is processed without all three documents.
Kentucky does not mandate drone insurance statewide. However, Kentucky State Parks require proof of liability insurance as part of the three-document permit application (not as a separate fee). Commercial operators commonly face client-imposed insurance requirements (typically $1 million+ general liability), but this is client-driven, not state-mandated.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Operations
Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone work
All commercial drone operations in Kentucky require FAA Part 107 certification. Test costs $175, covers 60 multiple-choice questions, and certificate is valid for 24 months before recurrent testing required. Testing centers available in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and other Kentucky cities. Kentucky has no additional state commercial licensing requirements beyond Part 107.
TRUST - Recreational UAS Safety Test
Free certification required for hobby flying
All recreational drone pilots must pass the free TRUST test (online, 100% correctable before issuance) and carry proof of completion. Test must be passed and certificate carried on every flight. Failure to provide certificate upon request is a violation.
FAA Drone Registration
Registration required for drones heavier than 250g (0.55 lbs)
Five-dollar registration fee (valid 3 years) through FAA Drone Zone. Registration number must be visible on the aircraft. Drones under 250g used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all FAA flight rules.
Remote ID
Mandatory broadcast capability since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID via standard module, broadcast Remote ID equipment, or operation within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA). Compliance has been mandatory since March 16, 2024.
Controlled Airspace - LAANC Authorization
Authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D airspace and surface E
Kentucky has extensive controlled airspace: Class B around CVG, Class C around SDF and LEX, plus Class D and surface E rings. LAANC provides automated near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet. Operators can apply up to 90 days in advance for further coordination.
Altitude Ceiling
400 feet above ground level standard
FAA standard 400-foot AGL ceiling applies in Kentucky. No state-level lowering of this ceiling, though LAANC may approve lower ceilings near busy airports. Downtown Louisville near SDF can have restricted lower ceilings.
Visual Line of Sight
VLOS required unless waivered
Operators must maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) or use a certified visual observer in direct communication. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) requires specific FAA waiver. FAA has proposed Part 108 rule for routine BVLOS operations, but it is not yet finalized.
Night Flying
Permitted with required anti-collision lighting
Part 107 night operations no longer require a waiver, but mandatory anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles is required. Recreational flyers also permitted night flight with proper lighting.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
KRS 511.100 — Trespass Upon Key Infrastructure Assets
Penalty: Class B misdemeanor (first offense), Class A misdemeanor (subsequent offense) for trespass on key infrastructure assets via drone
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Kentucky does not have an explicit state preemption statute barring municipalities from enacting their own drone ordinances. Local governments actively regulate drone use on public property, as evidenced by ordinances in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington, and Dayton. The CI statute (KRS 511.100) operates independently of the preemption question and includes an explicit FAA-compliant operator carve-out. CORRECTION: Prior version of this record incorrectly cited KRS 500.130 (the privacy/surveillance statute) in this section; corrected to KRS 511.100. CAFO removed from covered_categories — pending SB 16 did not pass. No new preemption legislation identified this review cycle; re-verify at next pass once bill-text-level source material is available.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC coverage available at 726 airports nationwide. Major Kentucky airports: CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Class B), SDF (Louisville Muhammad Ali, Class C), LEX (Lexington Blue Grass, Class C). LAANC provides automated near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Multiple FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers offer LAANC access: Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick. Manual coordination available for flights up to 400 feet AGL up to 90 days in advance.
Major Airports
CVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Class B airspace, Boone County KY)SDF — Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (Class C airspace, home to UPS Worldport global hub)LEX — Blue Grass Airport/Lexington (Class C/D airspace)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) active around special events. Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs (Louisville, typically May) creates seasonal TFR. National security events, military operations, and special-event flights create additional TFRs. FIFA World Cup 2026 venues will have TFRs during tournament. Check B4UFLY app and UAS Facility Maps before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | All UAS operations on campus require approval from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Kroger Field subject to TFR during Wildcats football games. Restrictions: No flights without prior EHS approval. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over medical center or university buildings. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| University of Louisville | Drone operators must obtain approval from the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) before flying on campus. L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium subject to TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior DEHS approval required. Stadium TFR during athletic events. | Yes | Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) |
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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