Mississippi Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Mississippi maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations, with targeted legislation addressing privacy concerns and critical infrastructure surveillance but few broad restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. State law explicitly preempts local governments from creating drone-specific ordinances while defining a narrow aerial trespass framework.
State Drone Laws
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-47-1 through 97-47-9Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021
Establishes two primary offenses: (1) knowingly using a drone to conduct surveillance of, collect information from, or photograph a critical infrastructure facility or correctional facility without the prior written consent of the owner or designee; (2) delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone onto correctional facility property or adjacent property. Critical infrastructure includes petroleum, chemical, and pipeline facilities, electrical generation and substations, water and wastewater plants, telecommunications infrastructure, ports, and rail and freight facilities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61Voyeurism by Drone or Other Instrumentality
Criminalizes viewing the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, dressing room, spa, or any other space where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy using drones, cameras, binoculars, or other instrumentalities, with intent to invade privacy for a lewd purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 61-21-9Preemption of Local Drone Regulation; Aerial Trespass Framework
Explicitly preempts all Mississippi political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing ordinances regulating drone ownership, operation, design, airspace, altitude, flight paths, equipment, or operator qualifications. Establishes civil aerial trespass liability only when a drone is intentionally flown in the immediate reaches of airspace above property without consent AND substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the land. Allows cities to enforce general nuisance, harassment, voyeurism, and trespass laws and regulate launch/landing on city-owned property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 31-7-67State Drone Procurement—Domestic Manufacturer Requirement
Requires drones purchased by the State of Mississippi or any political subdivision to be from a domestic manufacturer (incorporated and headquartered in the US with majority American citizen ownership, manufactured at a US facility). Repairs must also be performed by domestic companies. Prohibits state and local agencies from buying or operating small drones manufactured in the People's Republic of China, with a carve-out for units purchased before January 1, 2025. Does not apply to private or commercial operators.
40 Miss. Admin. Code Part 6, Rule 12State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas—Drone Operations
Prohibits operating aircraft (including drones) on state park land, water, or air-delivering any person or thing by parachute, helicopter, balloon, or other means without written permission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks Executive Director, except in extreme emergency. Separately prohibits using drones to scout or locate live game for a hunt; permits use of drones only to recover game that is already down.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of critical infrastructure or correctional facility without written consent | Misdemeanor (first offense) | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement, Mississippi State Police, Department of Corrections | Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-5(a). Written consent from facility/infrastructure owner eliminates liability. |
| Delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone to a correctional facility or adjacent property | Felony | Up to $25,000 | 3 to 15 years in State Penitentiary | Mississippi State Police, Department of Corrections, Local law enforcement | Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-5(b). Serious felony with significant prison exposure. |
| Voyeurism by drone—viewing private areas with lewd intent | Felony | Not specified in statute | Up to 5 years (adult victim); Up to 10 years and $5,000 fine (child victim under 16) | Local law enforcement, Mississippi State Police | Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61. Enhanced penalties if victim is a minor. Requires proof of lewd intent. |
| Unauthorized drone operation in National Park Service units | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers, Federal Court | 36 CFR § 1.5. Applies to Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Trace Parkway, and other NPS units in Mississippi. |
| Flying into restricted military airspace | Federal crime | Title 18 federal penalties | Up to 1 year | FAA, Federal law enforcement | 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Applies to Keesler Air Force Base, Columbus Air Force Base, and Camp Shelby restricted airspace. |
| Drone operation on MDWFP wildlife management area or state-owned lake without authorization | Wildlife violation | Varies by violation | Varies by violation | MDWFP Conservation Officers | Separate from criminal statutes; civil and administrative penalties apply. |
Drone surveillance of critical infrastructure or correctional facility without written consent
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-5(a). Written consent from facility/infrastructure owner eliminates liability.
Delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone to a correctional facility or adjacent property
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-47-5(b). Serious felony with significant prison exposure.
Voyeurism by drone—viewing private areas with lewd intent
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61. Enhanced penalties if victim is a minor. Requires proof of lewd intent.
