Kentucky Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kentucky maintains a comprehensive drone regulatory framework with notably strong privacy protections for both citizens and government surveillance oversight. The state requires law enforcement to obtain UAS-specific warrants for drone searches, and as of 2025, extends privacy protections to private operators with a private right of action for violations. Kentucky has enacted targeted critical infrastructure protection laws, wildlife restrictions, and state park permit requirements, while permitting recreational and commercial operations under FAA rules without additional state licensing.
State Drone Laws
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 500.130Operation of unmanned aircraft system — Surveillance and Warrant Requirements
Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant specifically authorizing unmanned aircraft system use before conducting a drone-based search; evidence gathered without proper UAS-specific warrant is inadmissible in Kentucky civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings. As amended by House Bill 19 (March 15, 2025), prohibits recreational, professional, and educational drone operators from recording images of privately owned property or persons with intent to conduct surveillance or publish unauthorized images in violation of reasonable expectation of privacy. Creates private right of action for property owners to sue for injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees (7-year statute of limitations under KRS 413).
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 511.100Trespass upon key infrastructure assets via drone
Prohibits knowingly using a drone to fly above key infrastructure assets with intent to cause harm or damage, or to conduct surveillance, without owner consent. Key infrastructure includes: electrical generation facilities, petroleum refineries, hazardous-chemical manufacturing facilities, petroleum/hazardous-chemical storage facilities, natural-gas processing/compressor stations, pipelines, railroad yards, water treatment facilities, prisons and jails, military weapons facilities, telecom switching facilities, food manufacturing and processing facilities, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and electrical highway infrastructure. Exempts commercial operators complying with FAA regulations, government agencies, emergency responders, utilities, insurers, and authorized owners conducting lawful wildlife-damage control.
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 501.110Criminal offense committed with the aid of a drone
A person who commits any offense with the aid of a drone is guilty of that offense and faces the same penalty as if the crime had been committed in person. Applies to stalking, harassment, criminal trespass, voyeurism, and any other crime facilitated by drone use.
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 183.086Restrictions on operation of unmanned aircraft near airports
Prohibits operation of drones in areas marked as prohibited on a commercial airport's unmanned aircraft facility map without airport operator approval. Prohibits reckless operation of drones in a manner that creates serious risk of physical injury or property damage. FAA-compliant commercial operators are exempt from facility map restrictions.
301 Ky. Admin. Regs. 3:140Use of drones for wildlife hunting and fishing
Effective October 16, 2025. Unlawful to use aircraft or drone to fish, hunt, take, drive or herd wildlife for hunting purposes, or to harass wildlife. Exemptions granted for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and agents, authorized landowners conducting lawful wildlife-damage control, and commercial fishers removing invasive carp species.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Bowling Green
cityParks Department Drone Use Policy
Written consent from Parks Director required for all drone operations in city parks and facilities
Restrictions
Operator must specify dates, times, and purpose in permit request. Permanent prohibitions over Russell Sims Aquatics Center, city golf courses, and other locations designated by Parks Director. Director retains discretion to limit flights to specific parks, locations, and time windows.
Covington
cityPermits Required for Certain Activities
Covington city code § 94.017 requires permits for certain drone operations
Restrictions
Specific restrictions not detailed in available sources; check local city code for current requirements
Dayton
cityActivities Limited to Designated Areas
Dayton city code § 95.34 limits certain drone activities to designated areas
Restrictions
Specific restrictions not detailed in available sources; contact city for designated area locations
Louisville
cityMetro Parks Launch and Landing Rules
Louisville Metro Parks conduct rules govern launching and landing of drones on park property
Restrictions
No launch/landing on Louisville Metro Parks property without permission. Additional restrictions apply during Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs TFR) and UPS Worldport flight operations.
