Maryland Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maryland maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations at the state level through strong preemption that prevents local regulation, combined with a minimal set of drone-specific criminal statutes targeting privacy violations, trespass, and contraband delivery to correctional facilities. The state does not require state-level drone registration, licensing, or insurance, though proximity to Washington, D.C. creates significant federal airspace restrictions affecting central Maryland.
State Drone Laws
Md. Code, Economic Development § 14-301Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Development, Regulation, and Privacy Act
Establishes that only the State may enact a law or take any other action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the State. Preempts and supersedes any county or municipal ordinance that attempts to regulate drone testing or operation. This is the foundational statute that makes Maryland one of the most cleanly preempted drone states in the nation.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 9-417.1Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Over Correctional Facilities and Contraband Delivery
Makes it a misdemeanor to use a drone to deliver contraband to a person detained or confined in a place of confinement. Also prohibits intentionally operating a drone over a correctional facility to record images without authorization from the managing official or the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Enacted in response to 35+ confirmed drone incidents near state correctional facilities in 2023.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-902Unlawful Visual Surveillance
Prohibits conducting visual surveillance of an individual in a private place with prurient intent and without consent. The statute defines camera to include any electronic device used surreptitiously to observe someone, which includes drone-mounted cameras. A private place includes any location where a person can reasonably expect to disrobe with an expectation of privacy.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-903Unlawful Recording of Private Area of Individual
Prohibits surreptitious recording of the private area of an individual without consent. Applies directly to drone-mounted cameras used to film into bedroom windows, fenced backyards, hotel balconies, or other private spaces.
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10-402Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Two-Party Consent for Audio Recording
Maryland is a two-party-consent state for audio recording. Prohibits recording of private conversations without consent of all parties. A drone microphone that captures a private conversation without everyone's consent violates this law.
Md. Code, Natural Resources § 10-410(j)Prohibition on Hunting from Aircraft
Prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft within the State, including drones. Also prohibits using aircraft to assist in a hunt. The federal Airborne Hunting Act provides additional federal backing. Maryland does not have a separate statute allowing drone deer recovery.
Md. Code, Criminal Law - HB 1349Unmanned Aircraft Systems Trespass
Makes it illegal to use an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly enter the property of another person without consent. Does not require the drone to be recording, surveilling, or taking photographs. Simply flying a drone over or onto another person's property without permission is sufficient to constitute a violation.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Calvert County
countyCounty Code - Drone Prohibition in Parks and Recreation Areas
County ordinance prohibits the operation of drones or any unmanned aircraft within any Calvert County park or recreation area. Note: This ordinance likely conflicts with state preemption statute § 14-301 and may not be enforceable.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted in county parks and recreation areas
Ocean City
citySeasonal Beach and Boardwalk Drone Restrictions
Town prohibits operating a drone over the beach, Boardwalk, or any large gathering of people during the busy season (May 1 - September 30) without prior written approval. Framed as exercise of safety and privacy authority rather than airspace regulation.
Restrictions
Restricted May 1 through September 30 over beach, Boardwalk, and large public gatherings. Requires prior written approval from Town of Ocean City Office of Emergency Management (410-723-6651)
Frederick County
countyParks and Recreation - Approved Parks Drone List
Drone operations are only allowed in specific designated parks and only after completion of a Special Request Form.
Restrictions
Drones permitted only in: Catoctin Creek Nature Center, Kemptown Park, Middletown Park, Old National Pike Park, Utica District Park. Requires Special Request Form completion.
Baltimore
cityParks and Recreation - Model Airplane Flying Rule
No person shall engage in model airplane flying or toy aviation in Baltimore city parks except at places designated or maintained for such activities.
Restrictions
Model airplane and toy aviation restricted to designated locations only in city parks (Rule 42)
Maryland State Parks
countyCommercial Photography Policy (DNR Policy 19-29)
Commercial photographers and film productions must enter a service agreement and pay a service charge to use state park facilities and lands. Maryland does not categorically ban drones in state parks but conditions operation on Park Manager approval.
Restrictions
Commercial film and photography requires Park Service permit or use agreement. High-impact commercial work (major productions) requires formal agreement. Low-impact commercial work and non-commercial operations require contact with Park Manager before flying.
Annapolis
cityMaryland State House Grounds and Legislative Branch Area - Drone Restrictions
Drone use is restricted on State-owned property in Annapolis, including the Maryland State House grounds and surrounding Legislative Branch buildings. Codified in COMAR 04.05.01.08.
