Ohio Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Ohio maintains a moderate regulatory posture on drones, having enacted House Bill 77 in 2025 establishing criminal penalties for endangering operation, emergency-response interference, and critical-facility violations. The state allows recreational and commercial flying under FAA requirements, with targeted restrictions on state parks (requiring written permission), wildlife use (drones cannot hunt), and privacy violations. Local governments may restrict drones on their own property, creating a patchwork of city and park district policies.
State Drone Laws
ORC § 4561.51Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Criminal Conduct
House Bill 77 established three criminal prohibitions: (1) Endangering operation - flying a drone in a manner that knowingly endangers any person or property, or purposely disregards the rights or safety of others; (2) Emergency-response interference - disrupting law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS while performing duties; (3) Critical-facility loitering with criminal intent - photographing, recording, or loitering over or near a critical facility with intent to further another crime or to destroy/tamper with the facility.
ORC § 4561.50Critical Infrastructure Facility Definitions
Defines critical infrastructure facilities for purposes of ORC 4561.51. Includes critical infrastructure (power generation/transmission, petroleum, chemicals, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas), commercial distribution and logistics centers, courts, police stations, sheriff offices, Highway Patrol posts, jails and prisons, military installations (Wright-Patterson AFB, Camp Perry, Rickenbacker ANGB), and hospitals with air ambulance service.
ORC § 4561.52Local Government Authority to Regulate Drones
Authorizes local governments (cities, counties, townships, park districts) to adopt ordinances governing hobby and recreational drone use above their own parks and public property, and to regulate their own drone fleet operations. Local regulation is limited to property they own or control; cities cannot regulate general airspace over private property.
OAC 1501:46-13-11Unmanned Aerial Craft - State Parks
Ohio Department of Natural Resources rule requiring written permission from the Chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft before operating drones, model aircraft, or other unmanned aerial craft in any Ohio state park, unless using a designated landing field. Prohibits flying over beaches, open-air assemblies, boats, and roadways on ODNR-administered land. Prohibits harassing wildlife or people.
OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)Prohibition on Using Drones for Hunting
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, shoot, kill, take, or attempt to take wild birds or wild quadrupeds. Narrow exception allows using a drone to recover a deer already harvested, provided no one in the party is actively hunting or carrying hunting implements during the recovery flight.
ORC § 2907.08Voyeurism
Prohibits secretly recording a person in a place with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone operators who film into fenced backyards or bedroom windows. Recording under or through clothing is a first-degree misdemeanor.
ORC § 2903.211Menacing by Stalking
Prohibits a pattern of conduct that causes another to believe they will be harmed. Drone-based surveillance can supply the required pattern-of-conduct element.
ORC § 2933.52Audio Recording Consent Requirements
Ohio is a one-party consent state for audio recording, meaning one party to a conversation can record it. However, a drone microphone that captures a conversation without any party's consent violates this section.
ORC § 122.98Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee
House Bill 292 created the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee to promote, research, and develop the aerospace, aviation, and technology industries, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Committee has 21 members including legislators, industry representatives, military, and academia.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Cleveland
cityPolice Enforcement of FAA Drone Laws
Authorizes Cleveland police officers to enforce FAA regulations on drone operations.
Restrictions
N/A - enforcement authority only.
City of Celina
cityDrone Ban Over City Property
Bans drone operation in airspace over all city-owned property, including parks.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition over city-owned property and airspace.
City of Cincinnati
cityCincinnati Parks Drone Restrictions
Bans drones in Cincinnati parks except with written permission from park board and within designated areas, in compliance with safety regulations.
Restrictions
Drone prohibited on or over park property without park board written permission.
Cleveland Metro Parks
countyCleveland Metroparks Drone Restrictions
Drones allowed only in four designated locations and must weigh less than 20 pounds. A separate permit is required for filming. Recreational use allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions
Drones limited to: The Polo Fields (South Chagrin), Top O' Ledges (Hinckley), Main Street Diamond (Mill Stream Run), and golf-course fairways (Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki excluded). Weight limit: under 20 pounds. Permit required for commercial/filming operations.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
countyColumbus Metro Parks Drone Policy
Recreational drone flight allowed in all 20 Metro Parks except state nature preserves. Scioto Grove has a dedicated 12-acre droning field. Commercial or filming use requires separate permit.
