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

Prohibits intentional use of a drone to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence about, or record a 'targeted facility' without the owner's prior written consent. Targeted facilities include petroleum and alumina refineries, chemical and rubber manufacturing plants, nuclear power generation facilities, schools and school premises, grain elevators and storage, and critical infrastructure as defined in RS 14:61 (electrical substations, water-treatment plants, natural-gas compressor stations, LNG terminals, ports, railroad yards, pipelines). Carve-outs exist for FAA-compliant operations not surveilling protected sites, flights over own property, utilities maintaining their own facilities, higher-education research, and authorized film productions.

Prohibits flying a drone over the grounds of the governor's mansion or any state or local jail, prison, or other correctional facility without the express written consent of the person in charge. State has documented 51 drone incidents at correctional facilities, primarily involving contraband delivery.

Prohibits intentional surveillance, recording, or interference with a federal or state military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, or weapon system without the commander's prior written consent. Applies to all military bases and installations within the state. Added by 2025 legislation.

Authorizes law enforcement officers and agencies to take 'mitigation measures' against drones flown in a 'nefarious manner' (defined as spying, smuggling contraband, facilitating crime, or posing direct threat to public safety). Mitigation measures include detection, tracking, interception, and disabling through jamming, hacking, or physical capture. Officers may only act on reasonable suspicion the drone is tied to criminal activity, poses imminent threat, or violates state or federal law. Louisiana is the first state to grant local police this authority.

Makes it a crime for an unauthorized person to intentionally fly a drone over any parade or parade route for which a government permit was issued. Specifically names Mardi Gras and related carnival and pre-Lenten festivities, school parades, parish parades, state and municipal parades, and permitted demonstrations. Parade organizers are required by law to post 'Drone No Fly Zone' notices along all parade routes. Lack of knowledge of the rule is not a defense.

Prohibits using a drone equipped with a camera or image-recording device to observe, photograph, film, or record a person without consent in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy for lewd or lascivious purposes. Conviction requires mandatory registration as a sex offender—a uniquely severe consequence among drone laws.

Prohibits intentionally flying a drone across a police cordon in a manner that obstructs investigating officers. Also explicitly authorizes law enforcement or emergency responders to disable any unmanned aircraft in the area that has potential to endanger public safety or officer safety.

Specifies that surveillance by an unmanned aircraft constitutes criminal trespass when conducted without permission on another's property with intent to conduct surveillance.

Grants the state of Louisiana exclusive jurisdiction to regulate unmanned aircraft systems. State law supersedes and preempts any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance passed by a city, parish, or other local government regarding drone regulation. Local governments retain the ability to set conduct rules for property they own and control (e.g., park ground-use rules), but cannot establish their own drone ordinances or airspace regulations.

Establishes framework for using unmanned aerial systems in commercial agricultural operations, administered by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Defines 'agricultural commercial operation' to include crops, livestock, farm-raised fish, timber, and poultry. Requires state licensing and registration of ag drones with fees not exceeding $100. Operators must complete agricultural education and safety training through Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or Southern University. Data collected remains property of landowner unless written agreement exists. Operators on others' land must have written landowner permission.

Authorizes Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to establish and administer registration and licensing requirements for commercial agricultural drone operations. Requires completion of agricultural education and safety training course. License and registration valid for three years and renewable.

2026 amendment providing clarifications and enhancements relative to unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems. Effective immediately upon signature.

Creates School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program to supplement school crisis management and response plans. Establishes framework for authorized use of drones by school districts and law enforcement to respond to school safety emergencies.

New Orleans City Park Drone Restrictions

Prohibits drone operation in New Orleans City Park without prior permit

Audubon Nature Institute Parks Drone Prohibition

Complete prohibition of drone usage in all parks owned or operated by Audubon Nature Institute