Missouri Drone Laws
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. The state imposes specific criminal restrictions for drones near correctional facilities and open-air entertainment venues (500+ capacity, as of June 2026), plus conservation areas and state parks. All drone operators must comply with FAA regulations (Part 107 for commercial, TRUST for recreational).
State Drone Laws
RSMo 217.850Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft Over Correctional Centers
It is an offense to purposely operate a drone within 400 feet of the ground and within the secure perimeter of any correctional facility (state prisons, private jails, county and municipal jails). Baseline violation is an infraction. Delivering a weapon is a Class B felony, facilitating an escape is a Class C felony, and delivering a controlled substance is a Class D felony. Carve-outs for facility employees, law enforcement, government officials, and utility inspectors with advance notice. Each facility must post warning signs.
RSMo 577.800Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft Over Open-Air Facilities and Critical Infrastructure
It is an offense to purposely operate a drone within 400 feet of the ground and within the property boundary of any open-air entertainment facility with a capacity of 500 or more people (e.g., Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, Busch Stadium) that is not completely enclosed by a roof, or within the boundary of any critical infrastructure facility. Baseline violation is an infraction. Delivering a weapon, explosive device, or explosive material is a Class B felony; delivering a controlled substance is a Class D felony. Carve-outs for facility employees, utilities, and law enforcement with proper authorization. Amended effective June 12, 2026 by HB 2637 (previously 5,000-person capacity threshold; now 500).
RSMo 565.252Invasion of Privacy (Voyeurism)
It is illegal to knowingly photograph, film, videotape, or record another person without consent while they are fully or partially nude in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, or to film under or through someone's clothing. This statute applies to drone surveillance of private residences, privacy-fenced areas, and bathrooms/bedrooms. Baseline violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Elevated to Class E felony for repeat offense, multiple victims in the same course of conduct, or dissemination of images.
RSMo 569.086Critical Infrastructure Trespass and Damage
Prohibits purposely trespassing on, entering, damaging, or tampering with critical infrastructure facilities including refineries, electrical generation and substations, chemical plants, water and wastewater facilities, gas compressor stations, telecom infrastructure, ports, rail yards, dams, and pipelines. Expanded in 2026 to include drone operations. Class B misdemeanor for basic trespass, Class A misdemeanor for intent to damage or tamper, Class D felony for actual damage, and Class C felony if damage causes service interruption or impairment.
3 CSR 10-7.410 (Missouri Wildlife Code)Missouri Department of Conservation Drone Restrictions
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) requires a special use permit to launch, land, or operate a drone on any of MDC's conservation areas, which include over 1,000 state-managed natural areas statewide. Exception: drones may be used to recover wounded black bear, deer, elk, or turkey only with prior authorization from a conservation agent. Violation is a Wildlife Code offense.
Missouri Division of State Parks PolicyRecreational Drone Operations in State Parks
The Missouri Division of State Parks (part of the DNR) does not flatly ban drones. Recreational flying is permitted in main open day-use areas of state parks, provided pilots remain respectful of other visitors and follow all FAA rules. Professional or commercial filming in state parks requires prior written approval from the Division of State Parks. This is more permissive than MDC conservation areas, which always require a permit.
RSMo 542.525Surveillance Restrictions (Law Enforcement Drone Use)
Missouri law prohibits using drones to gather evidence or information about criminal conduct except as authorized by a warrant. Drones cannot be used for surveillance or observation of any individual or property without consent of the individual or property owner. This applies to both law enforcement and private citizens. Note: The proposed 'Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act' requiring explicit warrants for law enforcement drone surveillance has been introduced repeatedly since 2013 but has never been enacted into law.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Jackson County
countyPark Regulations - Unmanned Aircraft (Ord. 1447, Ch. 50)
Requires drone operators to obtain a permit and proof of liability insurance (minimum limits of the Academy of Model Aeronautics) to operate a drone on or above Jackson County park land. Operators must prominently display frequency flags and channel numbers on the transmitter at all times.
