Louisiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Louisiana is one of the most aggressive states on drone regulation, with eight state-level drone-specific statutes covering surveillance, video voyeurism, agricultural operations, and counter-UAS authority. Most notably, Louisiana is the first state to authorize local law enforcement to jam, hack, or physically capture drones suspected of criminal activity. The state fully preempts local drone ordinances, enforcing uniform statewide rules. Violations carry severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration for voyeurism convictions.
State Drone Laws
RS 14:337Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Core statute prohibiting intentional use of a drone to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence about, or record a targeted facility (refineries, chemical plants, nuclear facilities, schools, grain elevators, critical infrastructure, ports, pipelines, electrical substations, water treatment plants, LNG terminals) without the owner's prior written consent. Also prohibits flying over the governor's mansion or any state or local jail, prison, or correctional facility without express written consent.
RS 14:337(A)(1)(c)Surveillance of Military Installations
Prohibits surveilling, recording, or interfering with any federal or state military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, or weapon system without the commander's prior written consent. Added by SB 9 in 2025 following drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base.
RS 14:337.1Drone Over Permitted Parade
Makes it illegal to intentionally fly a drone over any permitted parade or parade route without authorization. Applies specifically to Mardi Gras and carnival festivities, school parades, and other permitted demonstrations. Created by Act 170 (the 'We Will Act' Act) in 2025. Parade organizers must post Drone No Fly Zone notices. Not knowing the rule is not a defense.
RS 14:337(G)Counter-Drone Authority for Law Enforcement
Added by Act 170 in 2025. Authorizes law enforcement officers to take mitigation measures against drones flown in a 'nefarious manner' (spying, smuggling contraband, facilitating crime, posing direct threat to public safety). Measures include detection, tracking, jamming, hacking, or physical capture. Action requires reasonable suspicion that the drone is tied to criminal activity, poses an imminent threat, or is breaking state or federal law. Louisiana was the first state to grant local police this authority.
RS 14:283Video Voyeurism by Drone
Criminalizes using a drone equipped with a camera or image-recording device to observe, photograph, or film a person without consent, where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, for lewd or lascivious purposes. Conviction requires sex offender registration.
RS 14:283 (amended HB 265 2026)Video Voyeurism – Enhanced Penalties (2026 Amendment)
HB 265 (2026) amends RS 14:283 to enhance penalties and clarify conduct constituting video voyeurism. Signed by Governor, effective 8/1/2026, becoming Act No. 424.
RS 14:108Crossing Police Cordon with Drone
Added by SB 73 in 2016. Makes it illegal to intentionally fly a drone across a police cordon in a manner that obstructs investigating officers. Law enforcement or emergency responders may disable any UAS in the area that endangers public safety or officers.
SB 141Criminal Trespass via Drone
Expands definition of criminal trespass to include operation of UAS over immovable property with intent to conduct surveillance without consent.
RS 2:2State Preemption of Local Drone Ordinances
Enacted by SB 69 in 2017. Gives the state of Louisiana exclusive jurisdiction to regulate drones and preempts any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance passed by local governments. Local authorities may still set conduct rules on property they own (parks, facilities), but cannot pass standalone drone ordinances. Federal FAA authority is not affected.
RS 3:41 et seq.Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Systems
Chapter regulating use of UAS in commercial agricultural operations (crops, livestock, farm-raised fish, timber, poultry). Administered by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Requires licensing and registration of ag drones. Data collected remains property of landowner unless agreed otherwise in writing. Operators must have landowner's written permission.
RS 3:44Agricultural Drone License Requirement
Amended by HB 335 in 2016. Requires persons operating UAS for agricultural commercial operations to obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry after completing agricultural education and safety training administered by Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Fee not to exceed $50.
RS 3:45 and RS 3:47Agricultural Drone Registration
Amended by HB 335 in 2016. Each drone used in agricultural operations must be registered with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Registration valid for three years and renewable. Total fees (licensing plus registration) not to exceed $100.
HB 940Unlawful Use of UAS – 2026 Amendment
2026 amendment to RS 14:337 and related UAS statutes. Signed by Governor on 6/8/2026, becoming Act No. 854. Provides clarifications and refinements to unlawful use of UAS prohibitions.
HB 155Unlawful Use of UAS – Clarification Amendment
2026 amendment clarifying unlawful uses of unmanned aircraft systems. Signed by Governor, effective 8/1/2026, becoming Act No. 289.
SB 488School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program
Creates the School Safety Drone Response Pilot Program to supplement school crisis management and response plans. Signed by Governor on 5/29/2026, becoming Act No. 521. Effective 8/1/2026.
