Missouri Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Missouri maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations with no state-level registration, licensing, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA standards. The state has enacted targeted criminal statutes addressing drones at correctional facilities and large open-air venues (capacity 500+). Commercial operators need only an FAA Part 107 certificate.
State Drone Laws
RSMo 217.850Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System at Correctional Centers
Prohibits purposely operating a drone within 400 feet over a correctional center's secure perimeter fence or allowing contact with the facility, including state prisons, private jails, and county/municipal jails. Infraction baseline, escalating to felony for delivering weapons or controlled substances or facilitating escape.
RSMo 577.800Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System at Open-Air Facilities
Prohibits purposely operating a drone within 400 feet altitude and within property boundary of any open-air facility (sports, theater, music, performing arts, entertainment venue) with capacity of 500 or more not completely enclosed by roof. Amended by SB 1421 (signed July 9, 2026) to lower threshold from 5,000 to 500 capacity and extend restriction to critical infrastructure facilities. Infraction baseline, escalating to felony for contraband delivery.
RSMo 565.252Invasion of Privacy (Voyeurism by Drone)
Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or viewing another person in full or partial nudity without consent in place where they have reasonable expectation of privacy, including via drone. Applies to capturing images under or through clothing.
RSMo 569.086Critical Infrastructure Trespass
Prohibits purposely trespassing on or entering critical infrastructure facilities including refineries, electrical generation and substations, chemical plants, water/wastewater facilities, gas compressor stations, telecom infrastructure, ports, rail yards, dams, and pipelines. Physical entry via drone falls within scope.
RSMo 632.575Unmanned Aircraft System Restrictions Over Mental Health Hospitals
Prohibits operating a drone within 400 feet vertical distance over a mental health hospital's property line.
3 CSR 10-7.410 (Missouri Wildlife Code)Drone Operations on MDC Conservation Areas and Wildlife Restrictions
Requires special use permit from Missouri Department of Conservation to launch, land, or operate drone on any MDC conservation area. Prohibits using drone to pursue, take, drive, or harass wildlife or other visitors. Exception: recovering wounded black bear, deer, elk, or turkey with prior conservation agent authorization. Thermal imaging equipment allowed for authorized game recovery. Game recovery exception effective September 15, 2024.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Jackson County
countyCounty Code Chapter 50, Park Regulations (Ord. 1447)
Regulates remote-controlled aircraft and drone operation in Jackson County parks.
Restrictions
Drone operations permitted only in areas designated by Parks Director. Valid liability insurance required (minimum limits per Academy of Model Aeronautics standards). Permit issued by Jackson County required. Frequency flags and channel numbers must be displayed on transmitter. Sound level cannot exceed 98 dB on weighted scale measured from 50+ feet distance.
City of Columbia
cityCity Code Chapter 17, Park Use Regulations
Restricts drone operations in city parks.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in city parks except in designated areas or with special use permit issued by parks director.
City of St. Louis
cityOrdinance 71813, Chapter 15.190 (Commercial Drone Use Policy)
Regulates commercial use of drones in St. Louis city parks and Forest Park.
Restrictions
Drones generally prohibited in city parks except designated areas or with special use permit from park director. Forest Park requires application for City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit with submission of: copy of pilot's license, drone specifications, and certificate of insurance for $1,000,000 minimum coverage.
St. Louis County
countySt. Louis County Parks Drone Policy
Severely restricts drone operations in county parks.
Restrictions
Drones only permitted at Buder Park and a portion of Antire Valley. All other St. Louis County parks prohibit drone operations.
St. Charles County
countySt. Charles County Parks & Recreation Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy
Restricts drone operations in county parks and preserved areas.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in county parks and preserved areas without permit from Parks & Recreation department.
Randolph County
countyRandolph County Drone (Unmanned Aircraft) Ordinance (2019)
Requires notification and permitting for drone operations on county land.