Lexington
cityParks Conduct Rules and University of Kentucky Policy
City park-conduct rules govern launch/landing; University of Kentucky maintains separate drone policy for campus
Restrictions
Launch/landing subject to park rules. University of Kentucky campus requires separate Environmental Health & Safety approval.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement drone search without UAS-specific warrant (KRS 500.130) | Evidence Suppression | Not applicable (evidence excluded) | Not applicable | Kentucky court system (suppression motion by defendant) | Evidence gathered in violation of KRS 500.130 warrant requirement is inadmissible in Kentucky civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings. No criminal penalty for officer; remedy is exclusion of evidence. |
| Private drone surveillance violating privacy expectations (KRS 500.130, as amended by HB 19) | Civil Action | Actual damages + punitive damages + court costs + attorney's fees | Not applicable | Private right of action; property owner may sue in civil court | 7-year statute of limitations (KRS 413). No direct criminal penalty; civil remedy includes injunctive relief and damages. |
| Trespass over key infrastructure with intent to harm or surveil (KRS 511.100, 1st offense) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 90 days | County prosecutors / State police | Applies to critical infrastructure including power plants, prisons, water treatment, airports, military facilities, food processing, CAFOs, etc. Commercial FAA-compliant operators exempt. |
| Trespass over key infrastructure (KRS 511.100, repeat offense) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | County prosecutors / State police | Enhanced penalty for second or subsequent violation within statute lookback period. |
| Reckless drone operation near airports or commercial aircraft (KRS 183.086) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | FAA / State police / Local law enforcement | Includes flying into prohibited areas on airport UAS facility maps without permission or operating in manner creating serious risk of injury or property damage. |
| Reckless drone operation causing disruption to safe air travel (KRS 183.086) | Class D Felony | Up to $1,000 | Up to 5 years | FAA / State police / Local law enforcement | Enhanced to felony if violation causes significant change of course or serious disruption to safe travel of manned aircraft threatening passenger/crew safety. |
| Use of drone to fish, hunt, take, drive, or harass wildlife (301 KAR 3:140) | Fish and Wildlife Regulation Violation | Varies (administrative penalty) | Varies (administrative penalty) | Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers | Effective October 16, 2025. Limited exceptions for Fish & Wildlife staff, authorized wildlife-damage control, and commercial invasive species removal. |
| Crime committed via drone (KRS 501.110) | Same as underlying offense | Same as underlying offense | Same as underlying offense | Law enforcement appropriate to underlying offense | Applies to stalking, harassment, trespass, voyeurism, and any other crime facilitated by drone use. Drone is tool; penalties are for the underlying crime. |
| Operating in Kentucky state parks without permit | Parks Regulation Violation | Varies (administrative) | Not applicable | Kentucky Department of Parks staff | Permit application required with proof of liability insurance and pilot credential (TRUST or Part 107). Some state parks on Army Corps land require separate Corps approval. |
| Shooting down a drone | Federal Felony (Aircraft Sabotage) | Up to $250,000 | Up to 20 years | Federal Bureau of Investigation / U.S. Attorney | 18 U.S.C. § 32 prohibits destruction of aircraft. Applies regardless of whether drone was over shooter's property. Note: Kentucky 'Drone Slayer' case (Boggs v. Merideth) was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, not as authorizing drone destruction. |
Law enforcement drone search without UAS-specific warrant (KRS 500.130)
Evidence gathered in violation of KRS 500.130 warrant requirement is inadmissible in Kentucky civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings. No criminal penalty for officer; remedy is exclusion of evidence.
Private drone surveillance violating privacy expectations (KRS 500.130, as amended by HB 19)
7-year statute of limitations (KRS 413). No direct criminal penalty; civil remedy includes injunctive relief and damages.
Trespass over key infrastructure with intent to harm or surveil (KRS 511.100, 1st offense)
Applies to critical infrastructure including power plants, prisons, water treatment, airports, military facilities, food processing, CAFOs, etc. Commercial FAA-compliant operators exempt.
Trespass over key infrastructure (KRS 511.100, repeat offense)
Enhanced penalty for second or subsequent violation within statute lookback period.
Reckless drone operation near airports or commercial aircraft (KRS 183.086)
Includes flying into prohibited areas on airport UAS facility maps without permission or operating in manner creating serious risk of injury or property damage.
Reckless drone operation causing disruption to safe air travel (KRS 183.086)
Enhanced to felony if violation causes significant change of course or serious disruption to safe travel of manned aircraft threatening passenger/crew safety.
Use of drone to fish, hunt, take, drive, or harass wildlife (301 KAR 3:140)
Effective October 16, 2025. Limited exceptions for Fish & Wildlife staff, authorized wildlife-damage control, and commercial invasive species removal.
Crime committed via drone (KRS 501.110)
Applies to stalking, harassment, trespass, voyeurism, and any other crime facilitated by drone use. Drone is tool; penalties are for the underlying crime.
