Mississippi Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Mississippi maintains a generally permissive stance toward drone operations, with minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state has enacted a targeted criminal statute addressing drone-assisted voyeurism as a felony, but does not impose broad regulatory restrictions on recreational or commercial drone use. There is no state preemption statute expressly addressing local drone ordinances, and no state-level registration or permitting regime exists. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107, and all operators are subject to federal Remote ID requirements.
State Drone Laws
SB 2022 (2015) / Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61Unmanned Aircraft System Peeping Tom Felony
Amends Mississippi's peeping tom statute to explicitly include the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to commit voyeurism. Using a drone to observe or record persons in a state of undress or engaging in sexual activity without consent is classified as a felony.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using a drone to commit peeping tom/voyeurism (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61) | Felony | As determined by court under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61 | Up to 5 years (as provided under Mississippi peeping tom statutes) | Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | Drone-specific enhancement to existing peeping tom laws enacted via SB 2022 (2015 Session). Actual penalty range should be verified against current codified version of § 97-29-61. |
Using a drone to commit peeping tom/voyeurism (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-61)
Drone-specific enhancement to existing peeping tom laws enacted via SB 2022 (2015 Session). Actual penalty range should be verified against current codified version of § 97-29-61.
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 applies: drones weighing between 0.55 lbs (250g) and 55 lbs require FAA registration ($5 fee). Drones over 55 lbs require a standard FAA aircraft registration.
No state permit required for recreational or commercial operations. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, including obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
Commercial drone pilots in Mississippi must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial drone operations in Mississippi are subject to FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule (14 C.F.R. Part 107). Operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Standard Part 107 operational limitations apply: visual line-of-sight, daylight or civil twilight (with anti-collision lighting), maximum altitude 400 feet AGL, and maximum groundspeed 100 mph. Waivers are available for certain operations.
Recreational UAS Operations
Recreational drone pilots must pass the TRUST test and follow FAA recreational rules
Hobbyist drone operators in Mississippi must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) per the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) require $5 FAA registration. Operators must maintain visual line-of-sight, stay below 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace, and follow Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements apply to most drone operations in Mississippi
As of September 16, 2023, the FAA requires most unmanned aircraft operating in the National Airspace System to broadcast Remote ID. Drones must either have built-in Remote ID capability or use a Remote ID broadcast module. Non-compliant operations may only be conducted at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Non-compliance can result in civil penalties and suspension of Part 107 certificates.
Federal Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government operators may obtain federal COA instead of Part 107 certification
Mississippi government entities (law enforcement, fire, emergency management) may operate drones under FAA Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for government-specific public aircraft operations. COA operations may allow deviations from standard Part 107 rules with appropriate justification.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 — Drone Integration
Federal law sets national standards for drone integration, affecting state authority
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254) reaffirmed federal preeminence over airspace regulation while acknowledging state and local authority over land use, noise, and privacy. Mississippi has not enacted a comprehensive preemption statute, leaving an open question about the extent of permissible local regulation. The Act also mandated TRUST testing for recreational flyers and directed UAS integration pilot programs.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available for airspace authorization coordination at major Mississippi airports including JAN and GPT
Major Airports
JAN — Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International AirportGPT — Gulfport-Biloxi International AirportMEI — Key Field (Meridian Regional Airport)HKS — Hawkins Field (Jackson)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be established around Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (University of Mississippi) during football games and Davis Wade Stadium (Mississippi State University) during athletic events. Standard FAA TFR rules apply statewide for sporting events, VIP movement, and emergency operations.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 2661Introduced (2024 Session) — outcome requires verificationUnmanned aerial vehicle; allow for use in agriculture
Proposed legislation to authorize and regulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in agricultural applications in Mississippi, potentially addressing pesticide application and crop monitoring by drone.
Last action: February 21, 2024
HB 839Introduced (2023 Session) — did not advance; presumed failedThe Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Rights and Authorities Act
Proposed comprehensive rights and authorities framework for uncrewed aircraft systems operations in Mississippi. Would have established state-level UAS operational rules and potentially addressed preemption of local ordinances.
Last action: January 18, 2023
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | The University of Mississippi requires coordination with the University Police Department for all drone operations on campus. A standing FAA TFR applies around Vaught-Hemingway Stadium during home football games. Unauthorized drone flights over campus are prohibited. Restrictions: UPD coordination required prior to all campus drone operations. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium TFR in effect during football games. Commercial and research drone use must comply with FAA Part 107. Specific departmental research flights may require additional university approvals. | Yes | University Police Department — University of Mississippi |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) | MSU maintains an active UAS research and operations program through the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, one of the leading UAS research institutions in the United States. All campus drone operations require advance approval from the Office of Regulatory Compliance. Research and test flights are coordinated through Raspet Lab, which holds FAA authorizations for expanded operations. Restrictions: Approval from Office of Regulatory Compliance required for all campus drone operations. Davis Wade Stadium TFR in effect during home athletic events. Research and test flights coordinated through Raspet Flight Research Laboratory. Operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or applicable COA/waiver held by MSU. | Yes | Office of Regulatory Compliance / Raspet Flight Research Laboratory |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) | The University of Southern Mississippi has adopted a UAS policy requiring prior authorization for drone operations on all university-owned or controlled property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and university safety protocols. Restrictions: Prior authorization required from university administration. Operators must hold appropriate FAA credentials. No drone operations permitted over crowds, events, or restricted campus areas without explicit approval. | Yes | USM Office of Risk Management |
| Jackson State University (JSU) | Jackson State University requires compliance with FAA regulations for all drone operations on campus. Drone use for research or media purposes requires coordination with the relevant university department and campus security. Restrictions: FAA compliance required. Coordination with campus security and relevant departments required for research or media flights. No unauthorized drone operations permitted on campus. | Yes | JSU Campus Security / Office of Research |
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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