Restrictions
Check with on-duty ranger before launching. Avoid state nature preserves. Commercial/filming requires permit from info@metroparks.net.
Butler County Metro Parks
countyButler County Metro Parks Drone Restrictions
Bans drones and remote-controlled aircraft in all Butler County Metro Parks outside of designated areas. Special use permits may be granted by Executive Director.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited except in designated areas or with special use permit from Executive Director.
Anderson Township Parks
townshipAnderson Township Parks Drone Ban
Prohibits use of drones and remote-controlled aircraft in any park or facility owned by the township without written permission from Executive Director.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition without written Executive Director permission.
Hamilton County (Great Parks)
countyGreat Parks of Hamilton County Drone Policy
Bans drones in Great Parks of Hamilton County without written permission from Chief Executive Officer. Recreational drone pilots can submit Private Drone Application; commercial pilots can submit Commercial Drone Usage Application.
Restrictions
Drone operation prohibited except with CEO written permission. Applications available for both recreational and commercial use.
Toledo Metro Parks
countyToledo Metroparks Drone Prohibition
Flying drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Toledo Metroparks. Drone use permits are issued for Westwinds Metropark only.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited across the system except at Westwinds Metropark where permits may be issued.
Lorain County Metro Parks
countyLorain Metroparks Drone Prohibition
Flying drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Lorain Metroparks.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone operations.
Five Rivers MetroParks (Dayton)
countyFive Rivers MetroParks Drone Permit Policy
Drone use within MetroParks property prohibited without permit. Permits available for commercial or scientific research purposes only, accompanied by FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational UAS flight not permitted.
Restrictions
Permit required; commercial/research only; $200 per day/location fee. FAA Remote Pilot Certificate mandatory.
City of Avon Lake
cityAvon Lake Municipal Drone Restrictions
Prohibits launching or landing a drone or flying apparatus in municipal parks without authorization from the Recreation Department.
Restrictions
Drone launch/landing prohibited in municipal parks without Recreation Department authorization.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endangering operation of unmanned aerial vehicle (ORC § 4561.51(A)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Applies when flying a drone in a manner that knowingly endangers any person or property. |
| Emergency-response interference - reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 4th-degree misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 30 days | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Reckless interference with law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS. |
| Emergency-response interference - knowing (first offense) (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Knowing interference with law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS on first offense. |
| Emergency-response interference - knowing (subsequent offense) (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 5th-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6-12 months | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Knowing interference on second or subsequent offense. |
| Critical facility violation - intent to further another crime (first offense) (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Flying near critical facility to further another criminal offense. |
| Critical facility violation - intent to further another crime (repeat) (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | 5th-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6-12 months | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol | Repeat critical facility violation. |
| Critical facility violation - intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2)) | 3rd-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 9 months to 3 years | Local law enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, FBI (if federal interest) | Intent to destroy or tamper with critical facility. |
| Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08) | 2nd-degree misdemeanor (ordinary recording) or 1st-degree misdemeanor (recording under clothing) | Up to $1,000+ | Up to 6 months | Local law enforcement | Recording person in place with reasonable expectation of privacy. |
| Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211) | Varies - misdemeanor or felony | Varies | Varies | Local law enforcement | Pattern of conduct causing fear of harm via drone surveillance. |
| Unlawful use of drone for hunting (OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)) | Per Division of Wildlife | Varies | Varies | Ohio Division of Wildlife | Using drone to locate, hunt, track, or take wild birds or quadrupeds. Exception for recovering harvested deer. |
| Unauthorized drone flight in state parks (OAC 1501:46-13-11) | Per ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft | Varies | No | ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, park rangers | Flying without written permission from Chief of Parks Division or outside designated landing fields. |
Endangering operation of unmanned aerial vehicle (ORC § 4561.51(A))
Applies when flying a drone in a manner that knowingly endangers any person or property.
Emergency-response interference - reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Reckless interference with law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS.
Emergency-response interference - knowing (first offense) (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Knowing interference with law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS on first offense.