Restrictions
Operators of aircraft heavier than 250 grams must file electronic notice with county clerk before takeoff, landing, or operation on county land. Time-place-and-manner restrictions apply. Commission may deny special use permit. Fines up to $100 for failure to file notice; up to $500 for reckless or noncompliant operation.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone within 400 feet of correctional center (RSMo 217.850) | Infraction | Varies | None for baseline | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol | Baseline infraction; escalates for contraband delivery |
| Delivering weapon via drone to correctional center or open-air facility | Class B Felony | Up to $10,000 | 5-15 years | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol, County Prosecutor | RSMo 217.850 or 577.800; severe felony classification |
| Facilitating escape via drone at correctional center | Class C Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 10 years | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol, County Prosecutor | RSMo 217.850 |
| Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional center or open-air facility | Class D Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 7 years | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol, County Prosecutor | RSMo 217.850 or 577.800 |
| Operating drone within 400 feet of open-air facility with 500+ capacity (RSMo 577.800) | Infraction | Varies | None for baseline | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol | Baseline infraction; capacity threshold lowered to 500 by SB 1421 (effective July 9, 2026) |
| Invasion of privacy by drone (RSMo 565.252) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement | Escalates to Class E felony for repeat offense, multiple victims in single incident, or dissemination of images |
| Critical infrastructure trespass via drone (RSMo 569.086) | Class B Misdemeanor (trespass); Class A Misdemeanor (intent to damage); Class D Felony (actual damage) | $100-$10,000 (varies by classification) | Up to 1 year (B/A misdemeanor); up to 7 years (D felony) | Local law enforcement, State Police | Physical damage to equipment elevates to felony |
| Operating drone on MDC conservation area without special use permit | Wildlife Code violation | $25-$500 | Varies | Missouri Department of Conservation agents | MDC manages 1,000+ conservation areas statewide |
Operating drone within 400 feet of correctional center (RSMo 217.850)
Baseline infraction; escalates for contraband delivery
Delivering weapon via drone to correctional center or open-air facility
RSMo 217.850 or 577.800; severe felony classification
Facilitating escape via drone at correctional center
RSMo 217.850
Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional center or open-air facility
RSMo 217.850 or 577.800
Operating drone within 400 feet of open-air facility with 500+ capacity (RSMo 577.800)
Baseline infraction; capacity threshold lowered to 500 by SB 1421 (effective July 9, 2026)
Invasion of privacy by drone (RSMo 565.252)
Escalates to Class E felony for repeat offense, multiple victims in single incident, or dissemination of images
Critical infrastructure trespass via drone (RSMo 569.086)
Physical damage to equipment elevates to felony
Operating drone on MDC conservation area without special use permit
MDC manages 1,000+ conservation areas statewide
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Missouri imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Jackson County Parks Permit and Insurance — Varies by permit typeRequired for drone operations in Jackson County parks. Liability insurance proof (minimum AMA levels) mandatory.
- St. Louis Forest Park Board of Public Service Permit — VariesRequired for commercial/professional filming in Forest Park. Must provide $1M liability insurance certificate.
- MDC Special Use Permit — Varies by region and use typeRequired for any drone operation on Missouri Department of Conservation conservation areas (1,000+ statewide).
Missouri does not require state-level drone registration, commercial licensing, or insurance mandates. All drone operators must comply with federal FAA registration ($5 per drone for 3 years). Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operators need to pass free TRUST test.
No statewide permit required for general flight operations. Local jurisdictions require permits for park operations: Jackson County requires county permit, Forest Park requires Board of Public Service Permit, other counties may require permits. MDC conservation areas require special use permits for all drone operations.
No state-level insurance mandate. Jackson County parks require proof of liability insurance (minimum Academy of Model Aeronautics levels) to obtain county permit. Forest Park in St. Louis requires $1,000,000 liability coverage for commercial filming permits.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for all commercial drone operations
Commercial operators must pass FAA Knowledge Test ($175 fee) and maintain current Part 107 certification (24-month renewal cycle). No additional state-level commercial license required.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational drone operations
Free online test required before recreational flight. Must carry proof of completion when flying. Covers airspace, altitude, Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) restrictions, altitude caps, and safety principles.
FAA Registration
Required for all drones over 250 grams (0.55 pounds)
$5 for three-year registration through FAA DroneZone. Registration number must be visible on aircraft. All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID since March 16, 2024.
Remote ID
Mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation within FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) required. Enables FAA and law enforcement remote aircraft identification.
Controlled Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Required for operations in controlled airspace
Class B (STL), Class C (MCI, SGF), Class D, and surface Class E airspace require LAANC authorization. Real-time approvals available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. Applications may be submitted up to 90 days in advance.