Restrictions
Operation limited to areas designated by parks director. Sound level limit: 98 dB (weighted scale) when measured from 50 or more feet.
City of Columbia
cityPark Drone Operations (Municipal Code Ch. 17)
Prohibits drone operations within all city parks except in designated areas or with a special use permit issued by the Director of Parks.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in parks unless in a specifically designated area or operator holds special permit from park director.
City of St. Louis (St. Louis Forest Park)
cityCommercial Drone Operations (Ordinance 71813 / Ch. 15.190)
Forest Park requires a Board of Public Service Permit for all drone operations, particularly commercial use. Stricter than general St. Louis city park rules.
Restrictions
Applicant must submit: copy of pilot's license, drone specifications, and certificate of insurance for $1,000,000 minimum coverage. All operations require prior approval.
St. Louis County
countyPark Drone Policy
St. Louis County severely restricts drone operations in its parks. Drones are only permitted at Buder Park and a portion of Antire Valley.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all other St. Louis County parks except Buder Park and portion of Antire Valley Park.
St. Charles County
countyParks and Recreation Drone Policy
Prohibits drone operations in all county parks and preserved areas without obtaining a permit from St. Charles County Parks & Recreation.
Restrictions
Permit required before any drone operation on county-managed land.
Randolph County
countyUnmanned Aircraft Systems Ordinance (2019)
Requires operators of aircraft heavier than 250 grams to file electronic notice with the county clerk before taking off, landing, or operating on county land.
Restrictions
Notice filing required before operations. Time-place-and-manner restrictions enforced by county commission. Commission may deny special use permits. 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 facility (baseline) | Infraction | Not specified (minor fine) | None | Local law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol | RSMo 217.850; each facility must post warning signs |
| Delivering a weapon via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue | Class B Felony | Varies (typically $1,000–$10,000) | 5–15 years | State prosecutors, local law enforcement | RSMo 217.850 or 577.800; most severe penalty |
| Facilitating escape from correctional facility via drone | Class C Felony | Varies (typically $1,000–$5,000) | Up to 10 years | State prosecutors, local law enforcement | RSMo 217.850; applies only to correctional facilities |
| Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue | Class D Felony | Varies (typically $500–$2,500) | Up to 7 years | State prosecutors, local law enforcement | RSMo 217.850 or 577.800 |
| Operating drone over open-air entertainment venue (500+ capacity) – baseline | Infraction | Not specified (minor fine) | None | Local law enforcement | RSMo 577.800 (as amended effective 2026-06-12); threshold lowered from 5,000 to 500 capacity |
| Operating drone over critical infrastructure facility | Infraction to Class B Felony (depending on intent and delivery) | Varies | Varies | State and local law enforcement | RSMo 577.800, 569.086; expanded effective 2026-06-12 by HB 2637 |
| Invasion of privacy (drone voyeurism) – basic offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local law enforcement, county prosecutors | RSMo 565.252; applies to photographing person in nude/partial nude state without consent |
| Invasion of privacy (repeat, multiple victims, or dissemination) | Class E Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 5 years | County prosecutors | RSMo 565.252; enhanced penalty for repeat, multiple victims, or distribution of images |
| Operating drone on MDC conservation area without special use permit | Wildlife Code violation | Up to $500 | Varies (not typically imposed) | Missouri Department of Conservation agents | 3 CSR 10-7.410; over 1,000 conservation areas statewide; exception for wounded game recovery with agent authorization |
| Failing to obtain permit for drone in Jackson County parks | County ordinance violation | Varies (typically $50–$200) | Not typically imposed | Jackson County Parks enforcement | Jackson County Ord. 1447, Ch. 50; requires liability insurance and permit |
| Exceeding 98 dB sound level from drone (50+ feet distance) | County ordinance violation | Varies | Not typically imposed | Jackson County Parks enforcement | Jackson County Ord. 1447 |