HB 429Critical Infrastructure Crimes – Terrorism Predicate
Adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism. Relevant to drone surveillance of critical infrastructure. Signed by Governor on 6/8/2026, becoming Act No. 804. Effective 8/1/2026.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New Orleans
cityCity Park Drone Prohibition
City Park prohibits drone and aerial craft operation without a permit. Operations limited to permitted media outlets and park employees only. Violations result in park pass revocation.
Restrictions
No drone flights without permit. Limited to permitted media outlets and park employees. Violation results in park pass revocation.
New Orleans
cityAudubon Nature Institute Parks Drone Ban
All parks owned by the Audubon Nature Institute prohibit all drone usage without exception.
Restrictions
Complete ban on drone operations in Audubon Zoo, Audubon Park, Aquarium grounds, and all other Audubon-owned parks.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surveillance of targeted facility without consent (RS 14:337) | Class B Misdemeanor (first); Class C Felony (second) | First: up to $500; Second: $500–$4,000 | First: up to 6 months; Second: up to 2 years | District Attorneys, Local Police, Parish Sheriffs, Louisiana State Police | Mandatory drone forfeiture. Targeted facilities include refineries, chemical plants, nuclear plants, schools, grain elevators, critical infrastructure. |
| Drone over correctional facility without consent (RS 14:337) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 6 months | District Attorneys, Local Police, Parish Sheriffs | Applies to jails, prisons, correctional facilities. Mandatory drone forfeiture. |
| Surveillance of military installation without consent (RS 14:337(A)(1)(c)) | Class C Felony | $2,000–$5,000 | Up to 5 years hard labor | District Attorneys, Local Police, Louisiana State Police, Federal authorities | Most serious UAS offense. Mandatory drone forfeiture. Added 2025. |
| Drone over permitted parade (RS 14:337.1) | Class C Felony | $2,000–$5,000 | Up to 1 year (with or without hard labor) | District Attorneys, Local Police, Parish Sheriffs | Mandatory drone forfeiture. Applies to Mardi Gras, carnival, school parades, permitted demonstrations. Lack of knowledge not a defense. |
| Video voyeurism by drone – First offense (RS 14:283) | Class C Felony | Up to $2,000 | Up to 2 years | District Attorneys, Local Police | Sex offender registration mandatory. Applies to surveillance for lewd/lascivious purposes without consent in place of reasonable privacy expectation. |
| Video voyeurism by drone – Second offense (RS 14:283) | Class D Felony | No specific maximum | 6 months–3 years hard labor without parole or probation | District Attorneys, Local Police | Sex offender registration mandatory. |
| Video voyeurism involving minor under 17 (RS 14:283) | Class B Felony | $10,000 | 2–10 years hard labor without parole or probation | District Attorneys, Local Police | Sex offender registration mandatory. Most severe UAS-related offense. |
| Crossing police cordon with drone (RS 14:108) | Misdemeanor – Obstruction of officer | Varies by classification | Varies by classification | Local Police, Parish Sheriffs | Law enforcement may disable drone. Drone subject to confiscation. |
| Criminal trespass via drone (SB 141) | Misdemeanor or Felony | Varies by classification | Varies by classification | Local Police, Parish Sheriffs | Applies to surveillance of immovable property without consent. |
| Agricultural UAS license/registration violation (RS 3:44–47) | Administrative/Civil violation | Department penalties (up to $100 total licensing/registration) | None | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry | Applies to commercial ag operations operating without state license or registration. |
| Drone used to scout, drive, or harass wildlife | Wildlife violation – Misdemeanor | Varies by classification | Varies by classification | Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission agents | Prohibited under state hunting regulations and federal Airborne Hunting Act. |
| Unauthorized interference with law enforcement drone | Felony (if interferes with law enforcement operations) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Law Enforcement, District Attorneys | Only law enforcement authorized to jam/hack/capture drones under RS 14:337(G). |
| NPS no-fly zone violation (Jean Lafitte NHP&P, etc.) | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service rangers, federal court | Federal jurisdiction. Applies at all NPS units in Louisiana. |
| Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | Civil and/or Criminal (FAA jurisdiction) | Up to $75,000 (civil); criminal penalties possible | Varies | FAA, federal prosecutors | Caesars Superdome TFR for events with 30,000+ attendance. Drone confiscation possible. |
Surveillance of targeted facility without consent (RS 14:337)
Mandatory drone forfeiture. Targeted facilities include refineries, chemical plants, nuclear plants, schools, grain elevators, critical infrastructure.
