Ohio Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Ohio enacted House Bill 77 in 2025, establishing targeted criminal penalties for reckless drone operation, interference with emergency services, and flying near critical infrastructure with criminal intent. State parks are generally accessible with prior permission. A patchwork of local ordinances restricts drone use in city and county parks, with notable variation across the state's metro-park systems.
State Drone Laws
ORC § 4561.51(A)Endangering Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Prohibits flying a drone in a manner that knowingly endangers any person or property, or that purposely disregards the rights or safety of others.
ORC § 4561.51(B)Emergency Response Interference by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Prohibits disrupting or impairing law enforcement, emergency services, or emergency responders while they are working. Penalties vary based on recklessness vs. knowing conduct and prior offense history.
ORC § 4561.51(C)Critical Facility Loitering with Criminal Intent
Prohibits photographing, recording, or loitering over or near a critical facility (as defined in ORC § 4561.50) with the purpose to further another criminal offense or to destroy/tamper with the facility. Requires criminal intent; casual overflight is not automatic violation.
ORC § 4561.50Critical Infrastructure Facility Definitions for Drone Operation
Defines critical facilities for purposes of ORC § 4561.51(C), including power generation/transmission, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas facilities, courthouses, police/sheriff/BCII premises, jails/prisons, military installations (Wright-Patterson AFB, Camp Perry, Rickenbacker ANGB), and hospitals with air-ambulance service.
OAC 1501:46-13-11State Parks — Unmanned Aerial Craft Operation
Requires written permission from the Chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft (or authorized agent) before operating any unmanned aerial craft within Ohio state park boundaries, except at designated landing fields. Bars flying over beaches, open-air assemblies, boats, and roadways on division-administered land. Prohibits harassing wildlife or people.
OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)Prohibition on Use of Aircraft (Including Drones) for Hunting
Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to hunt, shoot, kill, take, or attempt to take wild birds or wild quadrupeds. Narrow exception allows using drones to recover a deer already harvested, provided no one in the party is actively hunting or carrying hunting implements.
ORC § 2907.08Voyeurism
Prohibits secretly recording a person in a place with reasonable expectation of privacy. Recording through/under clothing elevates to first-degree misdemeanor. Drone operators who film into fenced yards or bedroom windows can be prosecuted under this statute.
ORC § 2903.211Menacing by Stalking
Prohibits pattern of conduct that causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm. Drone-based surveillance can supply the pattern-of-conduct element and result in stalking prosecution.
ORC § 2933.52One-Party Consent Audio Recording; Drone Audio Capture
Ohio is a one-party-consent state for audio recording. However, a drone microphone that captures conversation without any party's consent violates this section.
HB 292 (Sec. 122.98 ORC)Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee
Creates the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee (OAATC) to promote aerospace, aviation, and technology industries, including unmanned aerial vehicles research and development.
HB 251 (ORC §§ 4561.60-4561.64, 5501.84)Drone Use by Law Enforcement and Public Entities; Restrictions on Foreign Drone Purchases
Establishes requirements for use and purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement and other public entities. Restricts purchase of drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (aimed at prohibiting Chinese-manufactured drones in state procurement).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Columbus and Franklin County
countyMetro Parks Drone Policy
Recreational drone flight is allowed in all 20 Metro Parks except state nature preserves. Scioto Grove Metro Park has a dedicated 12-acre droning field.
Restrictions
Recreational flights allowed with ranger check-in. Commercial/filming use requires separate permit. State nature preserves prohibited.
Cleveland
cityCleveland Municipal Law — Drone Enforcement Authority
Authorizes Cleveland police officers to enforce FAA regulations on drone operations within city jurisdiction.
Restrictions
Police enforcement of federal rules
Cleveland Metro Parks
countyCleveland Metro Parks Drone Policy
Bans drones in system except at four designated locations: The Polo Fields (South Chagrin), Top O' Ledges (Hinckley), Main Street Diamond (Mill Stream Run), and golf-course fairways (Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki excluded).
Restrictions
Drones under 20 lbs only. Flights only at designated sites. Seasonal restrictions on golf courses (Nov 1–Mar 15 only). Permit required for filming.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County
countyGreat Parks of Hamilton County Drone Permit Policy
Prohibits drone operations without written authorization from the Chief Executive Officer. Designated parks: Miami Whitewater, Mitchell Memorial, Triple Creek, Sharon Woods, Winton Woods, Woodland Mound.
Restrictions
CEO written permission required. Commercial operations require Part 107, FAA registration, and $1M liability coverage naming Great Parks as additional insured. Application processing time: up to 2 weeks.