Unauthorized drone operation in National Park Service units
36 CFR § 1.5. Applies to Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Trace Parkway, and other NPS units in Mississippi.
Flying into restricted military airspace
49 U.S.C. § 46307. Applies to Keesler Air Force Base, Columbus Air Force Base, and Camp Shelby restricted airspace.
Drone operation on MDWFP wildlife management area or state-owned lake without authorization
Separate from criminal statutes; civil and administrative penalties apply.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Mississippi does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is the only registration requirement.
No state permit required for commercial or recreational operations. However, special use permits are required for flights in state parks and wildlife management areas through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.
Mississippi does not mandate drone insurance for recreational or commercial operations, though it is recommended for commercial operators.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations in Mississippi are governed by FAA Part 107.
Commercial operators must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all Part 107 flight rules. Mississippi does not impose additional state licensing, registration, or insurance requirements beyond what the FAA requires.
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID has been mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024.
All drones heavier than 250 grams must broadcast Remote ID either through an onboard transmitter or operate within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Standard Remote ID compliance is required for all flights in Mississippi.
TRUST Certificate for Recreational Flyers
Recreational drone pilots must pass the free TRUST test before flying.
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is free, available online through multiple test administrators, and is required proof for recreational operations in Mississippi. Certificate must be carried when flying and presented to law enforcement upon request.
Night Operations and Anti-Collision Lighting
Night flights are permitted if drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles.
Mississippi does not impose additional state-level restrictions on night operations beyond the FAA requirement for anti-collision lighting. Both recreational and Part 107 pilots can operate at night with compliant lighting.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
400 feet AGL is the standard ceiling for most operations; VLOS required except under waiver.
Mississippi does not lower the FAA's 400-foot altitude cap. Visual line of sight is required for all operations unless specifically waivered by the FAA. Controlled airspace may further restrict altitude based on airport proximity.
Military Airspace—Keesler AFB, Columbus AFB, Camp Shelby
Three major military installations create restricted and special-use airspace that requires extra caution.
Keesler Air Force Base on the Gulf Coast, Columbus Air Force Base in northeast Mississippi, and Camp Shelby training ranges near Hattiesburg all have restricted military airspace. These zones are not available for LAANC authorization and are enforced by military authorities. Flying into restricted military airspace is a federal crime.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Miss. Code § 97-47-5 — Mississippi Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021 — Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system
Penalty: First offense: misdemeanor (up to 1 year and/or $1,000). Subsequent offense or contraband delivery to corrections: felony (3–15 years and/or up to $25,000)
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), both Class C airspace. LAANC authorization is required before launch in controlled airspace rings around these airports.
Major Airports
JAN — Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International AirportGPT — Gulfport-Biloxi International AirportPIB — Hattiesburg-Patel AirportCTS — Columbus-Lowndes Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued for large events such as Mardi Gras parades in Biloxi, major sporting events, and other mass gatherings. Keesler Air Force Base maintains restricted and special-use military airspace along the Gulf Coast. Camp Shelby has restricted military training ranges near Hattiesburg. Always check B4UFLY before any flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 2282Pending - 2025 SessionDrones; allow use of for observing, trapping and taking wild hogs
Would expand current drone restrictions under MDWFP rules to allow use of drones for observing, trapping, and taking nuisance wild hogs on private land year-round, except during deer season. Would create an exception to the general prohibition on using drones to scout or locate game for hunting.
Last action: January 21, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi | Ole Miss requires coordination with the University Police Department for all drone operations on campus. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has a temporary flight restriction during football games and athletic events. Restrictions: UPD coordination required for all campus flights. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights without prior UPD approval. | Yes | University Police Department |
| Mississippi State University | MSU operates an active UAS research program through the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory. Campus drone operations require approval from the Office of Regulatory Compliance. Davis Wade Stadium has a TFR during athletic events. Research flights are coordinated through the Raspet Lab. Restrictions: Approval from Office of Regulatory Compliance required. Davis Wade Stadium TFR during athletic events. Research operations coordinated through Raspet Flight Research Lab. | Yes | Office of Regulatory Compliance / Raspet Flight Research Laboratory |
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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