Mississippi Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Mississippi maintains one of the most permissive drone regulatory environments in the United States. The state explicitly affirms the right to operate drones under federal FAA rules, preempts local governments from imposing drone-specific ordinances, and has minimal state-level restrictions. Mississippi does not require state drone registration, commercial licensing beyond FAA Part 107, or state insurance mandates. Criminal exposure is limited to voyeurism with lewd intent and surveillance of critical infrastructure without consent.
State Drone Laws
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-47-1 through 97-47-9Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021
Prohibits knowingly using a drone to conduct surveillance of, collect information from, or photographically or electronically record a critical infrastructure facility (petroleum, chemical, pipeline, electrical generation/substations, water/wastewater, telecommunications, port, rail, freight) or a correctional facility without the prior written consent of the owner or owner's designee. Separately prohibits delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone onto correctional facility property or adjacent property for the purpose of conveying contraband to an inmate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61Voyeurism — Drone Surveillance Prohibited
Prohibits using a drone (explicitly named among prohibited instrumentalities including periscope, telescope, binoculars, camera) to view, photograph, or electronically record the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, dressing room, spa, or any other place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to invade that privacy for a lewd or indecent purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 31-7-67State Drone Procurement — Domestic Manufacturer Requirement
Requires all drones purchased by the State of Mississippi, its agencies, or political subdivisions to be manufactured by a company incorporated and headquartered in the United States with majority American citizen ownership and US-based manufacturing. Prohibits state and local agencies from purchasing or operating small drones manufactured in the People's Republic of China, with exception for Chinese-made drones purchased before January 1, 2025. Mandates domestic company handling of repairs. Provides 10% bid preference to Mississippi-based companies. Applies to government procurement only; does not restrict private or commercial drone operators.
SB 2146 (2023) — Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Rights and Authorities ActUAS Rights, Preemption, and Aerial Trespass Framework
Affirms the right of individuals and businesses to operate drones in compliance with federal FAA law. Explicitly preempts all 82 Mississippi counties and municipalities from regulating drone ownership, operation, design, manufacturing, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, airspace, altitude, flight paths, equipment, or pilot qualifications. Establishes aerial trespass framework: flying over another person's property is not trespass unless flown intentionally in the immediate reaches of airspace above the property without consent AND substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the land. Creates equivalence principle: acts that are illegal to perform in person are equally illegal if performed via drone. Explicitly prohibits state-level drone registration.
40 Miss. Admin. Code Part 6, Rule 12State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas — Aircraft Operations
Administered by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone on state park land, state-owned water (including wildlife management areas and state-owned lakes) without the written permission of the MDWFP Executive Director, except in an extreme emergency. Prohibits air-delivering any person or thing by drone, parachute, helicopter, balloon, or other means without written MDWFP permission.
MDWFP Hunting and Wildlife RegulationsDrone Use for Hunting and Wildlife Protection
Prohibits using a drone to scout or locate live game for hunting purposes. Permits use of drones only to recover game already taken. Prohibits using a drone to harass wildlife. Prohibits shooting at or attempting to take wildlife from the air or via drone. Applies to all wildlife management areas and state-owned lands under MDWFP jurisdiction.
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 (Miss. Code § 97-47-5(a)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 (first offense) | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement, county sheriff, Mississippi Department of Public Safety | First offense penalty listed; subsequent offenses may carry enhanced penalties |
| Delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone to correctional facility (Miss. Code § 97-47-5(b)) | Felony | Up to $25,000 | 3 to 15 years | Mississippi Department of Corrections, local law enforcement | Serious felony offense; treated as critical security threat to correctional facilities |
| Voyeurism via drone — viewing private space with lewd or indecent intent (Miss. Code § 97-29-61) | Felony | Varies by sentence imposed | Up to 5 years (adult victim); up to 10 years (child victim under 16) | Local law enforcement, county sheriff | Enhanced penalties and $5,000 fine when victim is a child under 16. Civil damages also available. |
| Operating drone on MDWFP wildlife management area, state-owned lake, or state park without permission | Wildlife area use violation / park ordinance violation | Varies by specific violation | Varies | MDWFP Conservation Officers, park rangers | Exception: extreme emergency. Special use permit available by request to MDWFP Executive Director. |
| Drone operations at National Park Service unit (Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Trace Parkway, etc.) | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service rangers, federal law enforcement | Complete drone prohibition at all NPS units in Mississippi under 36 CFR § 1.5 |
| Flying into military or restricted airspace (Keesler AFB, Columbus AFB, Camp Shelby) | Federal violation | Title 18 civil/criminal penalties | Up to 1 year | FAA, military authorities, federal law enforcement | Check B4UFLY app and UAS Facility Maps for current restricted airspace before every flight |
Drone surveillance of critical infrastructure or correctional facility without written consent (Miss. Code § 97-47-5(a))
First offense penalty listed; subsequent offenses may carry enhanced penalties
Delivering or attempting to deliver contraband by drone to correctional facility (Miss. Code § 97-47-5(b))
Serious felony offense; treated as critical security threat to correctional facilities
Voyeurism via drone — viewing private space with lewd or indecent intent (Miss. Code § 97-29-61)
Enhanced penalties and $5,000 fine when victim is a child under 16. Civil damages also available.
Operating drone on MDWFP wildlife management area, state-owned lake, or state park without permission
Exception: extreme emergency. Special use permit available by request to MDWFP Executive Director.
Drone operations at National Park Service unit (Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Trace Parkway, etc.)
