Missouri Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Missouri maintains a moderate regulatory stance on drone operations with no statewide prohibitive laws but several pending bills addressing law enforcement interception and critical infrastructure protection. Local municipalities, particularly in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, have enacted ordinances requiring permits and liability insurance for drone operations in parks and public spaces.
State Drone Laws
No state-specific drone laws on record. Federal FAA regulations apply.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Jackson County
countyOrdinance 1447, Chapter 50 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations in Parks
Requires drone operators to obtain a permit and maintain liability insurance before operating a drone within any Jackson County park. Establishes noise and identification requirements for radio-controlled aircraft.
Restrictions
Operators must display frequency flags and channel numbers on transmitters at all times in designated park areas. Sound level must not exceed 98 decibels when measured from 50 or more feet away.
City of Columbia
cityMunicipal Code – Park Drone Operations
Prohibits the operation of drones from within any city park unless in designated areas or with a special permit issued by the Director.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in parks except in designated areas or with Director approval.
St. Louis City
cityPark Code – Unmanned Aircraft Permit Requirements
Requires drone operators to submit an application for a City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit, including pilot's license, drone specifications, and proof of insurance.
Restrictions
Must submit valid remote pilot certificate, complete drone specifications, and certificate of insurance for $1,000,000 minimum coverage.
St. Louis County
countyParks Department – Drones and Aerial Activity Policy
Establishes policy governing unmanned aircraft operations in St. Louis County Parks. Drone use permitted only at designated locations.
Restrictions
Drone use limited to Buder Park and a portion of Antire Valley only.
St. Charles County
countyParks & Recreation – Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy
Prohibits the use of drones within county parks and preserved areas without obtaining a permit from the parks department.
Restrictions
Permit required before operating any unmanned aircraft within county parks or preserved areas.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Missouri does not impose state-level registration requirements for unmanned aircraft. Federal FAA registration applies: recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) require a $5 federal registration.
No state permit required, but local municipalities (Jackson County, Columbia, St. Louis City/County, St. Charles County) require permits for drone operations in parks and public spaces.
No statewide insurance requirement, but Jackson County parks require liability insurance; St. Louis City requires $1,000,000 certificate of insurance for park operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operators in Missouri must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All Missouri commercial drone pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operators must comply with altitude limits (400 feet AGL), airspace restrictions, and maintain line-of-sight with their aircraft.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Hobbyist drone operators in Missouri must complete the TRUST certification.
Recreational pilots must pass the TRUST before operating. Drones over 250 grams must be federally registered with the FAA for a $5 fee.
Remote ID Compliance
All UAS operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements.
Effective as of September 2023, all drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Operators not in compliance face potential certificate suspension and civil penalties.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government agencies (police, fire, emergency services) may operate under COA.
Missouri law enforcement and governmental entities may apply for a federal Certificate of Authorization as an alternative to Part 107 certification for official operations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC service available at major Missouri airports through FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability system.
Major Airports
STL — St. Louis Lambert International AirportMCI — Kansas City International AirportSGF — Springfield-Branson National Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) commonly established around university football stadiums during games (e.g., Faurot Field at University of Missouri, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City) and major public events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increased drone violation penalties following detection of unauthorized drone operations over Fort McNair.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA announced increased enforcement actions and penalties for unauthorized and unsafe drone operations nationwide.
FAA Stepping Up Drone Restriction Enforcement Ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementFAA intensified enforcement of drone restrictions in preparation for Super Bowl LX, coordinating with FBI and local law enforcement.
Pending Legislation
SB 1421In Senate, Formal Calendar for PerfectionModifies provisions relating to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft in certain areas
This bill modifies criminal offense provisions related to operating unmanned aircraft over open-air facilities (reducing minimum capacity requirement from 5,000 to 500 people) and within critical infrastructure facility boundaries or within 400 feet vertically from critical infrastructure. Adds delivery of explosive devices via UAS as a Class B felony. Authorizes law enforcement to take necessary mitigation measures against imminent threats posed by UAS. Subject seized UAS to criminal forfeiture. Contains emergency clause.
Last action: March 19, 2026
HB 2587In Senate, Public Hearing ScheduledModifies provisions relating to law enforcement interception of unmanned aircraft systems
Modifies provisions authorizing law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft systems. Currently in Senate Judiciary Committee following passage in House on March 2, 2026 (140-2 vote). Emergency clause adopted.
Last action: March 25, 2026
HB 1807In CommitteeAuthorizes law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft that post credible threats to public safety
Would authorize law enforcement to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft that pose credible threats to public safety. Currently in second reading.
Last action: January 8, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri | Mizzou requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety prior to flight. Stadium TFR applies during football games at Faurot Field. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any drone operation on campus. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in effect during Razorback football games at Faurot Field. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
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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