Altitude Restrictions
400 feet AGL standard ceiling
Part 107 and recreational flights limited to 400 feet above ground level. LAANC may authorize lower ceilings near airports. No state-imposed altitude reductions.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Visual contact with aircraft required except under waiver
Pilot or visual observer must maintain unaided visual contact with drone at all times. BVLOS operations currently require specific FAA waiver.
Stadium Flight Restrictions (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal TFRs during covered sporting events
Permanent TFRs over stadiums and grounds with 30,000+ capacity during covered events. Applies to Arrowhead, Kauffman, and Busch Stadiums in Missouri. Violation is federal offense with significant penalties.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Not yet authorized for routine Part 107 operations
Awaits FAA Part 108 final rule (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued; no finalized rule yet). Currently requires specific FAA waiver. Agriculture, utility, and infrastructure sectors most frequently need BVLOS capability.
Night Operations
Permitted under FAA rules with required lighting
Anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles required. Lighting requirement is mandatory; Part 107 night operations no longer require waiver as of recent rule change.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) required for operations in controlled airspace. Available at 726 airports nationwide. St. Louis Lambert (STL) is Class B with large shelf covering city and inner suburbs. Kansas City International (MCI) is Class C. Springfield-Branson (SGF) is Class C. Real-time authorizations available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
STL — St. Louis Lambert International Airport (Class B, extensive shelf)MCI — Kansas City International Airport (Class C)SGF — Springfield-Branson National Airport (Class C)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) established over major sports venues on event days: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals). Gateway Arch National Park and Ozark National Scenic Riverways are National Park Service units with complete drone prohibition. TFRs also common over disaster response areas, special events, and FIFA World Cup 2026 venues.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ozark County Drone Stalking Charge
enforcementOrval Don Merriman charged with felony second-degree stalking and first-degree harassment after flying drone over law enforcement officer's property. Phone search warrant revealed drone photographs of victim's house taken from air. Demonstrates application of existing stalking/harassment statutes to drone misuse.
Pending Legislation
HB 209Introduced (2025 Session)Establishes the 'Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act'
Would require law enforcement to obtain warrant before conducting drone surveillance and would exclude drone-gathered evidence from court proceedings. Bill has been introduced repeatedly since 2013 but has never been enacted.
Last action: March 4, 2025
HB 210Introduced (2025 Session)Establishes the 'Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025'
Would ban state and local government agencies from purchasing or operating drones manufactured by 'countries of concern,' primarily targeting DJI and other Chinese manufacturers. Would not affect private recreational or commercial operators.
Last action: March 4, 2025
SB 296Introduced (2025 Session)Enacts 'The Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Law'
Similar to HB 210; would restrict state and local government agencies from purchasing drones manufactured in 'countries of concern.'
Last action: March 20, 2025
HB 1101Introduced (2025 Session)Establishes offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft over crime scene, critical incident, law enforcement tactical operation, or hazardous material site
Would make it illegal to operate drone over active crime scene, ongoing critical incident, law enforcement tactical operation, or hazardous material incident site.
Last action: March 4, 2025
HB 1225Introduced (2025 Session)Requires liability insurance for the operation of unmanned aircraft
Would establish state-level requirement for drone operators to carry liability insurance. Would represent significant change to Missouri's permissive regulatory approach.
Last action: May 15, 2025
HB 1807Referred to Committee (2026 Session)Authorizes law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft that pose credible threats to public safety
Would authorize law enforcement to intercept and disable drones posing imminent threat to public safety. Similar in scope to law enforcement provisions in signed SB 1421 but narrower.
Last action: May 15, 2026
HB 2587Placed on Informal Calendar (2026 Session)Modifies provisions relating to law enforcement interception of unmanned aircraft systems
Modifies provisions relating to law enforcement authority to intercept unmanned aircraft systems that pose threats. Received Senate Do Pass recommendation; status for House consideration unclear.
Last action: May 7, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | All drone operations on University of Missouri campus require prior approval from Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Stadium TFR applies during Razorback football games at Faurot Field. Restrictions: Environmental Health & Safety approval required before any campus flight operations. No flights permitted during Faurot Field TFR on game days. Likely standard restrictions on flying over buildings, crowds, parking areas, and populated areas. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@mizzou.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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