Emergency-response interference - knowing (subsequent offense) (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Knowing interference on second or subsequent offense.
Critical facility violation - intent to further another crime (first offense) (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Flying near critical facility to further another criminal offense.
Critical facility violation - intent to further another crime (repeat) (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Repeat critical facility violation.
Critical facility violation - intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2))
Intent to destroy or tamper with critical facility.
Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08)
Recording person in place with reasonable expectation of privacy.
Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211)
Pattern of conduct causing fear of harm via drone surveillance.
Unlawful use of drone for hunting (OAC 1501:31-15-02(B))
Using drone to locate, hunt, track, or take wild birds or quadrupeds. Exception for recovering harvested deer.
Unauthorized drone flight in state parks (OAC 1501:46-13-11)
Flying without written permission from Chief of Parks Division or outside designated landing fields.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Ohio has no separate state drone registration. Operators must comply with FAA registration requirements: drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA for $5 (valid 3 years). All registered drones must have Remote ID capability since March 16, 2024.
No state-level permit required. However, specific locations require permits: state parks (written permission from ODNR Chief), some city/county parks (application-based), and commercial operations in certain jurisdictions.
Not required by Ohio state law, but widely required by commercial clients and some park systems. State parks commercial operations may require insurance naming the park system as additional insured.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Small UAS Rule
Federal regulations governing commercial drone operations
Commercial drone operators in Ohio must comply with FAA Part 107. Requirements include: Remote Pilot Certificate (obtained by passing knowledge test and written exam), FAA drone registration ($5 for 3 years), Remote ID capability, operations under 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight, and LAANC authorization in controlled airspace.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational drone operators
All recreational drone operators in Ohio must pass the free, online TRUST test before flying. The test covers FAA rules, safety, and airspace awareness. Operators must carry proof of passage at all times.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
Every drone flown outdoors in Ohio must broadcast its identification, location, and altitude via Remote ID, unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This applies to both recreational and commercial operators.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC
Authorization required for operating near major airports
Ohio has three Class B airspace areas (Cleveland Hopkins, Columbus John Glenn, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International). LAANC authorization is required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace up to 400 feet AGL. Most approvals are automated and granted in near-real-time.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Restrictions around stadiums, events, and active incidents
Federal TFRs are issued under 14 CFR 99.7 for stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sport events. Ohio has major sports venues including Ohio Stadium, Paycor Stadium (Bengals), and Great American Ball Park (Reds). TFRs also cover active wildfires, disaster areas, and VIP movements.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight Requirements
Standard operational limitations for all drone operators
Drones must stay under 400 feet above ground level (AGL), maintain visual line of sight at all times, and operate in daylight or civil twilight by default. Waivers are available from the FAA for night operations, BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight), and altitude waivers.
Part 108 BVLOS Operations (Future)
Upcoming regulations for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations
The FAA is developing Part 108 rules for routine BVLOS operations. Ohio has significant commercial demand (agriculture, utilities, infrastructure inspection). Operators should monitor FAA updates for rule finalization.
National Parks Ban
Federal ban on recreational and commercial drone use
Drones are prohibited in all U.S. National Park Service units, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio's only NPS unit). Violations can result in fines up to $5,000.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at approximately 726 airports nationwide, including three major Ohio airports: Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), Columbus John Glenn (CMH), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG).
Major Airports
CLE — Cleveland Hopkins InternationalCMH — Columbus John Glenn InternationalCVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky InternationalDAY — Dayton International
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) exist around stadiums seating 30,000 or more during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sport events (one hour before through one hour after). Ohio Stadium ('The Horseshoe') in Columbus, Paycor Stadium (Bengals), and Great American Ball Park (Reds) are subject to game-day TFRs. Check B4UFLY app before every flight for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ohio Stadium Drone Incident During Buckeyes-Maryland Game
enforcementA drone drifted over Ohio Stadium during an Ohio State-Maryland football game, causing officials to pause play and move players to sidelines. Pilot Rigoberto Canaca Escoto was arrested and charged with unsafe operation of aircraft, inducing panic, and disorderly conduct. Incident prompted Ohio legislature to pass HB 77 with criminal penalties.