Drone over correctional facility without consent (RS 14:337)
Applies to jails, prisons, correctional facilities. Mandatory drone forfeiture.
Surveillance of military installation without consent (RS 14:337(A)(1)(c))
Most serious UAS offense. Mandatory drone forfeiture. Added 2025.
Drone over permitted parade (RS 14:337.1)
Mandatory drone forfeiture. Applies to Mardi Gras, carnival, school parades, permitted demonstrations. Lack of knowledge not a defense.
Video voyeurism by drone – First offense (RS 14:283)
Sex offender registration mandatory. Applies to surveillance for lewd/lascivious purposes without consent in place of reasonable privacy expectation.
Video voyeurism by drone – Second offense (RS 14:283)
Sex offender registration mandatory.
Video voyeurism involving minor under 17 (RS 14:283)
Sex offender registration mandatory. Most severe UAS-related offense.
Crossing police cordon with drone (RS 14:108)
Law enforcement may disable drone. Drone subject to confiscation.
Criminal trespass via drone (SB 141)
Applies to surveillance of immovable property without consent.
Agricultural UAS license/registration violation (RS 3:44–47)
Applies to commercial ag operations operating without state license or registration.
Drone used to scout, drive, or harass wildlife
Prohibited under state hunting regulations and federal Airborne Hunting Act.
Unauthorized interference with law enforcement drone
Only law enforcement authorized to jam/hack/capture drones under RS 14:337(G).
NPS no-fly zone violation (Jean Lafitte NHP&P, etc.)
Federal jurisdiction. Applies at all NPS units in Louisiana.
Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Caesars Superdome TFR for events with 30,000+ attendance. Drone confiscation possible.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Louisiana 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
Required
$175 (FAA Part 107 test; federal, not state)
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Commercial License
- $175 (FAA Part 107 test; federal, not state)
- Other Fees
- Agricultural Drone License — Not to exceed $50Required for commercial agricultural UAS operations. Administered by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Training course required through Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
- Agricultural Drone Registration — Combined with licensing, not to exceed $100 totalEach drone used in commercial agricultural operations must be registered with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Registration valid for 3 years, renewable. Per HB 335 (2016), total licensing and registration fees capped at $100.
Louisiana does not require general state registration for recreational or standard commercial drones beyond federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). Agricultural commercial operations require separate state licensing and registration through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (total fees not to exceed $100 per HB 335). No state-specific sales tax classification for drones. No state permit required for flight operations outside of individual park or property restrictions.
Individual parks may require permits for launches/landings on their property. Commercial filming in parks may require prior approval. State preemption (RS 2:2) prevents local governments from requiring permits.
Not mandated by state law. Commercial operators typically carry $1 million general liability insurance for client contracts.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 – Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial drone operations in Louisiana must comply with FAA Part 107. Operators must pass Remote Pilot Knowledge Test ($175 fee) and maintain currency with recurrent exam every 24 months.
Louisiana's major commercial sectors (oil/gas, maritime, agriculture, film, insurance, public safety) all rely on Part 107 certification. No state license replaces FAA certification, though agricultural operators must additionally obtain Louisiana state ag license.
TRUST – Recreational Flyer Certification
All recreational drone pilots in Louisiana must pass the free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage.
TRUST provides aeronautical knowledge and safety education. Proof of passage must be presented to law enforcement or FAA personnel upon request. Test available through FAA-approved administrators; questions correctable to 100% before certificate issued.
FAA Remote ID
Remote ID mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024. Must broadcast drone location and operator information in real time.
Louisiana pilots must comply with Remote ID requirements (Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operate inside FAA-Recognized Identification Area – FRIA).
FAA Airspace Authorization – LAANC
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) required for flights in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D) below designated ceiling. Available at 726 airports including four Louisiana airports.
MSY New Orleans is Class B with extensive shelf coverage over metro area. BTR Baton Rouge, LFT Lafayette, SHV Shreveport are Class C. Near-real-time authorization available through FAA-approved LAANC service providers (Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick, others).
Altitude Limit – 400 Feet AGL
Federal 400-foot altitude ceiling applies in Louisiana uncontrolled airspace. Louisiana does not override or lower the FAA standard.
In controlled airspace, LAANC may authorize lower altitudes near airports. Part 107 waivers available for higher altitudes in specific circumstances.
Airborne Hunting Act – 18 U.S.C. § 4331
Federal law prohibits using aircraft (including drones) to scout, take, or harass wildlife. Louisiana hunting regulations parallel this prohibition.