City of Cincinnati
cityCincinnati Parks — Drone Operations Ban
Prohibits drone operations on or over Cincinnati parks property except with written permission from the park board within designated areas.
Restrictions
Written Park Board permission required. Reasonable safety regulations apply as condition of consent.
Toledo
cityToledo Metroparks Drone Prohibition
Flying drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited throughout Toledo Metroparks system. Exception: Drone use permits issued for Westwinds Metropark.
Restrictions
Outright ban except at Westwinds Metropark with permit
Dayton
cityFive Rivers MetroParks Drone Policy
Unmanned aerial systems (drones) prohibited without appropriate permit. Permits issued for commercial or scientific research purposes only.
Restrictions
Recreational UAS flight not permitted. Permit required for commercial/research use. Permit cost: $200 per day/location. Must have FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
Butler County
countyButler County Metro Parks Drone Policy
Prohibits drones in Metro Parks except in areas designated by the park board or with special permit from the Executive Director.
Restrictions
Designated areas only, or Executive Director special permit required. Exception for law enforcement/medical responders in line of duty.
Anderson Township
townshipAnderson Township Parks Drone Prohibition
Prohibits use of drones in any park or facility owned and managed by the township without written permission from the Executive Director.
Restrictions
Executive Director written permission required
City of Celina
cityCelina Drone Ordinance
Bans drones in airspace over city-owned property, including all parks.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition over city property and parks
Lorain County
countyLorain County Metro Parks Drone Prohibition
Flying drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited throughout Lorain Metroparks system.
Restrictions
Outright ban across system
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A)) | First-degree Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, municipal police | Applies when flying in manner that knowingly endangers person or property, or purposely disregards rights/safety of others |
| Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | Fourth-degree Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 30 days | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, municipal police | Applies to reckless disruption of law enforcement or emergency services operations |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | First-degree Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, municipal police | Applies to knowing disruption of emergency responders; enhanced penalty for repeat offense |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | Fifth-degree Felony | Up to $2,500 | 6-12 months | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, municipal police | Applies to subsequent knowing interference with emergency services |
| Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — further another crime, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | First-degree Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Local law enforcement, FBI (if federal jurisdiction), state attorneys | Applies to photographing, recording, or loitering over critical facility with purpose to further another criminal offense |
| Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — further another crime, repeat (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | Fifth-degree Felony | Up to $2,500 | 6-12 months | Local law enforcement, FBI, state attorneys | Enhanced penalty for repeat critical facility violations |
| Critical facility loitering with intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2)) | Third-degree Felony | Up to $10,000 | 9 months to 3 years | Local law enforcement, FBI, federal prosecutors | Highest penalty; applies when drone used to facilitate destruction, tampering, or sabotage of critical facility |
| Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08) | Second-degree Misdemeanor (general); First-degree Misdemeanor (recording through/under clothing) | Up to $1,000+ | Up to 6 months or more | Local law enforcement, municipal police | Applies to secretly recording persons in private spaces; enhanced penalty for intrusive filming |
| Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211) | Varies by degree and victim age | Varies | Varies | Local law enforcement, municipal police, prosecutors | Applies when drone surveillance establishes pattern of conduct causing fear of physical harm |
| State park violation — unauthorized drone operation (OAC 1501:46-13-11) | Varies | Varies per ODNR | Varies per ODNR | ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft rangers | Enforced without formal state statute; penalties determined by ODNR |
| Wildlife violation — using drone to hunt or locate game (OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)) | Varies | Varies per ODNR Division of Wildlife | Varies | ODNR Division of Wildlife, wildlife officers | Report violations to ODNR TIP line: 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) |
Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A))
Applies when flying in manner that knowingly endangers person or property, or purposely disregards rights/safety of others
Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Applies to reckless disruption of law enforcement or emergency services operations
Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Applies to knowing disruption of emergency responders; enhanced penalty for repeat offense
Emergency-response interference — knowing, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Applies to subsequent knowing interference with emergency services
Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — further another crime, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Applies to photographing, recording, or loitering over critical facility with purpose to further another criminal offense
Critical facility loitering with criminal intent — further another crime, repeat (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Enhanced penalty for repeat critical facility violations
Critical facility loitering with intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2))
Highest penalty; applies when drone used to facilitate destruction, tampering, or sabotage of critical facility
Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08)
Applies to secretly recording persons in private spaces; enhanced penalty for intrusive filming
Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211)
Applies when drone surveillance establishes pattern of conduct causing fear of physical harm
State park violation — unauthorized drone operation (OAC 1501:46-13-11)
Enforced without formal state statute; penalties determined by ODNR
Wildlife violation — using drone to hunt or locate game (OAC 1501:31-15-02(B))
Report violations to ODNR TIP line: 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Ohio 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
- Local park permit fees (Cincinnati Great Parks) — Varies by permitCommercial drone operations in designated Great Parks require written CEO permission; application processing takes up to 2 weeks
- Local park permit fees (Five Rivers MetroParks, Dayton) — $200 per day per locationCommercial or scientific research drone permits in Five Rivers MetroParks; permit holder must have FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
- Local park permit fees (Cleveland Metro Parks) — VariesFilming permits and site-specific use fees determined case-by-case
Ohio requires no state-level drone registration beyond the federal FAA registration. Any drone over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Commercial operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. No additional state license, registration, insurance requirement, or sales tax special treatment applies to drones in Ohio.
