Ohio Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Ohio has enacted targeted drone regulations addressing safety, privacy, and critical infrastructure protection, with HB 77 (2024) establishing baseline restrictions on careless/reckless operations and unauthorized photography near critical facilities. The state does not preempt local ordinances, resulting in a patchwork of park and municipal restrictions across jurisdictions. Multiple bills are pending in the 136th General Assembly that would expand drone regulation to cover law enforcement use, foreign-manufactured drone procurement, school airspace protection, and trespass/surveillance violations.
State Drone Laws
HB 77 (135th GA)Regulations for Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Establishes statewide regulations prohibiting careless or reckless drone operation that endangers persons or property, prohibits drone operations that disrupt law enforcement or emergency services, and prohibits using drones to photograph, record, or loiter over critical facilities (major utilities, police stations) with intent to commit a crime or tamper with the facility. Codified primarily in ORC Chapter 4561.
HB 292 (130th GA)Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee
Creates the aerospace and aviation technology committee within the Ohio Department of Transportation with duties to research and develop aviation technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles. Codified in ORC 4561.11.
ORC 4561.50Unmanned Aircraft Systems — General Prohibitions
Existing Ohio Revised Code provision (predating HB 77) addressing unmanned aircraft systems. Prohibits attaching or affixing weapons to drones, and prohibits operating a drone to conduct surveillance of an individual or property in a manner that interferes with the individual's reasonable expectation of privacy. HB 77 and pending bills amend or add subsections to this section.
ORC 4561.50(B) / Weapons ProhibitionProhibition on Weaponized Drones
Prohibits any person from attaching a deadly weapon, as defined in ORC 2923.11, to an unmanned aircraft system. Applies to all drone operators statewide.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Cleveland
cityMunicipal Law - Drone Enforcement Authority
Authorizes city police to enforce FAA laws with regards to drones within Cleveland.
Restrictions
City police enforcement of federal FAA drone regulations
City of Celina
cityMunicipal Law - Drone Airspace Ban
Bans drones in airspace over city-owned property, including parks.
Restrictions
No drones over city-owned property or parks without authorization
Cincinnati Parks
cityPark Board Rule - Drone Restrictions
Bans drones in Cincinnati parks except with written permission from the park board and in designated areas in compliance with safety regulations set by the park board.
Restrictions
No drones in parks without park board written permission; permitted areas and safety conditions set by park board
Cleveland Metro Parks
countyPark Rule - Drone Restrictions with Exemptions
Bans drones in Cleveland Metro Parks except when operation is within a designated area, the operator has current FAA aircraft registration, or is flying strictly for recreational use.
Restrictions
No drones in Metro Parks except in designated areas, with FAA registration, or strictly recreational use
Butler County Metro Parks
countyPark Rule - Drone Restrictions
Bans drones in any Metro Park within Butler County except in designated areas or with special permit from the Executive Director.
Restrictions
No drones in Metro Parks except in designated areas or with special permit from Executive Director
Anderson Township Parks
townshipPark District Rule - Drone Restrictions
Bans the use of drones in any park or facility owned by Anderson Township without written permission from the Executive Director.
Restrictions
No drones in township parks without written permission from Executive Director
Hamilton County Great Parks
countyPark Rule - Drone Restrictions with Application Process
Bans drones in Great Parks of Hamilton County except with written permission from the Chief Executive Officer. Recreational and commercial drone pilots can submit respective applications.
Restrictions
No drones in Great Parks without written permission from CEO; separate application processes for recreational and commercial use
Toledo Metro Parks
cityPark Rule - Drone Restrictions with Limited Permits
Flying drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Toledo Metroparks. Drone use permits are issued for Westwinds Metropark only.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in most Metroparks; permits available only for Westwinds Metropark
Lorain County Metro Parks
countyPark Rule - Drone Prohibition
Flying drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Lorain Metroparks.
