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

Prohibits using a drone or other device (binoculars, telescope, camera, mobile phone, etc.) to view the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, dressing room, spa, or other space where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to invade that privacy and for a lewd or indecent purpose.

Establishes two distinct offenses under § 97-47-5: (1) Knowingly conducting surveillance of, collecting information from, or photographically or electronically recording critical infrastructure (petroleum, chemical, pipeline facilities; electrical generation and substations; water and wastewater plants; telecommunications infrastructure; ports; rail and freight facilities) or a correctional facility without prior written consent of the owner or designee; (2) Delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone onto correctional-facility property or adjacent property for the purpose of getting it into the facility.

Preempts all 82 Mississippi counties and municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances regulating the ownership, operation, design, manufacturing, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, airspace, altitude, flight paths, equipment, or qualifications of unmanned aircraft operators. Defines aerial trespass as intentionally flying a drone in the immediate reaches of airspace above another's property without consent while substantially interfering with their use and enjoyment of the land. Simple overflight without interference does not constitute trespass. Local governments retain authority to enforce generally-applicable nuisance, harassment, voyeurism, trespass, and property-damage laws.

Requires the State of Mississippi and all state agencies and political subdivisions to purchase drones exclusively from domestic manufacturers. Domestic manufacturer requirements: incorporated and headquartered in the United States with majority United States citizen ownership; manufactured at a United States facility; repairs handled by a domestic company. Prohibits state and local government purchase or operation of drones manufactured in the People's Republic of China (with grandfathering for drones purchased before January 1, 2025). Provides 10% bid preference for Mississippi-based companies. Applies only to government purchases; does not restrict private or commercial pilots.

Prohibits operating aircraft, including unmanned aircraft systems (drones), on state park land or water, or delivering any person or thing by parachute, helicopter, balloon, or other air-delivery means, without written permission of the MDWFP Executive Director, except in an extreme emergency. Applies to all lands and waters managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and state-owned lakes. Wildlife regulations separately prohibit using drones to scout or locate live game for hunting; recovery of already-downed game is permitted.