Ohio Prison Contraband Drone Smuggling Ring
enforcementRobert Faulkner (33, Columbus), Cory Sutphin (28, Grove City), and Charles Gibbs (33, Sandusky) used drones to deliver drugs, weapons, cell phones, and other contraband into at least five Ohio prisons including Toledo Correctional Institution and Mansfield Correctional Institution. Over 116 combined felony charges filed. Law enforcement seized $319,820 in drugs, weapons, and contraband. Gibbs sentenced to 10 years, Sutphin to approximately 5 years.
Paycor Stadium Drone Incident - Cincinnati Bengals Game
enforcementPilot arrested for operating drone within three-mile radius of Paycor Stadium during a Cincinnati Bengals playoff game, violating federal TFR under 14 CFR 99.7. Federal prosecution in U.S. Attorney's office.
Great American Ball Park Drone Incident - Cincinnati Reds Game
enforcementPilot arrested for operating drone over Great American Ball Park during a Cincinnati Reds opener, violating federal TFR. Federal prosecution.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Airspace Shutdown
enforcementMysterious 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 National Museum of the US Air Force. Incident was part of broader wave of unexplained drone sightings across northeastern United States.
Pending Legislation
HB 251Passed both chambers, pending governor signatureRegards Drone Use by Law Enforcement; Aviation Facilities
Would amend ORC sections 4561.01 and 4561.11 and enact new sections 4561.60-4561.64 and 5501.84 to establish requirements for law enforcement and public entity drone use and purchase. Would prohibit state entities from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities.
Last action: June 10, 2026
HB 425In Committee - TransportationProhibit Trespass and Unauthorized Recording by Drones
Would amend ORC 4561.50 and enact new section 4561.54 to prohibit trespass violations and unauthorized recording using drones. Closes gaps in current law specific to drone-enabled trespass and voyeurism that aren't covered by general privacy statutes.
Last action: September 15, 2025
HB 597In Committee - TransportationProhibit Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Over Schools
Would amend ORC 4561.50 and enact new section 4561.54 to prohibit operation of drones over school buildings and facilities. Creates a school safety zone similar to other critical infrastructure protections.
Last action: November 19, 2025
HB 317In Committee - Technology and InnovationProhibit Purchase of Drones Made by Covered Foreign Entity
Would enact ORC section 5501.84 to prohibit state and local government entities from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities. Aims to protect public safety and critical infrastructure.
Last action: June 4, 2025
SB 180In Committee - TransportationProhibit Purchase of Drones Made by Covered Foreign Entity
Senate companion to HB 317. Would enact ORC section 5501.84 to restrict government drone procurement from foreign entities.
Last action: April 30, 2025
HB 333Reported by Transportation CommitteeEnact the Airspace Protection Act
Would establish comprehensive protections for airspace from unauthorized drone intrusion and hazards.
Last action: June 10, 2026
SB 446In Committee - TransportationEnact the Airspace Protection Act
Senate companion to HB 333. Comprehensive airspace protection legislation.
Last action: June 2, 2026
HB 290In Committee - Natural ResourcesEnact the Atmosphere Protection Act
Would enact ORC section 2917.43 to prohibit solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, or sunlight reflection methods.
Last action: May 21, 2025
HR 11In Committee - Public SafetyUrge Ohio Expansion of Manufacturing of Domestic Drones
Non-binding resolution urging the State of Ohio to expand manufacturing of domestically-produced drones to ensure competitiveness and national security against the increased presence of Chinese-manufactured drones.
Last action: January 28, 2025
HCR 15In Committee - Public SafetyUrge Congress to Pass the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
Non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1907, the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025. Expresses support for federal drone security measures.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HB 817In Committee - FinanceCreate the NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program
Would create the NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program and authorize Local Government Fund reductions for Lucas County or the City of Toledo if they fail to abide by grant terms. Includes drone/public safety technology components.
Last action: May 13, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Ohio State University requires approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) before operating drones on university property. The university maintains a strict no-fly zone over Ohio Stadium ('The Horseshoe') during football games due to federal TFRs. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any drone operation on campus. No flights over the medical center or residential areas. Ohio Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games and events. No flights without prior authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety, ehs@osu.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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