Maryland Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maryland maintains a moderate regulatory approach to drones through strong state preemption that prohibits local ordinances and targeted state-level criminal statutes addressing specific harmful uses: correctional facility interference, trespass, and surveillance. The state imposes no broad restrictions on recreational or commercial drone operations, but pilots operating near Washington, D.C. face significant federal airspace restrictions from the SFRA and FRZ.
State Drone Laws
Md. Code, Economic Development § 14-301Unmanned Aircraft Systems Preemption
Declares that only the State may enact a law or take any action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Preempts and supersedes any existing county or municipal ordinances that attempt to regulate drone operations.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 9-417.1Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Over Correctional Facilities and Contraband Delivery
Prohibits using a drone to deliver contraband to a person detained or confined in a place of confinement. Also prohibits 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. Requires facilities to post warning signage.
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-902Visual Surveillance
Prohibits conducting visual surveillance of an individual in a private place with prurient intent and without consent. Defines 'camera' to include any electronic device used surreptitiously to observe someone, which captures 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 § 3-903Surreptitious Recording of Private Area
Reaches surreptitious recording of the private area of an individual. Applies to drone microphones and cameras capturing private spaces without consent.
Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10-402Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act - Two-Party Consent
Maryland is a two-party-consent state for audio recording. A drone microphone that captures a private conversation without everyone's consent violates this law. The simplest compliance measure is to turn audio off unless filming a public event or with consent.
Md. Code, Natural Resources § 10-410(j)Hunting From an Aircraft
Prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft within the State. This prohibition reaches drones used to hunt or to assist in a hunt. The federal Airborne Hunting Act provides additional protection. Maryland has not adopted a separate drone-specific deer-recovery rule.
HB 1349Criminal Law - Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Trespass
Makes it illegal to use an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly enter the property of another person without consent. Established as a standalone trespass statute separate from surveillance concerns. Does not require recording or surveilling; simply flying a drone onto or over another's property without permission is sufficient to trigger a violation.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Calvert County
countyParks and Recreation - Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits the operation of drones or any unmanned aircraft within any Calvert County park or recreation area.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Calvert County parks/recreation areas. Note: This ordinance may conflict with state preemption under § 14-301, though it is still enforced locally.
Ocean City
citySeasonal Beach and Boardwalk Drone Restriction
Prohibits operating a drone over the beach, Boardwalk, or any large gathering of people during the busy season without prior written approval from the Town of Ocean City.
Restrictions
Seasonal restriction May 1 - September 30. No drone operations over beach, Boardwalk, or large crowds without prior written approval. Contact: Office of Emergency Management at 410-723-6651. Off-season and away from crowds, the Eastern Shore's Class G airspace is largely open to recreational flying.
Maryland (State Parks)
stateState Parks Commercial Photography Policy
Requires commercial photographers and film productions to enter into an agreement and pay a service charge to conduct filming on state park lands. All drone operators must contact the specific Park Manager before flying.
Restrictions
Commercial film and photography that is high-impact requires a Park Service permit or use agreement. Private non-commercial filming and low-impact commercial work (public areas, five people or fewer, minimal gear) does not require a permit but all operators must contact the Park Manager first. Maryland does not impose a categorical ban on drones in every state park.
Maryland (State - Annapolis)
stateLegislative Branch Buildings and Grounds - Drone Restrictions
Restricts drone launch, landing, and retrieval on Maryland State House grounds and surrounding Legislative Branch area without prior written approval.
Restrictions
Except for federal, State, and local government entities or law enforcement, individuals may not launch, land, or retrieve a drone on State real property in the Legislative complex without prior written approval from the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone contraband delivery to a place of confinement (§ 9-417.1) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 3 years | Maryland State Police, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services | Backed by DPSCS documentation of 35 confirmed drone sightings at state correctional facilities in 2023 |
| Visual surveillance with prurient intent in private place (§ 3-902) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | State's Attorneys, local law enforcement | Civil cause of action also available to victim for damages |
| Surreptitious recording of private area (§ 3-903) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | State's Attorneys, local law enforcement | Applies to drone cameras and audio recording |
| Unlawful audio recording without consent (§ 10-402) | Felony or Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | State's Attorneys, local law enforcement | Maryland is a two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations |
| Drone trespass (HB 1349) | Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 per incident | Up to 1 year | State's Attorneys, local law enforcement | Does not require recording or surveillance; simply flying onto another's property without permission is sufficient |
| Hunting or attempting to hunt from aircraft/drone (§ 10-410(j)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service | Federal Airborne Hunting Act provides additional federal protection |
Drone contraband delivery to a place of confinement (§ 9-417.1)
Backed by DPSCS documentation of 35 confirmed drone sightings at state correctional facilities in 2023
Visual surveillance with prurient intent in private place (§ 3-902)
Civil cause of action also available to victim for damages
Surreptitious recording of private area (§ 3-903)
Applies to drone cameras and audio recording
Unlawful audio recording without consent (§ 10-402)
Maryland is a two-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations
Drone trespass (HB 1349)
Does not require recording or surveillance; simply flying onto another's property without permission is sufficient
Hunting or attempting to hunt from aircraft/drone (§ 10-410(j))
Federal Airborne Hunting Act provides additional federal protection
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Maryland does not require separate state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for all drones over 0.55 pounds (250g).