Operating in Kentucky state parks without permit
Permit application required with proof of liability insurance and pilot credential (TRUST or Part 107). Some state parks on Army Corps land require separate Corps approval.
Shooting down a drone
18 U.S.C. § 32 prohibits destruction of aircraft. Applies regardless of whether drone was over shooter's property. Note: Kentucky 'Drone Slayer' case (Boggs v. Merideth) was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, not as authorizing drone destruction.
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
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Kentucky State Parks Drone Permit — Fee amount not specified in sourcesKentucky Department of Parks requires permit application for any drone use in state parks, including commercial photography. Three required documents: completed permit application, proof of liability insurance, and copy of pilot license credential. Some parks on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land require separate Corps approval (additional form, no fee specified).
Kentucky does not require state-level drone registration beyond FAA registration. No Kentucky state drone license or operator permit is required for recreational or commercial operations. Commercial drone operators must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107); recreational operators must pass the TRUST test. State parks require a permit application (including proof of liability insurance and pilot credential) as a condition of flying on park property, but this is not a statewide registration program.
Kentucky Department of Parks requires a permit for drone use in state parks. Permit application must include proof of liability insurance and a copy of pilot credential (TRUST for recreational, Part 107 for commercial). Some state parks sit on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land and require separate Corps approval. Apply at parks.ky.gov.
No statewide mandate. Kentucky Department of Parks requires proof of general liability insurance as part of their state park permit application. Commercial clients often require minimum $1 million coverage as contract requirement, not law.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
All drones registered with the FAA in Kentucky must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID module, broadcast module, or operation within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Three broadcast options: broadcast from drone itself, attached module, or FRIA operation.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for commercial operations
Commercial drone operators in Kentucky must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (60 questions, $175 fee) and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate valid for 24 months. No additional state license required. Multiple FAA testing centers available in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and other Kentucky cities.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational operations
Recreational drone operators in Kentucky must pass the free online TRUST test from an FAA-approved test administrator and carry proof of completion when flying. Test is 100% correctable; operators cannot fail. Test must be retaken if certificate is lost.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace
Kentucky's major airports (CVG, SDF, LEX) have controlled airspace overlays. Flights at or below 400 feet in these areas require prior FAA authorization via LAANC. Downtown Louisville near SDF airport can have restricted altitude ceilings due to heavy cargo operations.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Mandatory for all operations unless waivered
Operators must maintain visual line of sight of their drone or use a visual observer in direct communication. Kentucky does not relax this federal requirement. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations require specific FAA waivers; Part 108 rulemaking for routine BVLOS is pending at federal level.
Altitude and Speed Limits
400 feet above ground level (AGL) is the standard federal ceiling
Kentucky does not lower the federal 400-foot AGL limit. LAANC may approve lower ceilings near some airports; controlled airspace around SDF can be particularly restrictive due to UPS hub operations.
Night Flying
Allowed with anti-collision lighting
Both Part 107 (commercial) and recreational operators may fly at night if the drone has anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles. No waiver required as of 2024.
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.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide. In Kentucky, LAANC authorization is required for flights in controlled airspace around major airports. All LAANC requests can be made through FAA-approved UAS service suppliers including Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick.
Major Airports
CVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (Class B airspace; Boone County, Kentucky)SDF — Louisville Muhammad Ali International (Class C airspace; home to UPS Worldport global air cargo hub)LEX — Blue Grass Airport (Class C airspace; Lexington metro)BWG — Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) apply during Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs, Louisville), Razorback football games at University of Arkansas (if flying near state border), and other special events. Always verify with B4UFLY app or DJI Fly 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 | UK requires all unmanned aircraft systems operations on campus to obtain prior approval from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Kroger Field is subject to TFR restrictions during University of Kentucky football games. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any drone flight on campus. No flights permitted over UK Medical Center. Stadium TFR during football games. Operators must follow all applicable FAA rules in addition to university requirements. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) — ehs@uky.edu or https://ehs.uky.edu/ |
| University of Louisville | University of Louisville requires drone operators to obtain approval from the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) before conducting any UAS operations on campus. L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium is subject to TFR restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior DEHS approval required. Stadium TFR during all athletic events. Operators must comply with all FAA regulations and Louisville airspace restrictions (Class C around SDF airport). | Yes | Department of Environmental Health & Safety — https://louisville.edu/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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