No state-level permit required. Some local jurisdictions (city/county parks) require permits for recreational or commercial use on their property.
State law does not require liability insurance. However, commercial drone operators typically must carry insurance as a client requirement or contract obligation.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Federal requirement for commercial drone operations
Any drone operation conducted for compensation or benefit to a business requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The certificate costs $175 (test fee) and must be renewed every 24 months. Ohio has no additional state-level commercial licensing requirement. Public safety operators may operate under Part 107 or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA.
TRUST — The Recreational UAS Safety Test
Federal requirement for recreational drone operations
The TRUST test is free, online, and required before flying drones recreationally. Proof of passage must be carried. Ohio has no additional state recreational licensing requirement. Available through multiple FAA-approved test administrators.
FAA Drone Registration
Federal requirement for all drones over 250g
Any drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA Drone Zone ($5 for 3 years, valid for three years). Registration number must be marked on the aircraft exterior. Ohio has no separate state registration.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
Every registered drone flown outdoors must broadcast its identification, location, and altitude — unless operated inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Ohio has no additional state Remote ID requirements.
Altitude Limit — 400 Feet AGL
Federal baseline altitude restriction
All drones must operate at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level unless operating under a Part 107 waiver. Higher altitudes require explicit FAA authorization. Ohio has no additional state altitude restrictions.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Federal baseline operational requirement
Recreational pilots must maintain visual line of sight; a visual observer in direct communication is allowed. Part 107 commercial pilots must maintain VLOS unless granted a BVLOS waiver. Night flying is allowed with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. Ohio has no additional VLOS restrictions.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
Federal airspace authorization for Class B, C, D, and surface-E
Flights in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E) require LAANC authorization or manual FAA approval. Ohio has three major airports with LAANC coverage: CLE, CMH, and CVG. Both recreational and Part 107 pilots can obtain LAANC authorization through FAA-approved service providers.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Federal restrictions around stadiums and special events
Temporary Flight Restrictions apply within 3 nautical miles of stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sports events (one hour before through one hour after). In Ohio, Ohio Stadium, Paycor Stadium, and Great American Ball Park are covered. Violations can result in federal criminal prosecution. Check NOTAMs and B4UFLY.
Part 108 — Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
Emerging federal rule for routine BVLOS operations
FAA rulemaking for Part 108 routine BVLOS operations is still in progress. Ohio pilots in agriculture, utility inspection, infrastructure work, and advanced air mobility corridors (Springfield area AAM) should begin planning compliance. Waiver requests available now; routine Part 108 operations expected to become available within the next few years.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Corridor — Springfield, Ohio
Federal integration pilot program around Springfield
Ohio has been selected as host state for an FAA Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program centered on Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. This program tests beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations and drone delivery. Commercial operators in this corridor should track AAM regulatory developments closely.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization available at three major Ohio airports: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE, Class B), Columbus John Glenn International Airport (CMH, Class C), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG, Class B). LAANC provides near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet AGL in controlled airspace. Some grid squares around CMH provide automatic approval. Further-coordination requests available through FAA manual process.
Major Airports
CLE — Cleveland Hopkins International AirportCMH — Columbus John Glenn International AirportCVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International AirportBVG — Burke Lakefront Airport (Cleveland, Class D)MGY — Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions apply during major sporting events. Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) in Columbus has a 3-nautical-mile TFR during Ohio State University football games and other major events. Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals) and Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds) covered by TFRs during MLB and NFL events. Check NOTAMs and B4UFLY before every flight. Perry Nuclear Power Plant area in Lake County requires special attention.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ohio Stadium Drone Incident — Rigoberto Canaca Escoto Charged
enforcementA drone drifted over the rim of Ohio Stadium during an Ohio State vs. Maryland football game in October 2023. Game officials paused play, and players moved to sidelines. Pilot Rigoberto Canaca Escoto was arrested and charged with unsafe operation of aircraft, inducing panic, and disorderly conduct. This incident prompted urgent legislative action and contributed to the passage of HB 77.