Maryland does not require a state drone permit. Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certification. Operations in state parks require advance written contact with the specific Park Manager. Government entities or law enforcement can operate under Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Maryland does not mandate drone insurance. However, commercial clients often require $1 million in general liability coverage. Annual premiums for Part 107 operators typically range from $500 to $1,200.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Broadcast of Remote ID information mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information either through standard Remote ID broadcast module or by operating inside a FRIA (Federal Restricted Identification Airspace). Failure to comply can result in FAA enforcement action, civil penalties up to $27,500, or criminal penalties up to $250,000.
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)
Federal airspace restrictions that heavily impact Maryland operations near Washington, D.C., enforced under 14 CFR Part 93 Subpart V
The DC FRZ (inner 15 nm centered on Reagan National Airport) prohibits all UAS operations without an FAA waiver. The DC SFRA (15-30 nm) permits recreational flight under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 with LAANC authorization in approved Class B/C/D airspace, but Part 107 commercial operations require SFRA-specific authorization (typically 30-90 day processing). This affects Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. Violations are federal misdemeanors (up to 1 year, federal fine). Pilots must use B4UFLY to verify exact boundaries before every flight, as SFRA procedures are governed by an FDC security NOTAM that changes periodically.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
Maryland does not issue a separate state drone license. Commercial operators must pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test ($175 test fee) and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate valid for 24 months. Operators operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people, and over moving vehicles without a waiver (as of recent rule changes), provided other requirements are met. Waiver programs available for operations exceeding Part 107 limitations (e.g., beyond VLOS, above 400 feet).
Recreational Flying Exception (TRUST)
Recreational operators must pass the free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
All recreational flyers must pass TRUST before flying and carry proof of passage. The test is free and available through FAA-approved test administrators online. Drones over 0.55 pounds (250g) must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Flying recreationally under 44809 does not require a Remote Pilot Certificate but must comply with CBO guidelines if operating at a Community-Based Organization site.
National Park Service Unit Drone Prohibition
Drone prohibition in all NPS units nationwide under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05
National Park Service prohibits drone launch, landing, and operation in every NPS unit. Maryland locations include: Assateague Island National Seashore, Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (extending from DC to Cumberland), Catoctin Mountain Park, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Greenbelt Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Violations are federal Class B misdemeanors (up to 6 months imprisonment, $5,000 fine, plus drone seizure).
Camp David Restricted Airspace
Camp David and surrounding area subject to tight federal Temporary Flight Restrictions
Catoctin Mountain Park area contains Camp David and is subject to the most tightly controlled no-fly zones in the country. Additional federal restricted airspace protections apply.
Federal Airborne Hunting Act
Federal law prohibiting use of aircraft to harass, hunt, or locate wildlife
Complements Maryland state law (§ 10-410(j)) by prohibiting use of aircraft (including drones) to harass, hunt, or locate wild birds or mammals nationwide. Applies nationwide and provides additional federal enforcement mechanism.
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 is available at 726 airports nationwide including multiple Maryland locations (BWI Thurgood Marshall, Martin State Airport, and others). Required for controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, surface E) operations under 400 feet. Multiple FAA-approved service providers available (DJI Fly, Aloft, Avision, UASidekick, AutoPylot, AirspaceLink).
Major Airports
BWI Thurgood Marshall - Baltimore (Class B, Anne Arundel County)Martin State Airport - Essex (Class D, Baltimore County)Andrews Air Force Base - Camp Springs (Class B, restricted military airspace)Patuxent River Naval Air Station - Lexington ParkNaval Academy - Annapolis
TFR Notice
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA): 30-nautical-mile ring centered on Reagan National Airport covers most of Montgomery County, Prince George's County, northern Charles County, western Anne Arundel County, and portions of Howard County. DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ): Inner 15-nm ring where recreational flying is prohibited without FAA waiver and Part 107 flight requires SFRA-specific authorization beyond standard LAANC. Stadium TFRs: Active during Orioles games (Camden Yards) and Ravens games (M&T Bank Stadium). The SFRA is governed by an FDC security NOTAM that periodically changes; pilots must check B4UFLY before every flight near DC.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
SB 273 Correctional Facility Drone Law Takes Effect
legislationMaryland Senate Bill 273 (Chapter 101) becomes effective, criminalizing drone operations over correctional facilities and drone contraband delivery attempts. The law responds to DPSCS documentation of 35 confirmed drone sightings at state correctional facilities in 2023, concentrated at Western Correctional Institution and North Branch Correctional Institution near Cumberland.
HB 1349 Drone Trespass Law Takes Effect
legislationMaryland House Bill 1349 becomes effective, establishing a standalone criminal statute prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft systems to knowingly enter another person's property without consent, carrying penalties of up to $5,000 fine and 1 year imprisonment per incident.
HB 471 Committee Hearing - Law Enforcement Drone Restrictions
legislationMaryland House Bill 471, which would restrict government drone surveillance and prohibit evidence obtained through unauthorized government UAS operations from being admissible in court, scheduled for hearing in House Judiciary Committee. Bill aims to impose warrant requirements and limit information acquisition through government drones.
Pending Legislation
HB 471In Committee - House JudiciaryPublic Safety - State and Local Governments - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would prohibit evidence obtained through the use of an unmanned aircraft from being admissible in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings. Would prohibit units of State government or political subdivisions of the State from deploying or operating an unmanned aircraft absent certain exceptions (federal law enforcement, authorized operations, etc.). Would also prohibit use of information acquired through government drone operations.
Last action: February 24, 2026
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 for all UAS operations. The university maintains active UAS research through the UAS Research and Operations Center. Restrictions: Prior written approval required. All FAA rules must be followed. Proximity to DC airspace adds additional federal restrictions. SECU Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. | Yes | Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) - essr@umd.edu |
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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