| Operating drone in St. Louis city park without special permit | City ordinance violation | Varies (typically $50–$200) | Not typically imposed | St. Louis Parks Department | City of St. Louis Ch. 15.190; permitted only in designated areas |
| Operating drone in St. Louis County park (outside designated areas) | County ordinance violation | Varies | Not typically imposed | St. Louis County Parks | Only Buder Park and portion of Antire Valley allowed |
| Operating drone on St. Charles County park land without permit | County ordinance violation | Varies | Not typically imposed | St. Charles County Parks & Recreation | Permit required for all county park operations |
| Failing to file notice for drone operation on Randolph County land | County ordinance violation | Up to $100 | Not typically imposed | Randolph County enforcement | Notice filing required before launch, landing, or operation on county property |
| Reckless or noncompliant drone operation on Randolph County land | County ordinance violation | Up to $500 | Not typically imposed | Randolph County enforcement | Enhanced penalty for reckless operation beyond notice requirement |
Operating drone within 400 feet of correctional facility (baseline)
RSMo 217.850; each facility must post warning signs
Delivering a weapon via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue
RSMo 217.850 or 577.800; most severe penalty
Facilitating escape from correctional facility via drone
RSMo 217.850; applies only to correctional facilities
Delivering controlled substance via drone to correctional facility or open-air venue
RSMo 217.850 or 577.800
Operating drone over open-air entertainment venue (500+ capacity) – baseline
RSMo 577.800 (as amended effective 2026-06-12); threshold lowered from 5,000 to 500 capacity
Operating drone over critical infrastructure facility
RSMo 577.800, 569.086; expanded effective 2026-06-12 by HB 2637
Invasion of privacy (drone voyeurism) – basic offense
RSMo 565.252; applies to photographing person in nude/partial nude state without consent
Invasion of privacy (repeat, multiple victims, or dissemination)
RSMo 565.252; enhanced penalty for repeat, multiple victims, or distribution of images
Operating drone on MDC conservation area without special use permit
3 CSR 10-7.410; over 1,000 conservation areas statewide; exception for wounded game recovery with agent authorization
Failing to obtain permit for drone in Jackson County parks
Jackson County Ord. 1447, Ch. 50; requires liability insurance and permit
Exceeding 98 dB sound level from drone (50+ feet distance)
Jackson County Ord. 1447
Operating drone in St. Louis city park without special permit
City of St. Louis Ch. 15.190; permitted only in designated areas
Operating drone in St. Louis County park (outside designated areas)
Only Buder Park and portion of Antire Valley allowed
Operating drone on St. Charles County park land without permit
Permit required for all county park operations
Failing to file notice for drone operation on Randolph County land
Notice filing required before launch, landing, or operation on county property
Reckless or noncompliant drone operation on Randolph County land
Enhanced penalty for reckless operation beyond notice requirement
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Missouri does not require state-level drone registration. All drone operators must register with the FAA ($5 for drones over 250g; valid 3 years). No separate Missouri registration or licensing requirement exists.
No universal statewide permit system for general drone operations. However, permits are required for specific locations: (1) Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conservation areas – special use permit required to launch, land, or operate. MDC manages over 1,000 conservation areas. Exception: recovery of wounded black bear, deer, elk, or turkey with conservation agent authorization. (2) St. Louis area parks – Jackson County parks require county permit + liability insurance; St. Louis city parks require special permit for non-designated areas; St. Louis County permits only drones at Buder Park and portion of Antire Valley. (3) Other areas – St. Charles County, City of Columbia, and Randolph County also require permits. (4) Missouri State Parks – recreational flying in main day-use areas allowed without permit; professional/commercial filming requires Division of State Parks approval.
