Ohio Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Ohio enacted House Bill 77 in 2025, establishing a comprehensive drone regulatory framework that prohibits endangering operations, emergency-response interference, and flying over critical facilities with criminal intent. The state permits recreational and commercial drone use generally, subject to federal FAA rules and local ordinances. State parks require prior written permission, and several cities restrict drone operations on municipal property.
State Drone Laws
ORC § 4561.51(A)Endangering Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Prohibits operating a drone in a careless or reckless manner that knowingly endangers any person or property, or purposely disregards the rights or safety of others.
ORC § 4561.51(B)Emergency Response Interference by Drone
Prohibits operating a drone in a manner that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs the operations or activities conducted by law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical services. Penalties vary based on whether the interference was reckless or knowing, and whether it is a first or subsequent offense.
ORC § 4561.51(C)Critical Facility Loitering with Criminal Intent
Prohibits photographing, recording, or loitering with a drone over or near critical facilities (power plants, transmission lines, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas, commercial distribution centers, courts, police stations, jails, prisons, hospitals with air ambulance service, military installations) with the purpose to further another criminal offense or to destroy/tamper with the facility.
ORC § 4561.50Critical Facility Definitions
Defines critical facilities subject to ORC § 4561.51 protections, including power generation and transmission, petroleum and chemical facilities, water treatment, telecommunications, natural gas systems, commercial distribution and logistics centers, courts, police stations, jails, prisons, military installations, and hospitals with air ambulance service.
ORC § 4561.52Local Government Authority Over Drone Operations
Grants local governments (cities, counties, townships, park districts) explicit authority to regulate hobby and recreational drone use over their own parks and public property, and to govern their own drone fleets. Local regulations cannot preempt federal FAA rules or regulate airspace itself.
OAC 1501:46-13-11State Parks Drone Flight Rule
Requires written permission from the Chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft before operating any unmanned aerial craft (drones, model aircraft, etc.) in Ohio state park boundaries, or use of designated landing fields. Prohibits flying over beaches, open-air assemblies, boats, and roadways on division-administered land. Bars harassing wildlife or people.
OAC 1501:31-15-02(B)Prohibition on Using Aircraft 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 an already-harvested deer, 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. Drone operators who film into fenced backyards or bedroom windows can be prosecuted under this section. Recording through or under clothing is a more severe violation.
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 'pattern of conduct' element necessary for prosecution under this statute.
ORC § 2933.52Audio Recording Restrictions
Ohio is a one-party-consent state for audio recording. However, a drone microphone that captures a conversation without any party's consent violates this section.
HB 292 (2014)Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee
Creates the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee tasked with promoting, researching, and developing aviation technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Committee advises on commercialization, resource-sharing, research and development, and military base realignment matters.
HB 251 (2025)Regulations on Drone Use by Law Enforcement and Public Entities
Establishes requirements for law enforcement and public entity use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Restricts state and local government purchase of small UAS manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities. Incorporates additional aviation facilities into Ohio Aeronautics Law. Signed by Governor 7/7/26 but effective October 6, 2030.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Cleveland
cityCleveland Police Enforcement of FAA Drone Laws
Ordinance authorizing Cleveland Police to enforce FAA drone regulations within city limits
Restrictions
None specific; enforces federal FAA rules
City of Celina
cityDrone Ban in City-Owned Airspace
Ordinance banning drone operations in airspace over all city-owned property
Restrictions
Drones prohibited over city-owned parks and property. No exceptions for recreational or commercial use mentioned.
Cincinnati Parks
cityCincinnati Park Board Drone Rule
Rule prohibiting drone operations in Cincinnati parks except with explicit written permission
Restrictions
No drone flights except with written permission of Park Board and within designated areas. Safety regulations may be imposed as condition of consent.
