Nebraska Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Nebraska maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations with no state-level registration, licensing, or insurance requirements. The state's primary drone regulations address specific conduct concerns—privacy violations through intentional observation, wildlife harassment, and government procurement standards—while most operational rules follow federal FAA guidelines. Local jurisdictions in Omaha and Lincoln have established their own permit frameworks.
State Drone Laws
Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-521(2)Criminal Trespass — Drone Observation Without Consent
Prohibits intentionally causing an unmanned aircraft (drone) to enter above another person's property with intent to observe that person without consent in a place of solitude or seclusion. Simple transient overflight is not a crime unless accompanied by voyeuristic intent.
Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.08Unlawful Intrusion — Viewing or Recording by Unmanned Aircraft
Makes it a crime to knowingly intrude upon another person without consent in a place of solitude or seclusion. Explicitly includes viewing or recording a person in a state of undress by unmanned aircraft (drone). Separately criminalizes photographing, filming, or recording an image of another person's intimate area without consent when that area would not be generally visible to the public.
Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-509Unlawful Use of Aircraft to Harass or Hunt Wildlife
Prohibits using any aircraft (including unmanned aircraft/drones) to shoot, attempt to shoot, or harass any bird, fish, or other animal. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has confirmed this statute applies to drones. Particularly relevant during spring sandhill crane migration on the Platte River.
Neb. Rev. Stat. 73-1001 to 73-1005Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660)
Requires the Nebraska Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division to establish and maintain a List of Secure Drones Authorized for Purchase. Starting January 1, 2027, Nebraska state agencies may purchase only drones from this list (cleared through Department of Defense Blue UAS program, compliant with 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, or meeting specified cybersecurity standards). Does not regulate private recreational drone use, FAA flight authorization, or non-government purchases.
Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163Nebraska Game and Parks Commission — State Parks Drone Prohibition
Prohibits launching, landing, and operations of any aircraft (including drones) in state-owned or controlled parks, historical parks, recreation areas, and recreation trails without prior written permission from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A special-occasion permit may be obtained by applying to the nearest Commission district office at least 30 days before the planned flight.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Omaha
cityOmaha Parks and Recreation Drone Policy
Omaha Parks and Recreation does not allow drones to take off or land in city parks or city right-of-way unless the aircraft is a sub-250-gram recreational drone or the operator holds a permit.
Restrictions
Commercial drone operators and any drone over 250 grams requires a permit for takeoff/landing in city parks or right-of-way. Takeoff and landing prohibited on Army Corps of Engineers lakes (Glenn Cunningham, Standing Bear, Zorinsky). Eppley Airfield (OMA) Class C airspace requires LAANC authorization.
Lincoln
cityLincoln Municipal Code Chapter 4.28 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Lincoln Municipal Code includes specific UAS sections covering intent, definitions, and operating restrictions for drone operations in the city, coordinated with FAA rules. Lincoln Police operates its drone program under a published general order.
Restrictions
Operators must comply with FAA rules and city provisions. Lincoln Airport (LNK) anchors controlled airspace within approximately five miles of the city center, requiring LAANC authorization. Office of the Capitol Commission has separate UAV guidelines for flights near the State Capitol.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone trespass — intentional observation without consent in place of solitude or seclusion (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-521) | Class III Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 3 months | Local law enforcement, county attorneys | Escalates to Class II misdemeanor if property owner personally orders operator to leave and operator defies order (up to $1,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment) |
| Drone unlawful intrusion — knowingly intruding in place of solitude or seclusion (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.08) | Class I Misdemeanor (first offense); Class IV Felony (repeat offense) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor); indeterminate (felony) | Local law enforcement, county attorneys | Recording an intimate area without consent is Class IV felony on first offense |
| Recording intimate area by drone without consent (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.08) | Class IV Felony | Indeterminate | Indeterminate | Local law enforcement, county attorneys | Applies to photographing, filming, or recording intimate areas not generally visible to public |
| Wildlife harassment by drone (Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-509) | Class II Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, local law enforcement | Includes harassing, shooting, or attempting to shoot any bird, fish, or animal from aircraft |
| Drone operation in state parks without permit (Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163) | Park-rule violation | Variable | None | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission | Special-occasion permit required; application must be submitted 30 days in advance to nearest Game and Parks district office |
Drone trespass — intentional observation without consent in place of solitude or seclusion (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-521)
Escalates to Class II misdemeanor if property owner personally orders operator to leave and operator defies order (up to $1,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment)
Drone unlawful intrusion — knowingly intruding in place of solitude or seclusion (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.08)
Recording an intimate area without consent is Class IV felony on first offense
Recording intimate area by drone without consent (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.08)
Applies to photographing, filming, or recording intimate areas not generally visible to public
Wildlife harassment by drone (Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-509)
Includes harassing, shooting, or attempting to shoot any bird, fish, or animal from aircraft
Drone operation in state parks without permit (Nebraska Admin. Code Title 163)
Special-occasion permit required; application must be submitted 30 days in advance to 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
- Game and Parks Special-Occasion Permit — Free (application-based)Required to fly in Nebraska state parks, historical parks, recreation areas, or wildlife management areas. Application must be submitted at least 30 days before the planned flight to the nearest Game and Parks district office.