No state-mandated insurance. However, Jackson County parks require liability insurance (minimum Academy of Model Aeronautics coverage). St. Louis Forest Park requires $1,000,000 coverage. Most commercial clients expect proof of insurance as industry standard.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 (Commercial Operations)
Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
Commercial operators in Missouri must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, renew every 24 months). No additional state license required. Certificate allows flight for compensation. Common Missouri industries: agriculture, real estate, utility inspection, construction surveys, post-disaster damage assessment, and public safety support.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free online test required for all recreational drone operators
Recreational (non-commercial) pilots must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof of completion. Test covers airspace awareness, safety, and regulatory knowledge. No Missouri state test required; TRUST is the federal requirement. Test administrators are FAA-approved; completion is instant.
FAA Drone Registration
$5 federal registration required for all drones over 250g
All drones heavier than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA at FAADroneZone.com. Registration is valid for 3 years and costs $5. Registration number must be marked visibly on the aircraft. Missouri has no separate state registration.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
All FAA-registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information (Standard Remote ID module, integrated Remote ID, or operation inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area). Failure to comply is a federal violation. No Missouri-specific Remote ID rule; federal requirement applies universally.
Altitude and Flight Restrictions
400 feet AGL maximum under FAA rules
Federal ceiling is 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Missouri does not lower this maximum. Inside controlled airspace near airports (Class B, C, D), LAANC authorization must be obtained. In uncontrolled airspace (Class G), 400 feet is the federal limit. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) required unless waivered.
Night Flying
Allowed under FAA rules with anti-collision lighting (as of 2023)
Both Part 107 and recreational pilots may now fly at night if the drone has anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. No Missouri state restriction on night flying. Airspace authorizations still required in controlled airspace at night.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal temporary flight restrictions over major sports venues during events
TFRs apply to Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), and other major venues during games/events. TFRs typically extend 2,000 feet AGL within a 2-nautical-mile radius. Violations carry FAA civil and criminal penalties up to $100,000 and 6 months imprisonment. These overlap with RSMo 577.800 state law.
National Park Service Drone Ban (36 CFR § 1.5)
Federal prohibition on drone operations in all National Park Service units
Gateway Arch, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Wilson's Creek, and all other NPS units in Missouri prohibit drones. Violations are federal offenses with fines up to $5,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment. No state-level exception or waiver.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
FAA system for requesting airspace authorization near airports
LAANC allows drone pilots to request near-real-time authorization for flight in controlled airspace. Available at 726 U.S. airports, including Missouri's three Class B/C airports (STL, MCI, SGF). Authorizations typically approved within minutes. Access through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers (Airmap, Skyward, Aloft, UASidekick, etc.).
B4UFLY Mobile Application
FAA-provided free app for checking airspace restrictions before flight
Free app (iOS and Android) shows real-time airspace classification, TFRs, controlled airspace, and restricted areas. Essential preflight tool in Missouri for identifying Class B (STL), C (MCI, SGF), and stadium TFRs. App does not provide LAANC authorization; that is obtained separately through a UAS Service Supplier.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Missouri has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available at 726 airports nationwide. In Missouri, LAANC is operational at Lambert International (STL), Kansas City International (MCI), and Springfield-Branson National (SGF). These airports anchor Class B, C, and D airspace that covers significant portions of their metro areas. LAANC authorizations can be requested near real-time for flights under 400 feet through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
STL — St. Louis Lambert International (Class B airspace)MCI — Kansas City International (Class C airspace)SGF — Springfield-Branson National (Class C airspace)
TFR Notice
Federal stadium TFRs apply during games at major sports venues: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals), and Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals). TFRs typically extend 2,000 feet AGL within a 2-nautical-mile radius. These overlap with RSMo 577.800 (500+ capacity venue restriction). National Park Service units including Gateway Arch, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and Wilson's Creek have federal drone bans (36 CFR § 1.5). Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) were established during 2026 FIFA World Cup in host cities.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ozark County Drone Stalking Case
enforcementOrval Don Merriman was charged with felony second-degree stalking and first-degree harassment after flying a red drone over a law enforcement officer's residential property in Ozark County. A search warrant on Merriman's phone revealed aerial drone photographs of the victim's house. The officer had previously arrested Merriman for narcotics trafficking in December 2023. Case demonstrates application of existing stalking and harassment statutes to drone misuse.