Cleveland Metroparks
countyCleveland Metroparks Designated Area Drone Rule
Rule allowing drone operations only in designated locations within the park system
Restrictions
Drones under 20 lbs only. Operations permitted only at: The Polo Fields (South Chagrin), Top O' Ledges (Hinckley), Main Street Diamond (Mill Stream Run), and Cleveland Metroparks golf-course fairways (Sleepy Hollow and Manakiki excluded) during Nov 1 - Mar 15 when courses are closed. Separate permit required for filming.
Butler County Metroparks
countyButler County Metroparks Drone Restriction
Rule restricting drone operations to designated areas or with special permit
Restrictions
No drones in Metro Parks except in designated areas or with special permit from Executive Director. Exception for law enforcement or medical responders acting in official capacity.
Anderson Township Parks
townshipAnderson Township Parks Drone Ban
Ordinance prohibiting drone use on township parks and facilities
Restrictions
Drones banned from all Anderson Township parks and facilities. Written permission from Executive Director may be granted under certain circumstances.
Hamilton County (Great Parks)
countyGreat Parks of Hamilton County Drone Rule
Rule banning drone operations except with written CEO permission
Restrictions
No drones in Great Parks without written authorization from CEO. Recreational pilots can submit Private Drone Application. Commercial pilots can submit Commercial Drone Usage Application.
Toledo Metroparks
cityToledo Metroparks Drone Prohibition
System-wide ban on drone operations with limited exception
Restrictions
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited throughout Toledo Metroparks system. Drone use permits issued only for Westwinds Metropark.
Lorain County Metroparks
countyLorain County Metroparks Drone Prohibition
Ban on drone and remote-controlled aircraft operations
Restrictions
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited throughout Lorain County Metroparks system.
Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks
countyColumbus/Franklin County Metroparks Drone Policy
Permissive policy allowing recreational drone use in most parks
Restrictions
Recreational drones allowed in all 20 Metro Parks except state nature preserves. Scioto Grove Metro Park has dedicated 12-acre droning field. Check in with on-duty ranger before launching. Commercial or filming use requires separate permit from info@metroparks.net.
Five Rivers Metroparks (Dayton)
countyFive Rivers Metroparks Drone Policy
Permit-based policy for commercial and scientific research use
Restrictions
Recreational UAS flight prohibited. Commercial or scientific research flights require permit (typically $200 per day/location) and must have Remote Pilot Certificate from FAA. Permits determined case-by-case.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Applies to careless or reckless operation that knowingly endangers persons or property |
| Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 4th-degree misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 30 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Disrupting law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS through reckless drone operation |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Knowing interference with emergency services on first offense |
| Emergency-response interference — knowing, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(B)) | 5th-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6 to 12 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Subsequent offense of knowing interference with emergency services |
| Critical facility loitering — intent to further crime, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Flying over critical facilities with purpose to further another criminal offense |
| Critical facility loitering — intent to further crime, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1)) | 5th-degree felony | Up to $2,500 | 6 to 12 months | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Repeat offense of flying with criminal intent over critical facilities |
| Critical facility loitering — intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2)) | 3rd-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 9 months to 3 years | Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police | Flying with purpose to destroy or tamper with critical facility |
| Hunting/wildlife use of drone (OAC 1501:31-15-02) | Varies by ODNR | Varies | Varies | Ohio Division of Wildlife | Using drones to hunt, track, or take wild birds or quadrupeds. Exception: recovering already-harvested deer with no active hunting in party. |
| State park flight without permission (OAC 1501:46-13-11) | Varies by ODNR | Varies | Varies | ODNR Parks and Watercraft Division | Flying in state parks without written Chief permission or at designated landing area |
| Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08) | 2nd-degree misdemeanor (standard) or 1st-degree misdemeanor (through/under clothing) | Up to $1,500 (2nd-deg) or up to $1,000 (1st-deg) | Up to 90 days (2nd-deg) or up to 6 months (1st-deg) | Local police, prosecutor | Recording persons in private places without consent, especially into homes or bathrooms |
| Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211) | 4th-degree misdemeanor (first) or 3rd-degree misdemeanor (prior conviction) | Up to $250 (4th-deg) or up to $500 (3rd-deg) | Up to 30 days (4th-deg) or up to 60 days (3rd-deg) | Local police, prosecutor | Pattern of drone surveillance causing person to fear harm |
