Nebraska Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Nebraska maintains a permissive regulatory posture toward drone operations, with no state-specific drone registration, licensing, or insurance mandates beyond federal FAA requirements. The state has enacted targeted statutes addressing privacy intrusion and wildlife harassment, and restricts drones in state parks and near Offutt Air Force Base, but imposes no broad operational restrictions on recreational or commercial pilots.
State Drone Laws
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-521Criminal Trespass Using Unmanned Aircraft System
Prohibits intentionally causing a drone to enter onto or above another person's property with the intent to observe that person without consent in a place of solitude or seclusion. Amended in 2022 to explicitly include unmanned aircraft.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08Unlawful Intrusion via Unmanned Aircraft System
Makes it a crime to knowingly intrude upon another person without consent by unmanned aircraft in a place of solitude or seclusion. Specifically criminalizes photographing, filming, or recording a person in a state of undress without consent.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-509Unlawful Use of Aircraft to Harass Wildlife
Prohibits using any aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, to shoot, attempt to shoot, or harass any bird, fish, or other animal without a permit. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission enforces this statute as applied to drones, with specific warnings about migratory birds.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 73-1001 to 73-1005Secure Drone Purchasing Act
Requires Nebraska state agencies to purchase only drones from the NDOT-maintained List of Secure Drones Authorized for Purchase, effective January 1, 2027. Drones must be cleared through the Defense Department's Blue UAS program, comply with NDAA FY2024, or meet specific cybersecurity standards. Does not regulate private or non-government drone use.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 2-2622 et seq.Pesticide Applicator License Requirement for Spray Drones
Nebraska's Pesticide Act requires operators of spray drones (drones applying pesticides) to hold a Category 12 (Aerial Pest Control) applicator license in addition to FAA Part 107 certification. The drone pilot is legally considered the pesticide applicator.
Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163State Parks and Recreation Areas Drone Prohibition
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulation prohibiting the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in state parks, state historical parks, state recreation areas, and wildlife management areas without prior written approval of a special-occasion permit.
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 4.28Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Requirements
Lincoln city ordinance establishing operating restrictions and definitions for unmanned aircraft systems, framed to work alongside FAA Part 107 rules. Includes drone operation and use restrictions within city jurisdiction.
Omaha Parks and Recreation PolicyDrone Takeoff and Landing Permit Requirement
Omaha Parks and Recreation does not allow drones to take off or land in city parks or city rights-of-way unless the drone is sub-250 grams for recreational use or a commercial drone permit has been issued. Commercial operators and operators flying heavier drones must obtain a permit.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Lincoln
cityUnmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Requirements
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 4.28 provides drone operating restrictions and definitions framed to work alongside FAA Part 107 rules.
Restrictions
Specific restrictions as defined in Chapter 4.28; State Capitol grounds have additional UAV guidelines from Office of Capitol Commission.
Omaha
cityDrone Permit Requirement for Parks
Omaha Parks and Recreation requires permits for commercial drone operations and heavy drones (over 250g) in city parks and rights-of-way.
Restrictions
Takeoff and landing prohibited in city parks without permit (exception: sub-250g recreational drones). Takeoff and landing prohibited on Army Corps of Engineers lakes (Glenn Cunningham, Standing Bear, Zorinsky).
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone trespass to observe person in place of solitude (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-521) | Class III Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 3 months | County Attorney / Local Law Enforcement | Requires specific intent to observe without consent. Escalates to Class II if operator defies order to leave from property owner. |
| Drone trespass after defying property owner's order (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-521) | Class II Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | County Attorney / Local Law Enforcement | Escalated charge when operator continues flying after property owner personally communicates order to leave. |
| Drone unlawful intrusion in place of solitude (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08) | Class I Misdemeanor | According to Class I penalty schedule | According to Class I penalty schedule | County Attorney / Local Law Enforcement | Escalates to Class IV Felony on second offense. |
| Recording intimate area by drone without consent (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08) | Class IV Felony | According to Class IV Felony penalty schedule | According to Class IV Felony penalty schedule | County Attorney / Local Law Enforcement | Serious felony charge for recording a person in a state of undress without consent using a drone. |
| Harassing wildlife with drone (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-509) | Class II Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission / Conservation Officers | Applies to flushing, chasing, or harassing any animal, including migratory birds like sandhill cranes. |
| Operating spray drone without Category 12 Aerial Pest Control license (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 2-2622) | Pesticide Act Violation | According to Pesticide Act penalties | Varies | Nebraska Department of Agriculture | Pilot is legally considered the pesticide applicator; only products labeled for aerial application may be used. |
| Operating drone in state park without special-occasion permit (Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163) | Park Regulation Violation | Permit denial and prohibition of operations | None (regulatory violation) | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission | Special-occasion permit must be applied for at least 30 days in advance through nearest Game and Parks district office. |
Drone trespass to observe person in place of solitude (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-521)
Requires specific intent to observe without consent. Escalates to Class II if operator defies order to leave from property owner.