Restrictions
No drones allowed in Lorain Metroparks
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Careless or reckless drone operation endangering persons or property (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | State and local law enforcement | Severity depends on specific circumstances and degree of recklessness |
| Operating drone near critical facility with intent to commit crime or tamper (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | State and local law enforcement | Applies to major utilities, police stations, and similar critical infrastructure |
| Drone operations disrupting law enforcement or emergency services (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | State and local law enforcement | Includes operations that interfere with emergency response activities |
| Attaching a deadly weapon to a drone (ORC 4561.50(B)) | Felony (5th degree) | Up to $2,500 | 6 to 12 months | State and local law enforcement | Applies to attaching any deadly weapon as defined under ORC 2923.11 |
Careless or reckless drone operation endangering persons or property (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50)
Severity depends on specific circumstances and degree of recklessness
Operating drone near critical facility with intent to commit crime or tamper (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50)
Applies to major utilities, police stations, and similar critical infrastructure
Drone operations disrupting law enforcement or emergency services (HB 77 / ORC 4561.50)
Includes operations that interfere with emergency response activities
Attaching a deadly weapon to a drone (ORC 4561.50(B))
Applies to attaching any deadly weapon as defined under ORC 2923.11
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Ohio does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration applies to all operators: drones over 250g require registration ($5 fee, valid 3 years). Commercial operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operators must pass the TRUST safety test.
Local park permits may be required for specific parks (e.g., Cincinnati Parks, Hamilton County Great Parks, Toledo Metroparks). Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certification. No statewide permit system exists.
No state-mandated insurance requirement, though insurance is recommended for commercial operations. Some local jurisdictions or venues may require proof of insurance as a condition of permit issuance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
All commercial drone pilots in Ohio must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Commercial operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and comply with Part 107 regulations, which include altitude limits (400 feet AGL), visual line-of-sight requirements, and operational restrictions. This is mandatory for any drone operation conducted for compensation or hire. Waivers for certain Part 107 restrictions may be obtained from the FAA.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must complete TRUST
Hobbyist drone operators flying for pleasure must take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This is a federal requirement for recreational use of drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g). The test is free and available through FAA-approved test administrators.
FAA Drone Registration
Drones over 250g must be registered with FAA
Recreational and commercial drone owners must register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) with the FAA. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. Both recreational and commercial operators must display the registration number on their aircraft. Ohio has no separate state registration requirement.
Remote ID Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirements apply to most drone operations
Most drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements, either by using a drone with built-in Remote ID broadcast capability or by using a FAA-accepted Remote ID broadcast module. FAA enforcement of Remote ID has been ramping up following the September 2023 compliance deadline. Ohio has no state law duplicating or conflicting with Remote ID requirements.
Line-of-Sight and Altitude Restrictions
Federal rules limit drone altitude and require line-of-sight operation
Federal regulations restrict drones to 400 feet above ground level (or within 400 feet of a structure) and require operators to maintain visual line-of-sight with their aircraft at all times. Ohio has no state law modifying these federal restrictions, though waivers are available through the FAA for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government operators may use COA instead of Part 107
Ohio government entities (police, fire, emergency services, universities) may operate drones under an FAA Certificate of Authorization rather than Part 107 commercial certification, though Part 107 compliance is also permitted. Pending Ohio HB 251 would add state-level requirements specifically governing law enforcement UAS use.
FAA Preemption of Airspace Regulation
Federal law exclusively governs navigable airspace; states may regulate on-the-ground aspects
The FAA has exclusive authority over navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. Ohio state laws and local ordinances that attempt to regulate drone flight altitudes, routes, or airspace access may conflict with federal preemption doctrine. However, state and local governments retain authority to regulate land use, property rights, privacy, and criminal conduct related to drones. The precise boundary between permissible state regulation and federally preempted airspace regulation remains unsettled, and is relevant to Ohio local park bans that effectively prohibit flight in otherwise-authorized airspace.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available for most of Ohio's populated areas, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Check LAANC availability for specific locations at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc
Major Airports
CMH — John Glenn Columbus International AirportCLE — Cleveland Hopkins International AirportCVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International AirportTOL — Toledo Express AirportDAY — Dayton International AirportCAK — Akron-Canton Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently established around Ohio Stadium (Ohio State University) during football games and large athletic events. TFRs may also be issued for special events, VIP movements, and other activities statewide. Operators should check the FAA NOTAM system before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
US Agencies Step Up Enforcement Actions on Rogue Drones
enforcementFederal agencies including FAA and Department of Justice increase enforcement actions against unauthorized and reckless drone operations nationwide.
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties After Detection Over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies increase penalties for drone violations following detection of unauthorized drone operations over sensitive government facilities.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA announces increased enforcement actions and penalties for drone regulation violations throughout 2025.
Drone Pilots Face Harsher FAA Enforcement Under New Guidance
enforcementFAA announces stricter enforcement guidelines for drone operators, with increased penalties for violations.
