Missouri Drone Laws

Prohibits purposely operating a drone within 400 feet over a correctional center's secure perimeter fence, or allowing a drone to make contact with the facility or any person or thing on the premises. Applies to state prisons, county jails, municipal jails, and private jails. Carve-outs for facility employees, those with written consent from the facility chief administrative officer, law enforcement, emergency services, government officials, utilities and rural electric cooperatives inspecting infrastructure with advance notice, railroad employees, and those operating under FAA waiver. Each facility must post warning signs.

Prohibits purposely operating a drone within 400 feet of the ground and within the property line of an open-air facility (sports, theater, music, performing-arts, or other entertainment venue with a capacity of 500 or more people that is not completely enclosed by a roof or structure). Amended by SB 1421 (signed July 9, 2026) to lower the threshold from 5,000 to 500 people and extend restrictions to critical-infrastructure facilities. Carve-outs for facility employees, those with written consent from facility leadership, law enforcement, government officials, and utility workers inspecting infrastructure with advance notice.

Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or capturing images of another person, without their knowledge and consent, while that person is in full or partial nudity in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, or while filming under or through someone's clothing. Applies to drone operations targeting bedrooms, privacy-fenced backyards, and other private spaces. Civil liability also possible for damages.

Prohibits purposely trespassing on or entering property containing critical infrastructure facilities including refineries, electrical generation stations and substations, chemical plants, water and wastewater treatment facilities, gas compressor stations, telecommunications infrastructure, ports and rail yards, dams, pipelines, and similar facilities. Physical trespass on critical infrastructure property is prohibited. SB 1421 (signed July 9, 2026) extended drone-specific restrictions to critical-infrastructure facilities under RSMo 577.800.

Effective September 15, 2024, Missouri permits the use of drones for locating and recovering wounded black bear, deer, elk, and turkey with prior authorization from a conservation agent. Thermal imaging equipment is permitted. Drone operators do not need a hunting permit unless they wounded the animal themselves. Operators must obtain landowner permission before flying over private property for recovery. Using drones to pursue, take, drive, molest, or harass wildlife is prohibited. Drones may not be operated in a manner that harasses wildlife or other visitors.

Requires operators to obtain a special use permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation to launch, land, or operate a drone on any of Missouri's 1,000+ conservation areas. Exception: recovering wounded black bear, deer, elk, or turkey with prior conservation agent authorization does not require a permit. Special use permit procedures apply through MDC regional offices online, by phone, or by mail.

Jackson County Code Chapter 50; Park Regulations

Requires drone operators to obtain a permit from the Jackson County Parks Department and provide proof of liability insurance (minimum AMA limits) to operate a drone within designated areas of Jackson County parks.

Columbia Municipal Code Chapter 17; Park Conduct

Prohibits drone operations within city parks except in designated areas or with a Special Use Permit issued by the Parks Director.

St. Louis Municipal Code; Commercial Use of Private Drones (Chapter 15.190)

Regulates commercial drone use in St. Louis. Requires submission of application for a City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit with copy of valid pilot's license, drone specifications, and certificate of insurance for $1,000,000.

St. Louis County Parks; Drone Policy

Limits recreational drone use to specific designated parks.

St. Charles County Parks & Recreation; Drone Permit Requirement

Prohibits drone use in county parks without obtaining a permit.

Randolph County Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordinance

Requires electronic notice to county clerk before drone operations on county land. Imposes time-place-and-manner restrictions. County commission may deny special use permits.