HB 2637 Signed into Law – Expanded Drone Restrictions Effective Immediately
regulatory changeGovernor approved HB 2637, which includes major modifications to Missouri's drone laws, effective immediately per emergency clause: (1) Lowers open-air facility capacity threshold from 5,000 to 500 people under RSMo 577.800; (2) Extends restrictions to critical infrastructure facilities; (3) Adds explosive devices and materials to prohibited deliveries; (4) Authorizes law enforcement to take necessary mitigation measures, including intercepting and seizing drones posing imminent threat to public safety; (5) Drone seizures subject to forfeiture under criminal activity forfeiture act.
SB 1421 Delivered to Governor – Pending Signature
legislationSenate Bill 1421 was truly agreed to and finally passed by both chambers on May 15, 2026, and delivered to the Governor on May 28, 2026. Bill includes similar drone provisions as HB 2637 (lowering venue capacity threshold to 500, extending to critical infrastructure, authorizing law enforcement interception). Status as of June 21, 2026 unclear; may have been signed or superseded by HB 2637. Drone provisions in HB 2637 confirmed effective as of June 12, 2026.
Pending Legislation
SB 1421Delivered to Governor (awaiting signature)Modifies provisions relating to public safety (includes drone provisions)
Would modify RSMo 577.800 to lower open-air facility capacity threshold from 5,000 to 500 people, extend restrictions to critical infrastructure facilities, add explosive devices to prohibited deliveries, and authorize law enforcement to intercept and seize drones posing imminent threat. Includes emergency clause for immediate effect upon signing. NOTE: Similar provisions appear in HB 2637, which was signed into law on 2026-06-12. Status of SB 1421 as of June 21, 2026 unclear; may have been signed or superseded by HB 2637.
Last action: May 28, 2026
HB 2587In process (Placed on Informal Calendar)Modifies provisions relating to law enforcement interception of unmanned aircraft systems
Would authorize and define procedures for law enforcement to intercept, track, and manage unmanned aircraft systems. Specific provisions not detailed in available summaries. Status as of May 7, 2026 shows placement on informal calendar, indicating continued consideration but not yet advanced to floor vote.
Last action: May 7, 2026
HB 1807In Committee (Referred to Emerging Issues)Authorizes law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft that pose credible threats to public safety
Would explicitly authorize law enforcement officers to take necessary mitigation measures, including interception and disabling of unmanned aircraft systems that pose an imminent or credible threat to public safety. Companion to provisions in HB 2637 and SB 1421. Early stage in 2026 session.
Last action: May 15, 2026
HB 209Not advanced (Introduced in 2025 session)Establishes the 'Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act' and modifies provisions relating to the use of unmanned aircraft
Would establish warrant requirements for law enforcement drone surveillance and exclude drone-gathered evidence from court proceedings without a warrant. This bill has been introduced repeatedly since 2013 (HB 46, HB 1204, HB 209) in various forms and has never passed. FlyUSI notes this is the most misrepresented 'law' in Missouri drone law guides. The often-cited statute numbers (RSMo 305.635–305.641) do not exist in Missouri code.
Last action: March 4, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri | University of Missouri (Mizzou) requires all drone operations on campus to receive prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) before flying. Faurot Field (football stadium) has a federal stadium TFR that applies during athletic events and practices. Restrictions: All drone operations require EHS approval before flight. Operations prohibited at Faurot Field during football games, practices, and events due to federal stadium TFR and campus safety protocols. Likely additional restrictions during special events and crowded campus gatherings. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (ehs@missouri.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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