Drone trespass after defying property owner's order (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-521)
Escalated charge when operator continues flying after property owner personally communicates order to leave.
Drone unlawful intrusion in place of solitude (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08)
Escalates to Class IV Felony on second offense.
Recording intimate area by drone without consent (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08)
Serious felony charge for recording a person in a state of undress without consent using a drone.
Harassing wildlife with drone (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-509)
Applies to flushing, chasing, or harassing any animal, including migratory birds like sandhill cranes.
Operating spray drone without Category 12 Aerial Pest Control license (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 2-2622)
Pilot is legally considered the pesticide applicator; only products labeled for aerial application may be used.
Operating drone in state park without special-occasion permit (Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163)
Special-occasion permit must be applied for at least 30 days in advance through nearest Game and Parks district office.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Nebraska 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
- Omaha Commercial Drone Permit — Exact fee amount not specified in sourcesPermit required for commercial drone operations and drones over 250g in Omaha city parks; not required for sub-250g recreational drones.
- Game and Parks Special-Occasion Permit — Exact fee amount not specified in sourcesPermit required for any drone operations (recreational or commercial) in state parks, historical parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas; must be applied for at least 30 days in advance.
Nebraska does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. The FAA registration fee ($5 for 3 years) applies to all drones over 0.55 pounds, but there is no separate state registration requirement, no state commercial license, and no state insurance mandate.
No state-wide permit requirement. Game and Parks special-occasion permit required for state parks, state historical parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas (30 days advance notice required). Local permits may be required in Omaha (commercial operations and drones over 250g) and other municipalities.
Applicable Federal Regulations
LAANC Authorization Required Over Omaha and Lincoln
Controlled airspace surrounds Eppley Airfield (OMA) and Lincoln Airport (LNK).
Eppley Airfield (OMA) anchors Class C airspace over Omaha. Lincoln Airport (LNK) has controlled airspace rings around it. Both require LAANC authorization before drone flight. Authorization can typically be obtained in near-real-time through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Offutt Air Force Base No-Fly Zone
Strategic Command headquarters maintains one of the strictest drone restrictions in the Midwest.
Drone operations are completely prohibited within 3 miles of Offutt AFB near Bellevue. Between 3-5 miles, operations are severely restricted. The military has active detection and downing capability. Violations can result in FAA fines, license revocation, and drone confiscation.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Federal ban on all drone operations on NPS land under Policy Memorandum 14-05.
Nebraska has four NPS units where drones are completely prohibited: Homestead National Historical Park, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and Niobrara National Scenic River. Violators face federal petty offense charges (up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine) and drone confiscation.
Central Flyway Migratory Corridor
Nebraska sits on one of North America's most significant migratory bird routes.
During spring migration (February-April) and fall migration (September-November), millions of sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, snow geese, and other species pass through Nebraska. Flying drones near large concentrations of wildlife risks state and federal wildlife harassment charges. The Platte River corridor between Kearney and Grand Island is especially sensitive during spring crane migration.
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information since March 2024.
Standard Remote ID, an external broadcast module, or operation within a FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) is required for all registered drones. No Nebraska-specific exemptions.
Army Corps of Engineers Lakes
Federal property restrictions on takeoff and landing.
Takeoff and landing of any aircraft is prohibited on Army Corps of Engineers lakes around Omaha, including Glenn Cunningham, Standing Bear, and Zorinsky lakes.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Nebraska 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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) available at Eppley Airfield (OMA) anchoring Class C airspace over Omaha, and Lincoln Airport (LNK) anchoring controlled airspace over Lincoln. LAANC authorization required before flying in these controlled airspace areas. Near-real-time authorization available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
OMA — Eppley Airfield, OmahaLNK — Lincoln Airport, LincolnGIK — Grand Island Regional Airport, Grand IslandLBF — North Platte Regional Airport, North Platte
TFR Notice
Offutt Air Force Base (near Bellevue) has a strict 3-mile hard no-fly zone with active drone detection and downing capability; drone use is severely restricted between 3-5 miles. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued for events, emergencies, and security purposes. Check B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Lincoln Correctional Center Drone Delivery Attempt
enforcementRobert M. Kinser of Lincoln attempted to deliver marijuana (17.5 grams) and tobacco to Lincoln Correctional Center using a DJI Phantom 4 drone. The drone crashed outside the prison and was discovered by an inmate. Kinser was identified through drone memory card analysis. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 2 years in prison plus 18 months post-release supervision.
Pending Legislation
LR250In Committee (Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee)Interim Study to Examine Power Company Exemptions from Secure Drone Purchasing Act
Study resolution to examine whether power companies and public power districts should be exempt from the Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660) requirements. Does not create new law but evaluates potential amendments to existing procurement requirements.
Last action: May 19, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | UNL requires all unmanned aircraft system operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Risk Management. Memorial Stadium has a strict Temporary Flight Restriction during Husker football games. Restrictions: All UAS flights on campus require prior approval from Office of Risk Management. No flights over campus buildings or East Campus without approval. Memorial Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
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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