Restrictions
Individuals may not launch, land, or retrieve a drone on State real property in Annapolis without prior written approval from the Secretary of General Services or the Secretary's designee. Federal, State, and local government entities and law enforcement agencies are excepted.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone contraband delivery to correctional facility (§ 9-417.1) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 3 years | Maryland State Police, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, local law enforcement | Addresses confirmed contraband delivery incidents near state correctional facilities (35+ in 2023) |
| Visual surveillance with prurient intent in private place (§ 3-902) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Maryland State Police, local law enforcement | Applies to drone-mounted cameras. Victim has both criminal penalties and civil cause of action |
| Unlawful recording of private area (§ 3-903) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Maryland State Police, local law enforcement | Applies to drone-mounted cameras recording bedroom windows, bathrooms, private spaces |
| Unlawful audio recording without two-party consent (§ 10-402) | Felony or Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Maryland State Police, local law enforcement | Maryland is two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations |
| Drone trespass - knowingly entering another's property (HB 1349) | Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement, Maryland State Police | Does not require surveillance, recording, or photography; merely flying onto someone's property without consent is sufficient |
| Hunting or attempting to hunt from aircraft (§ 10-410(j)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service | Includes drones used to hunt or assist in hunting wild birds or mammals; federal Airborne Hunting Act also applies |
| DC Flight Restricted Zone incursion (14 CFR § 93.339) | Federal Misdemeanor | Federal civil penalties | Up to 1 year | FAA, U.S. Attorney for District of Maryland | 15-nautical-mile ring around Reagan National Airport; covers inner-Beltway Maryland suburbs. No UAS operations without FAA waiver. |
| National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service, U.S. Attorney | Applies to Assateague Island, Antietam, C&O Canal, Fort McHenry, Catoctin Mountain Park, and other NPS units in Maryland |
Drone contraband delivery to correctional facility (§ 9-417.1)
Addresses confirmed contraband delivery incidents near state correctional facilities (35+ in 2023)
Visual surveillance with prurient intent in private place (§ 3-902)
Applies to drone-mounted cameras. Victim has both criminal penalties and civil cause of action
Unlawful recording of private area (§ 3-903)
Applies to drone-mounted cameras recording bedroom windows, bathrooms, private spaces
Unlawful audio recording without two-party consent (§ 10-402)
Maryland is two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations
Drone trespass - knowingly entering another's property (HB 1349)
Does not require surveillance, recording, or photography; merely flying onto someone's property without consent is sufficient
Hunting or attempting to hunt from aircraft (§ 10-410(j))
Includes drones used to hunt or assist in hunting wild birds or mammals; federal Airborne Hunting Act also applies
DC Flight Restricted Zone incursion (14 CFR § 93.339)
15-nautical-mile ring around Reagan National Airport; covers inner-Beltway Maryland suburbs. No UAS operations without FAA waiver.
National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05)
Applies to Assateague Island, Antietam, C&O Canal, Fort McHenry, Catoctin Mountain Park, and other NPS units in Maryland
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Maryland
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Maryland does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for drones over 250 grams, but this is a federal requirement administered by the FAA, not a state requirement. Maryland does not impose state-specific drone registration fees, state drone pilot licensing, mandatory insurance, or drone-specific sales taxes beyond general consumer sales tax.
Applicable Federal Regulations
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)
30-nautical-mile ring around Washington, D.C. centered on Reagan National Airport (codified at 14 CFR Part 93 Subpart V)
Covers large portions of Maryland including all of Montgomery County, nearly all of Prince George's County, most of Howard County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. Recreational flights permitted in the SFRA outer ring (15-30 nm) under the recreational exception (49 U.S.C. § 44809) with LAANC authorization. Part 107 commercial flights require SFRA-specific authorization in addition to standard LAANC.
DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)
15-nautical-mile inner ring centered on Reagan National Airport where no UAS operations are permitted
Covers inner-Beltway Maryland suburbs including National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, College Park, Bladensburg, and inner edges of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring. UAS operations are completely prohibited except under rare FAA airspace waiver. No recreational flying, no Part 107 flying without waiver. This is the most restrictive airspace in the state.
Remote ID Requirements
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
All drones must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID module, broadcast module, or operation inside a FRIA (FAA Recognized Identification Area). Applies to both recreational and commercial operations in Maryland.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone use
Commercial drone operations in Maryland are subject to standard FAA Part 107 rules with additional requirements for DC airspace. High-value commercial markets in Maryland include Port of Baltimore maritime survey, utility and pipeline inspection, defense and federal contractor operations, and infrastructure inspection.
National Park Service Policy
System-wide prohibition of drone launch, landing, and operation in all NPS units (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, effective 2014)
Applies to all National Park Service units in Maryland including Assateague Island National Seashore, Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (extends from DC to Cumberland), Catoctin Mountain Park, Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Greenbelt Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Violations are federal Class B misdemeanors (up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine, plus drone seizure).
Catoctin Mountain Park Federal Restricted Airspace
Camp David (presidential residence) restricted airspace
Catoctin Mountain Park sits under federal restricted airspace protecting Camp David, one of the most tightly held no-fly areas in the country. Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued when the President is present.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Maryland has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Maryland airports. LAANC is available for Part 107 operations and recreational flyers in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, surface E). Multiple FAA-approved LAANC service suppliers operate in Maryland (Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick).
Major Airports
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport - Baltimore (Class B, Anne Arundel County)Martin State Airport - Essex (Class D, east of Baltimore)Andrews Air Force Base - Joint Base Andrews (Prince George's County, military restricted)Patuxent River Naval Air Station (St. Mary's County, military restricted)Naval Academy Airfield - Annapolis (Restricted)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued for special events, stadium operations (Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium), Camp David (presidential residence, most heavily restricted airspace outside DC itself), and other sensitive areas. Check NOTAM Search (https://notams.faa.gov/) before every flight. DC SFRA is governed by an FDC security NOTAM that changes periodically; pilots must check current NOTAM before flying inside 30-nm ring around DC.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 471In Committee - JudiciaryPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would provide that certain evidence obtained through the use of an unmanned aircraft is inadmissible in a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding. Would prohibit a unit of State government or political subdivision from deploying or operating an unmanned aircraft subject to certain exceptions. Would prohibit use of information acquired through unmanned aircraft operations by government entities.
Last action: January 29, 2026
HB 954Introduced - 2025 SessionPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Similar to HB 471; would restrict government drone surveillance and evidence admissibility for government-obtained UAS information.
Last action: January 31, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, College Park | UMD requires approval from the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) for all UAS operations on campus. The university maintains an active UAS Research and Operations Center for academic research. SECU Stadium generates a temporary flight restriction during athletic events. Restrictions: All UAS operations require prior approval from ESSR. Stadium TFR in effect during Terrapin athletic events. Located within DC SFRA (approximately 25 nm from Reagan National), so federal airspace restrictions also apply. | Yes | Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) |
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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