Endangering operation of drone (ORC § 4561.51(A))
Applies to careless or reckless operation that knowingly endangers persons or property
Emergency-response interference — reckless (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Disrupting law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS through reckless drone operation
Emergency-response interference — knowing, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Knowing interference with emergency services on first offense
Emergency-response interference — knowing, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(B))
Subsequent offense of knowing interference with emergency services
Critical facility loitering — intent to further crime, first offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Flying over critical facilities with purpose to further another criminal offense
Critical facility loitering — intent to further crime, repeat offense (ORC § 4561.51(C)(1))
Repeat offense of flying with criminal intent over critical facilities
Critical facility loitering — intent to destroy or tamper (ORC § 4561.51(C)(2))
Flying with purpose to destroy or tamper with critical facility
Hunting/wildlife use of drone (OAC 1501:31-15-02)
Using drones to hunt, track, or take wild birds or quadrupeds. Exception: recovering already-harvested deer with no active hunting in party.
State park flight without permission (OAC 1501:46-13-11)
Flying in state parks without written Chief permission or at designated landing area
Voyeurism by drone (ORC § 2907.08)
Recording persons in private places without consent, especially into homes or bathrooms
Menacing by stalking via drone (ORC § 2903.211)
Pattern of drone surveillance causing person to fear harm
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
- ODNR State Park Commercial Permit — $200 per day per locationFee for commercial or scientific research drone operations in Ohio state parks. Requires proof of FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and liability insurance.
Ohio does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA ($5 per drone for 3 years). Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; recreational operators must pass the TRUST test. No state commercial drone license or operator permit is required beyond federal regulations. No state-level insurance requirement exists, though commercial clients typically require liability coverage.
No state-level permit required. Local governments may require permits for operations on their own property (e.g., city parks). State parks require written permission from ODNR Chief.
No state-level requirement. Commercial operators should carry liability insurance as clients typically require it.
Running a commercial operation in Ohio? See How LAANC authorization works on a Part 107 job.
Pilots running multi-job ops often keep scheduling and invoices in one place — see Pilot Ledger.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 — Commercial UAS Operations
Federal rule governing commercial drone flights under 55 lbs
All commercial drone operations in Ohio must comply with 14 CFR Part 107. Pilots must obtain Remote Pilot Certificate (requires passing FAA knowledge test). Operations limited to daylight/civil twilight by default, VLOS, 400 ft AGL, and require airspace authorization (LAANC) in controlled airspace.
Recreational UAS Exception (49 USC 44809)
Federal rule allowing limited recreational drone flight
Recreational pilots in Ohio must pass free TRUST test, register drones over 250g with FAA, and follow safety guidelines including VLOS, 400 ft AGL, daylight/civil twilight. Must follow Community-Based Organization safety rules.
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory digital identification broadcast for all drones
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID (location, altitude, operator info) since March 16, 2024, unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Some recreational areas and closed-campus operations may qualify as FRIAs.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Federal airspace restrictions for security and safety
Stadiums seating 30,000+ have 3-mile radius TFRs during major sporting events. Ohio Stadium, Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals), Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds) regularly have TFRs. Violations are federal criminal charges. Always check NOTAM and B4UFLY before flying.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability for controlled airspace
Ohio has Class B airspace around Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. LAANC near-real-time authorization available at many locations. Commercial pilots can request further-coordination up to 90 days in advance for operations above altitude ceilings.
FAA Waivers and Authorizations
Exemptions from specific FAA rules for advanced operations
Pilots in Ohio seeking to fly BVLOS, at night, over people, or above 400 ft may apply for Part 107 waivers. Ohio's UAS Center at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport tests BVLOS operations and advanced air mobility.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Ohio airports. Automatic approval available in many grid squares around Columbus and Cleveland. Some airspace may require manual coordination through the FAA.