Ohio Prison Contraband Drone Ring — Multiple Operators Sentenced
enforcementBetween 2021 and 2023, Robert Faulkner (33, Columbus), Cory Sutphin (28, Grove City), and Charles Gibbs (33, Sandusky) used drones to deliver drugs, weapons, cell phones, and contraband into at least five Ohio prisons including Toledo Correctional Institution and Mansfield Correctional Institution. They faced 116 combined felony charges. Law enforcement seized $319,820 in drugs, weapons, and contraband from Faulkner's residence alone. Gibbs sentenced to 10 years; Sutphin to approximately 5 years. This case exemplifies the criminal drone activity ORC § 4561.51(C) now targets.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Airspace Shutdown — Drone Sightings
enforcementIn December 2024, mysterious drone sightings around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton forced base officials to shut down airspace for approximately four hours overnight. Wright-Patterson is one of the largest Air Force bases in the world, home to the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Museum of the US Air Force. The incident was part of a broader wave of unexplained drone sightings across the northeastern United States and underscored why Ohio legislators prioritized HB 77 with criminal penalties for reckless drone operations. No arrests were made.
HB 77 Takes Effect — Ohio's First Comprehensive Drone Law
regulatory changeHouse Bill 77, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on January 8, 2025, took effect 90 days later on April 9, 2025. The bill enacted seven new sections of the Ohio Revised Code (4561.26, 4561.27, 4561.50, 4561.51, 4561.52, 4561.53) establishing a dedicated legal framework for drone use in Ohio for the first time, with criminal penalties for endangering operation, emergency-response interference, and critical-facility loitering with criminal intent.
FAA Launches DETER Program — Faster Enforcement for Drone Violations
regulatory changeThe FAA launched the DETER (Detect, Enforce, Teach, Educate, and Remediate) program to accelerate enforcement of drone regulations and offer fast-track penalties for first-time offenders. The program streamlines the penalty process and applies to violations across all 50 states including Ohio.
HB 251 Signed into Law — Law Enforcement Drone Requirements and Foreign Drone Procurement Ban
legislationGovernor Mike DeWine signed HB 251, which establishes requirements for law enforcement and public entities using drones and restricts the purchase of drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (primarily targeting Chinese-manufactured drones in state procurement). Certain provisions take effect October 6, 2030.
Pending Legislation
HB 425In Committee (Transportation)Prohibit Trespass and Unauthorized Recording by Drones
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact section 4561.54 to prohibit trespass and types of unauthorized recording with an unmanned aerial vehicle system. Fills gaps in current HB 77 by specifically targeting drone voyeurism and trespass violations.
Last action: September 15, 2025
HB 597In Committee (Transportation)Prohibit the Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Over Schools
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact section 4561.54 to prohibit the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over schools. Addresses security and safety concerns at K-12 and higher education institutions.
Last action: November 19, 2025
HB 317In Committee (Technology and Innovation)Prohibit Purchase of Drones Made by a Covered Foreign Entity
Would enact section 5501.84 of the Revised Code to prohibit the purchase of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity (primarily Chinese manufacturers). Aims to restrict state and local government procurement of foreign-made drones.
Last action: June 4, 2025
SB 180In Committee (Transportation)Prohibit Purchase of Drones Made by a Covered Foreign Entity
Senate companion to HB 317. Would enact section 5501.84 to prohibit state and local government purchase of small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities.
Last action: April 30, 2025
HR 11In Committee (Public Safety)Urge Ohio Expansion of Manufacturing of Domestic Drones
House resolution urging the State of Ohio to expand the manufacturing of domestic drones to ensure competitiveness and national security against the increased presence of Chinese-manufactured drones.
Last action: January 28, 2025
HCR 15In Committee (Public Safety)Urge Congress to Pass the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
House concurrent resolution urging the United States Congress to pass H.R. 1907, the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025, which would establish federal authority to counter certain unmanned aircraft.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HB 290In Committee (Natural Resources)Enact the Atmosphere Protection Act
Would enact section 2917.43 to prohibit solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, and sunlight reflection methods. Relevant to drone-based atmospheric modification activities.
Last action: May 21, 2025
HB 817In Committee (Finance)Create the NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program
Would create the NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program and authorize Local Government Fund reductions if Lucas County or the City of Toledo fail to meet certain grant terms. Potentially relevant to drone use in public safety.
Last action: May 13, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Ohio State University requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). The university maintains a strict temporal flight restriction (TFR) during Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) football games and major sporting events. Restrictions: All flights require prior EHS approval. Ohio Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games and major events. No flights over medical center facilities, residential areas, or student gatherings. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety, Ohio State University |
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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