Complete drone prohibition at all NPS units in Mississippi under 36 CFR § 1.5
Flying into military or restricted airspace (Keesler AFB, Columbus AFB, Camp Shelby)
Check B4UFLY app and UAS Facility Maps for current restricted airspace before every flight
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Mississippi
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
Mississippi explicitly prohibits state-level drone registration under SB 2146. All drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). No additional state registration, commercial drone license, or insurance mandate is required. Mississippi treats drones under ordinary business licensing and sales tax rules; no drone-specific state fees or taxes apply.
No general state permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations. Special use permits required for flights on MDWFP property (state parks, wildlife management areas, state-owned lakes) — contact MDWFP Executive Director. University drones may require institutional permits — contact individual university compliance offices.
No state-mandated liability insurance. Insurance recommended for commercial operators and private operators seeking liability protection.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones (over 0.55 pounds) must broadcast Remote ID information during flight. Compliance methods: Standard Remote ID, broadcast Remote ID module, or operation within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Mississippi law enforcement enforces federal Remote ID requirements; violations carry FAA civil penalties up to $27,500.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Required for all commercial drone operations
Commercial drone pilots in Mississippi must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate via Part 107 knowledge test ($175 fee). Test available at PSI testing centers in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Tupelo. Certificate valid 24 months before recurrent test required. No state commercial license required beyond FAA certification.
Recreational TRUST Certification
Free online test required for hobby flights
All recreational drone operators must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Test is free, online, administered by FAA-approved test providers, 100% correctable, one-time only. Proof of completion certificate must be carried and presented to law enforcement if requested.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight Rules
400 feet AGL maximum altitude; visual line of sight required
Standard FAA altitude limit is 400 feet above ground level. In controlled airspace near Jackson and Gulfport, LAANC may authorize lower ceilings. VLOS required for all operations unless waivered. Night operations permitted with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Civil twilight operations allowed.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
No routine BVLOS; Part 108 rule still pending
Delta agricultural operations and utility powerline inspections often require BVLOS capability. FAA Part 108 rule for routine BVLOS has not yet been finalized. Until Part 108 is enacted, BVLOS in Mississippi requires individual FAA waiver. Commercial operators should plan operations within visual line of sight.
Military and Restricted Airspace
Significant military airspace in Mississippi requires caution
Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi, Gulf Coast) and Columbus Air Force Base (northeast Mississippi) carry restricted military airspace. Camp Shelby National Guard training facility (Hattiesburg area) is one of the largest guard training sites and carries special-use airspace. No LAANC authorization available for military restricted areas. Check B4UFLY and UAS Facility Maps for current restrictions before every flight near these installations.
National Park Service Drone Bans
Complete prohibition at all NPS units in Mississippi
Drones are prohibited at Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Trace Parkway (entire 444-mile corridor), and all other NPS units in Mississippi. Violations carry federal penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine under 36 CFR § 1.5.
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 is required in controlled airspace near Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN, Class C) and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT, Class D). LAANC authorization is available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers including DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick. Available at 726 airports nationwide. Altitude ceilings and authorization timelines vary by airport; check UAS Facility Maps for site-specific restrictions.
Major Airports
JAN — Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Class C, LAANC required)GPT — Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (Class D, LAANC required)PIB — Hattiesburg-Petal Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently issued over the Gulf Coast near Gulfport and Biloxi for special events (Mardi Gras parades, casino events, large gatherings). Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi) maintains restricted military airspace. Columbus Air Force Base (northeast Mississippi) and Camp Shelby National Guard training facility (Hattiesburg area) also carry special-use airspace. Check B4UFLY before every flight for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Hernando Backyard Drone Complaints (2023-2024) — DeSoto County Incident
newsMultiple residents in Hernando (DeSoto County, near Tennessee border) reported a drone repeatedly flying over their backyards at low altitude over several months. Resident noted drone would cut off lights and hover at night. Civil rights attorney Lucius Edwards confirmed that the voyeurism statute (Miss. Code § 97-29-61) would apply if lewd or indecent intent could be proven. No public arrest reported. Incident highlighted the gap between Mississippi's strong voyeurism statute and practical enforcement when drone operator cannot be identified. Rep. Ken Morgan subsequently introduced HB 259 ('Drone Prohibition Act') to create broader unauthorized photography penalties, but bill failed in legislature.
Pending Legislation
HB 1494Died in CommitteeTrespass; clarify elements of
Would have amended Mississippi's trespass statutes (§§ 97-17-85, 97-17-87, 97-17-93, 97-17-97) to explicitly include flying a drone over another person's property or airport secure area with intent to surveil as trespass. Would have also brought forward the § 97-47-5 surveillance rule on flights over Department of Corrections facilities. Bill died in House Judiciary Committee A on February 4, 2025, without becoming law.
Last action: February 4, 2025
SB 2282Introduced — 2025 SessionDrones; allow use of for observing, trapping and taking wild hogs
Would expand drone use to allow observation, trapping, and taking of wild hogs and other nuisance animals on private land year-round, except during deer season. Represents potential expansion of current MDWFP restrictions that prohibit using drones to scout or locate live 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 is subject to a temporary flight restriction during all home football games and athletics events. Restrictions: All drone operations on campus require prior approval from University Police Department. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium TFR applies during all athletics events and games. | Yes | University Police Department |
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi State operates an active Unmanned Aircraft Systems program through the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, conducting research partnerships with federal agencies including DARPA, FEMA, Aurora Flight Sciences, and the U.S. Forest Service. Campus drone operations require approval from the Office of Regulatory Compliance. Restrictions: Campus drone operations require approval from Office of Regulatory Compliance. Davis Wade Stadium operates a TFR during all athletics events. Research flights coordinated through Raspet Flight Research Laboratory. Wilderness areas and active fire zones are no-fly areas. | 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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