FAA Signals Tougher Stance on Unauthorized Drone Operations
enforcementFAA announces stronger enforcement posture against unauthorized and unsafe drone operations.
Pending Legislation
HB 251Referred to Senate CommitteeDrone Use by Law Enforcement; Aviation Facilities
Amends sections 4561.01 and 4561.11 and enacts new sections 4561.60-4561.64 to establish requirements and limitations for law enforcement use of unmanned aerial vehicles, including warrant requirements for certain surveillance uses, data retention rules, and reporting requirements. Also expressly incorporates additional aviation facilities into Ohio's Aeronautics Law.
Last action: November 19, 2025
HB 425In CommitteeProhibit Trespass and Unauthorized Recording by Drones
Amends section 4561.50 and enacts section 4561.54 to prohibit trespass and unauthorized recording with unmanned aerial vehicle systems, creating specific penalties for drone-based surveillance violations.
Last action: September 15, 2025
HB 597In CommitteeProhibit Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Over Schools
Amends section 4561.50 and enacts section 4561.54 to prohibit the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over schools, protecting educational facilities from drone surveillance and interference. Note: same ORC sections as HB 425 — potential conflict or consolidation if both advance.
Last action: November 19, 2025
SB 180In CommitteeProhibit Purchase of Drones Made by a Covered Foreign Entity
Enacts section 5501.84 to prohibit state agencies from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity (e.g., Chinese-owned or -controlled companies), addressing national security concerns regarding foreign-made drones.
Last action: April 30, 2025
HB 317In CommitteeProhibit Purchase of Drones Made by a Covered Foreign Entity
House companion to SB 180. Enacts section 5501.84 to prohibit state agencies from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity, addressing national security and supply chain security concerns.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HR 304AdoptedSupport Ohio's FAA Proposal for Vertical Takeoff and Advanced Air Mobility
Resolution supporting Ohio's proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration related to the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program.
Last action: February 18, 2026
HR 11In CommitteeUrge Ohio Expansion of Domestic Drone Manufacturing
Resolution urging the State of Ohio to expand the manufacturing of domestic drones to ensure competitiveness and national security against increased presence of Chinese-manufactured drones.
Last action: January 28, 2025
HCR 15In CommitteeUrge Congress to Pass the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
Resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1907, known as the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025, addressing rogue drone threats and counter-UAS authority.
Last action: June 4, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | OSU requires all UAS operations on university property to obtain prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Special restrictions apply to Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) with strict TFR enforcement during football games and major athletic events. Operations over medical center facilities and residential areas are generally prohibited. Restrictions: Prior EHS approval required for all on-campus drone operations. Ohio Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games. No flights over medical center facilities or residential areas without specific authorization. All operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@osu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati | The University of Cincinnati requires prior authorization for all UAS operations on or over university property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and university safety requirements. Commercial drone use requires Part 107 certification. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus drone operations. Must comply with FAA regulations. Commercial operators require Part 107 certification. Flights over large gatherings and populated areas of campus are restricted. | Yes | UC Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@uc.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University | Case Western Reserve University requires all drone operations on campus to comply with FAA regulations and obtain advance approval from the university. Unauthorized drone flights over campus are prohibited. Restrictions: Advance approval required for all campus drone flights. Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations including Part 107 for commercial use. No unauthorized flights over campus facilities. | Yes | CWRU Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of Toledo | The University of Toledo requires all drone operators to obtain prior approval for UAS operations on or over university property. All operations must comply with FAA regulations and applicable Ohio law. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all campus drone operations. Must comply with FAA Part 107 for commercial operations and recreational rules for hobby use. Flights near Toledo Express Airport require additional LAANC authorization or FAA waiver. | Yes | UT Environmental Health & Safety |
| Bowling Green State University | BGSU requires prior authorization from university administration for all drone operations on campus. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and university policies. Unauthorized operations are prohibited. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. Must comply with FAA regulations. No unauthorized drone flights over campus. | Yes | BGSU Environmental Health & Safety |
| Miami University (Oxford) | Miami University requires all UAS operations on university property to obtain prior approval. Commercial operators must hold FAA Part 107 certification. All operators must comply with applicable FAA and Ohio regulations. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all campus drone operations. Part 107 certification required for commercial use. Must comply with all FAA regulations and Ohio law. | Yes | Miami University 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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