Nebraska has no state drone registration requirement. Only federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for drones over 250 grams. No separate state pilot license, no state-level commercial drone operator license, and no state insurance mandate.
No state-level drone permit required. Permits required only for specific locations: (1) Nebraska state parks, historical parks, recreation areas via Game and Parks special-occasion permit (application 30+ days in advance); (2) Omaha city parks for drones over 250g or commercial operations; (3) Lincoln per municipal code Chapter 4.28.
No state-level insurance mandate.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial drone operations in Nebraska require FAA Part 107 certification.
Commercial pilots must pass the aeronautical knowledge test ($175), carry a valid Remote Pilot Certificate, maintain FAA registration for drones over 250g ($5/3 years), and comply with altitude (400 ft AGL), visual line-of-sight, daylight/civil twilight, and other federal requirements. Part 107 is the only commercial drone credential required in Nebraska; no separate state commercial license exists.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
All recreational drone flyers must complete the TRUST test.
The free online TRUST test covers aeronautical knowledge and safety. Recreational flyers must carry proof of completion. Drones over 250g must be FAA-registered.
Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID broadcasting mandatory since March 2024.
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information via Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or operation within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). No Nebraska exemptions from this federal requirement.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Class C airspace over Omaha (OMA) and controlled rings around Lincoln (LNK) require Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval.
Pilots must obtain LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier before flying in these areas. Authorization can be obtained in near-real-time for flights under 400 feet or through manual 90-day advance coordination for higher altitudes.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Drones prohibited on all NPS units.
Homestead National Historical Park, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and Niobrara National Scenic River prohibit all drone operations under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5.
Pesticide Application Licensing
Drone-based pesticide application requires a Nebraska pesticide applicator license (Category 12 — Aerial Pest Control) in addition to FAA Part 107.
The drone operator is legally considered the applicator. Only pesticides labeled and approved for aerial application may be used. This is particularly relevant to Nebraska's large agricultural sector.
Airborne Hunting Act
Federal prohibition on using aircraft to hunt or harass wildlife.
Parallels Nebraska's state law (37-509) prohibiting wildlife harassment by drones. Violators face federal penalties in addition to potential state charges.
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 authorization available at 726 US airports, including Eppley Airfield (Omaha, OMA) — Class C airspace — and Lincoln Airport (LNK) with surrounding controlled rings. Real-time and 90-day advance authorization available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
OMA — Eppley Airfield (Omaha, Class C airspace)LNK — Lincoln Airport (controlled airspace)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common for major events (e.g., FIFA World Cup 2026, sports events). Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue maintains a strict 3-mile hard no-fly zone with active military detection and downing capability. Check B4UFLY or LAANC before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Lincoln Correctional Center Drone Delivery Attempt
enforcementRobert M. Kinser of Lincoln used a DJI Phantom 4 to attempt delivering marijuana (17.5 grams) and tobacco to the Lincoln Correctional Center. The drone crashed outside the prison and was discovered by an inmate on work detail. Investigators recovered video files identifying Kinser. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 2 years in prison plus 18 months post-release supervision.
Pending Legislation
LR250Referred to Government, Military and Veterans Affairs CommitteeInterim Study — Power Company Exemption from Secure Drone Purchasing Act
Resolution to study whether public power companies and utilities should be exempt from the Secure Drone Purchasing Act (LB660) and its restrictions on drone procurement starting January 1, 2027.
Last action: May 19, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | UNL requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Risk Management. Memorial Stadium operates under a strict Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during Husker football games and athletic events. Restrictions: Risk Management approval required before any drone flights on campus. Memorial Stadium TFR strictly enforced during athletic events. No flights over campus buildings or East Campus without explicit approval. | Yes | Office of Risk Management — risk.unl.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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