Pending Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries rule (2026-27 season) would allow FAA-certified operators to recover mortally wounded deer/bear under strict safeguards, but remains a pending proposal, not yet final.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
FAA issues TFRs for major events, emergencies, significant activities. Louisiana experiences TFRs during major events and weather.
Super Bowl LIX (February 2025) expanded Superdome TFR to 30 NM radius. Mardi Gras season generates TFRs along all permitted parade routes. Hurricanes and severe weather trigger emergency TFRs.
FAA Stadium TFR (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal law establishes automatic TFRs around sports stadiums with 30,000+ capacity during events. Caesars Superdome affected.
Violation results in up to $75,000 civil penalties and possible criminal prosecution. Drone confiscation standard.
National Park Service Aircraft Policy (36 CFR § 1.5)
NPS prohibits drones at all national park areas. Louisiana's NPS units (Jean Lafitte NHP&P, New Orleans Jazz site, Cane River Creole National Heritage Area) enforce federal no-fly policy.
Violations prosecuted in federal court. Penalties up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Aircraft Sabotage – 18 U.S.C. § 32
Federal felony to shoot down, damage, or destroy aircraft (including drones). Applies even over private property.
Private citizens cannot legally disable drones. Only law enforcement may take counter-UAS measures under Louisiana RS 14:337(G). Citizens should document drone activity and report to law enforcement and FAA.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
La. R.S. 14:337 — Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Penalty: First offense: up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment (misdemeanor). Second/subsequent offense: $500–$4,000 and/or 6 months–2 years. Aggravated offense: up to $5,000 and up to 5 years at hard labor (felony).
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY – Class B), Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR – Class C), Lafayette Regional (LFT – Class C), and Shreveport Regional (SHV – Class C). MSY Class B airspace shelf covers large portions of New Orleans metro area, including French Quarter and popular tourist destinations. All major airports require LAANC authorization or DroneZone waiver for controlled-airspace flights.
Major Airports
MSY — Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (Class B)BTR — Baton Rouge Metropolitan (Class C)LFT — Lafayette Regional (Class C)SHV — Shreveport Regional (Class C)NEW — New Orleans Lakefront (Class D)
TFR Notice
Caesars Superdome has federal stadium TFR for events with 30,000+ attendance. Super Bowl LIX (February 2025) expanded Superdome TFR to 30 nautical miles, up to 18,000 feet altitude. Mardi Gras parade routes trigger mandatory drone no-fly zones posted by parade organizers (RS 14:337.1). Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport operates restricted military airspace. Active weather events and major emergencies trigger temporary TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Unauthorized Drones Over Barksdale Air Force Base
enforcementDuring the week of March 9, 2026, Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City reported multiple waves of unauthorized drones over sensitive areas, including the flight line, forcing temporary shutdown. Two drones recovered and turned over to the FAA. Incident demonstrated enforcement of RS 14:337(A)(1)(c) military installation prohibition.
Shreveport Police Counter-UAS Incident
enforcementShreveport police deployed drone inside residence during search warrant execution in July 2025. Drone spotted suspect; suspect pointed gun at police drone. Suspect arrested and charged; pleaded guilty March 2, 2026 to possession of firearm by convicted felon. Demonstrates active law enforcement drone use and consequences of interfering with police operations.
Jefferson Parish Police Drone Fleet Launch – First Responder Program
enforcementJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office launched 'Drones as First Responder' program with 23 Skydio drones from docking stations throughout the parish. $1.5 million program averages approximately 40 launches per day and has assisted in 60+ arrests since launch. Response time approximately 2 minutes from 911 call. Coverage nearly parish-wide except Kenner, Lafitte, Grand Isle.
Louisiana Correctional Facility Drone Contraband Incidents
enforcementLouisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections documented 51 drone incidents at state-run facilities, primarily involving drones dropping contraband over prison walls. Enforcement problem drove legislature to strengthen prison drone restrictions under RS 14:337 and support passage of counter-UAS law (Act 170).
Pending Legislation
SB 514Subject to CallDepartment of Transportation and Development Aeronautic Activities
Provides relative to Department of Transportation and Development aeronautic activities, with effective date 8/1/2026. As of May 20, 2026, bill was returned to the calendar subject to call, indicating it has not yet received final floor action.
Last action: May 20, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | LSU requires all drone flights on campus property to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Tiger Stadium operates a temporary flight restriction during football game days. Restrictions: Pre-approval from Environmental Health & Safety required before any campus flight. Tiger Stadium TFR during LSU football games. No flights over campus buildings. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
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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