Major Airports
CLE — Cleveland Hopkins International AirportCMH — John Glenn Columbus International AirportCVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
TFR Notice
Federal Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibit drone operation within 3 miles of stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sport events (1 hour before to 1 hour after). Ohio Stadium (Horseshoe) in Columbus regularly has TFRs during Ohio State football games. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton has restricted military airspace. Other military installations may have TFRs.
More on controlled airspace and ops: What Remote ID still requires on a Part 107 flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Ohio Stadium Drone Incident — Rigoberto Canaca Escoto
enforcementDrone drifted over Ohio Stadium during Ohio vs. Maryland football game, causing game stoppage with 100,000+ fans present. Pilot arrested and charged with unsafe operation of aircraft, inducing panic, and disorderly conduct. Incident directly led to Ohio HB 77 drone legislation in 2025.
Ohio Prison Drone Smuggling Case
enforcementRobert Faulkner, Cory Sutphin, and Charles Gibbs used drones to deliver drugs, weapons, cell phones, and contraband into at least five Ohio prisons (Toledo Correctional, Mansfield Correctional, and others) from 2021-2023. 116 combined felony charges. $319,820 in drugs and contraband seized from Faulkner's residence alone. Gibbs sentenced 10 years, Sutphin approximately 5 years. Case exemplifies criminal drone use that ORC § 4561.51 now targets.
Wright-Patterson AFB Drone Incident
enforcementMysterious drone sightings around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton forced temporary airspace closure for approximately 4 hours overnight. Wright-Patterson is home to Air Force Research Laboratory and National Museum of the US Air Force. Part of broader wave of unexplained drone sightings across northeastern US.
Pending Legislation
HB 425In CommitteeProhibit trespass and unauthorized recording by drones
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact § 4561.54 to prohibit trespass and unauthorized recording with unmanned aerial vehicles. Would close gaps specific to drone privacy violations.
Last action: September 15, 2025
HB 597In CommitteeProhibit the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over schools
Would amend ORC § 4561.50 and enact § 4561.54 to prohibit operating UAVs over schools. Addresses safety and privacy concerns at educational facilities.
Last action: November 19, 2025
HB 317In CommitteeProhibit purchase of drones made by a covered foreign entity
Would enact ORC § 5501.84 to prohibit state and local government purchase of small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities. National security measure targeting foreign drone manufacturers.
Last action: June 4, 2025
SB 180In CommitteeProhibit purchase of drones made by a covered foreign entity
Senate version of HB 317. Would enact ORC § 5501.84 restricting government drone purchases from covered foreign entities.
Last action: April 30, 2025
HR 11In CommitteeUrge Ohio expansion of manufacturing of domestic drones
House resolution urging Ohio to expand manufacturing of domestically-produced 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
House concurrent resolution urging U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1907, known as the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025, for stronger federal drone enforcement and anti-drone measures.
Last action: June 4, 2025
HR 304AdoptedSupport Ohio's FAA proposal re: vertical takeoff, air mobility
House 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. Adopted 2/18/26.
Last action: February 18, 2026
HB 817In CommitteeCreate the NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program
Creates NextGen Public Safety Pilot Program with Local Government Fund provisions for Lucas County and City of Toledo. May include drone-related public safety capabilities.
Last action: May 13, 2026
HB 290In CommitteeEnact the Atmosphere Protection Act
Would enact ORC § 2917.43 to prohibit solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, and sunlight reflection methods. Not drone-specific but may relate to aerial operations.
Last action: May 21, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | OSU requires prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for all unmanned aerial system operations on university property. Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) has strict Temporary Flight Restriction enforcement during football games and athletic events. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all flights. Ohio Stadium TFR strictly enforced during events. No flights over Ohio State Medical Center, residential areas, or university buildings without express permission. | 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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Ohio's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.