South Carolina Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
South Carolina maintains a permissive regulatory stance toward recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA rules. The state has minimal state-level restrictions, limited to corrections facility buffer zones and voyeurism provisions. However, a comprehensive drone regulatory framework (H4679) was signed into law on May 15, 2026, and takes effect January 1, 2027, significantly expanding restrictions around military and corrections facilities with enhanced penalties including felony provisions for weaponization and contraband delivery.
State Drone Laws
S.C. Code § 24-1-300Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Near Corrections Facilities
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility without written consent from the Director of the Department of Corrections. Exempts FAA-registered commercial operators conducting infrastructure inspections who provide advance notice. This statute is repealed effective January 1, 2027, and replaced by expanded provisions in H4679.
S.C. Code § 24-5-175Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Near Local Detention Facilities
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any local detention facility without written consent from the jail administrator. Exempts FAA-registered commercial operators conducting infrastructure inspections who provide advance notice. This statute is repealed effective January 1, 2027, and replaced by expanded provisions in H4679.
S.C. Code § 16-17-470Eavesdropping, Peeping, and Voyeurism
Prohibits being an eavesdropper or 'peeping tom' on or about the premises of another. Defines surveillance as secret observation for spying upon and invading privacy. Defines 'view' to include intentional looking with a device designed to improve visual acuity, expressly reaching drone-based surveillance. Aggravated voyeurism (distribution of images) is a felony.
S.C. Code § 50-1-130 and § 50-9-580Aerial Management Program for Feral Hogs and Coyotes
Authorizes the use of drones to count, photograph, relocate, capture, hunt, or take feral hogs and coyotes under an Aerial Management Program (AMP) permit issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Permit holders must carry the AMP authorization paired with a signed Landowner's Authorization (LOA) for each tract and maintain daily flight logs. Drone use for hunting or management of species other than feral hogs and coyotes is prohibited and constitutes wildlife harassment.
H4679, S.C. Code § 55-1-220(A)Unlawful Operation Within 1,500 Feet of Critical Infrastructure and Military Installations (Effective January 1, 2027)
Makes it unlawful to intentionally or knowingly operate, take off, or land a drone within FAA-controlled airspace without FAA authorization, or within 1,500 feet horizontally of any Department of Corrections facility, county or municipal detention facility, or military installation (including Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base, Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort, Fort Jackson, Coast Guard sector at Charleston Harbor, SC National Guard facilities, and State Guard facilities) without express written consent. Expands the buffer from 500 feet (current § 24-1-300) to 1,500 feet and adds military installation protection.
H4679, S.C. Code § 55-1-220(C)(1)Contraband Delivery to Correctional or Detention Facility (Effective January 1, 2027)
Makes it a felony to operate, take off, land, or possess a drone with intent to deliver contraband to any correctional or detention facility. Created in response to documented prison drone smuggling incidents in South Carolina.
H4679, S.C. Code § 55-1-220(C)(2)Surveillance of Military or Correctional Facility with Criminal Intent (Effective January 1, 2027)
Makes it a felony to operate a drone with intent to survey, map, or gather information about a military or correctional facility for purposes of identifying vulnerabilities, security measures, or response patterns.
H4679, S.C. Code § 55-1-220(C)(3)Weaponization or Use of Drone to Threaten or Harm (Effective January 1, 2027)
Makes it a felony to weaponize a drone or operate a drone with intent to threaten, harm, or injure any person or damage property.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Charleston
cityDrone Operation Restrictions
The City of Charleston imposes distance buffers and identification requirements on drone operations. Camera-equipped drones must maintain distance from people and structures. Operator information must be displayed on the aircraft.
Restrictions
Prohibited within 1/4-mile (approximately 1,320 feet) of schools (while in session), hospitals, parks, recreation facilities, sporting events, road races, outdoor festivals, fireworks shows, stadiums, or public gatherings of more than 50 people. Prohibited from operating in city parks, park facilities, recreation facilities, or playgrounds without permit. Camera-equipped drones must maintain at least 200 feet distance from any person, vehicle, building, or structure. Operator names and addresses must be affixed to the aircraft exterior.
Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission
countyBlanket Ban on Drone Launching in County Parks
The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) prohibits launching drones in county-managed parks and recreation areas unless a permit has been granted for a designated launch area.
Restrictions
Drone launching prohibited in James Island County Park, Wannamaker County Park, Palmetto Islands, Caw Caw Swamp, Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, Stono River Park, Laurel Hill Wildlife Area, McLeod Plantation, and SK8 Charleston unless a permit is obtained and flight is in a designated area. Contact CCPRC at (843) 795-4386 for permit inquiries.
Folly Beach
cityDrone Operation Permit Required
The City of Folly Beach requires permits for all drone operations within city limits.
Restrictions
Drone operators must obtain a permit from the City of Folly Beach before flying within city limits.
Mount Pleasant
townProhibition at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
The Town of Mount Pleasant prohibits drone operations at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
Seabrook Island
townFAA Certification and Registration Requirement
Seabrook Island requires drone operators to hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and FAA aircraft registration.
Restrictions
Drone operators must be FAA Part 107-certified and maintain valid FAA aircraft registration. Recreational flights require TRUST certification and FAA registration.
Hunting Island State Park
countyDrone Ban at Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort County explicitly bans all drone operations.
Restrictions
Drones are prohibited from launching or operating anywhere within Hunting Island State Park. This ban is actively enforced.
Columbia
cityParks Drone Use Restrictions
The City of Columbia and state parks in the Columbia area restrict drone use in parks without special-event permits.
Restrictions
Drone operations in Columbia parks require special-event permits. State Parks policy varies by park; contact SCPRT Park Operations at 803-734-0156 before flying in state parks.
Greenville
cityFalls Park on the Reedy Drone Prohibition
Falls Park on the Reedy explicitly prohibits drone operations.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted at Falls Park on the Reedy. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office publishes public-facing drone-use guidelines summarizing federal and state framework.
South Carolina State Parks
countyPer-Park Drone Policy
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) does not maintain a blanket statewide drone ban. Each state park sets its own policy and requires advance approval.
Restrictions
Drone operators must contact the specific park in advance of operations. For general inquiries, call SCPRT Park Operations at 803-734-0156. Commercial drone work requires coordination with SCPRT Chief of Park Operations at (803) 734-0345. Hunting Island State Park has an explicit blanket ban.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical of a Department of Corrections facility without written consent (current through December 31, 2026) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 30 days | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina State Highway Patrol, SC Department of Corrections personnel, local law enforcement | Drone confiscation permitted. Applicable under S.C. Code § 24-1-300, which is repealed and replaced by H4679 effective January 1, 2027. |
| Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical of a local detention facility without written consent (current through December 31, 2026) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 30 days | Local law enforcement, jail administrators | Drone confiscation permitted. Applicable under S.C. Code § 24-5-175, which is repealed and replaced by H4679 effective January 1, 2027. |
| Drone-based voyeurism or surveillance to invade privacy or eavesdropping | Misdemeanor to Felony (aggravated voyeurism) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 10 years (aggravated voyeurism involving distribution of images) | Local law enforcement, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division | Applicable under S.C. Code § 16-17-470. This is a general voyeurism statute; drones are treated as devices for spying and surveillance. Aggravated voyeurism (distribution of images) is a felony. |
| Drone operation within 1,500 feet horizontal of corrections facility, detention facility, or military installation without consent (effective January 1, 2027) | Misdemeanor | 1st offense: Up to $1,000; 2nd offense: Up to $2,500; 3rd or subsequent offense: Up to $5,000 | 1st offense: Up to 6 months; 2nd offense: Up to 1 year; 3rd or subsequent offense: Up to 2 years | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, local law enforcement | Under H4679 § 55-1-220(A), effective January 1, 2027. Each subsection of the statute is a separate offense; multiple charges from a single flight are possible. |
| Operating a drone with intent to deliver contraband to a corrections or detention facility (effective January 1, 2027) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, federal prosecutors, local law enforcement | Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(1), effective January 1, 2027. Responds to documented prison drone smuggling incidents. |
| Drone surveillance or mapping of military or corrections facility to identify vulnerabilities or security measures (effective January 1, 2027) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, federal prosecutors, local law enforcement | Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(2), effective January 1, 2027. |
| Weaponizing a drone or operating a drone with intent to threaten or harm a person or property (effective January 1, 2027) | Felony | Up to $25,000 | Up to 10 years | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, federal prosecutors, local law enforcement | Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(3), effective January 1, 2027. |
| Drone-based harassment, management, or hunting of wildlife species other than feral hogs and coyotes | Wildlife violation | Varies under SCDNR wildlife statutes | Varies | South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) conservation officers | SCDNR TIP line: 1-800-922-5431. Only feral hogs and coyotes may be managed via drone under AMP permit. Drone use to scout deer, locate turkeys, or harass other wildlife is prohibited. |
Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical of a Department of Corrections facility without written consent (current through December 31, 2026)
Drone confiscation permitted. Applicable under S.C. Code § 24-1-300, which is repealed and replaced by H4679 effective January 1, 2027.
Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical of a local detention facility without written consent (current through December 31, 2026)
Drone confiscation permitted. Applicable under S.C. Code § 24-5-175, which is repealed and replaced by H4679 effective January 1, 2027.
Drone-based voyeurism or surveillance to invade privacy or eavesdropping
Applicable under S.C. Code § 16-17-470. This is a general voyeurism statute; drones are treated as devices for spying and surveillance. Aggravated voyeurism (distribution of images) is a felony.
Drone operation within 1,500 feet horizontal of corrections facility, detention facility, or military installation without consent (effective January 1, 2027)
Under H4679 § 55-1-220(A), effective January 1, 2027. Each subsection of the statute is a separate offense; multiple charges from a single flight are possible.
Operating a drone with intent to deliver contraband to a corrections or detention facility (effective January 1, 2027)
Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(1), effective January 1, 2027. Responds to documented prison drone smuggling incidents.
Drone surveillance or mapping of military or corrections facility to identify vulnerabilities or security measures (effective January 1, 2027)
Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(2), effective January 1, 2027.
Weaponizing a drone or operating a drone with intent to threaten or harm a person or property (effective January 1, 2027)
Under H4679 § 55-1-220(C)(3), effective January 1, 2027.
Drone-based harassment, management, or hunting of wildlife species other than feral hogs and coyotes
SCDNR TIP line: 1-800-922-5431. Only feral hogs and coyotes may be managed via drone under AMP permit. Drone use to scout deer, locate turkeys, or harass other wildlife is prohibited.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
South Carolina 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 city and county permit fees (varies by jurisdiction) — Varies by municipalityCities and counties may charge permit fees for drone operations on public property and in municipal parks. Examples include Charleston County Parks permits and city-specific park use fees. No standardized fee schedule exists.
- State park permit coordination (commercial operations) — Variable or administrative processingCommercial drone operations in SC state parks require coordination with SCPRT Chief of Park Operations. Fees or requirements vary by project and park.
South Carolina does not require state-level drone registration beyond the federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years for drones over 250 grams). No separate state commercial drone license is required beyond the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Standard state business and tax obligations apply to commercial drone operators the same as any other business.
No statewide permit is required for drone operations beyond FAA rules. However, local cities and counties may require permits for takeoff and landing on public property. Individual state parks have their own policies requiring advance approval. Commercial drone work in state parks requires coordination with SCPRT.
Liability insurance is not mandated by South Carolina but is recommended for commercial operators.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
All commercial drone operations in South Carolina require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
Commercial drone operators must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test (cost: $175) covering airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures. The certificate is valid for 24 months before recurrent training is required. South Carolina has FAA-approved knowledge testing centers in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Part 107 compliance is non-negotiable and is cited in H4679 § 55-1-210.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
All recreational drone operators must pass the free TRUST test before flying.
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is a free online test covering aeronautical knowledge and safety. Proof of passage must be carried while flying. All test questions are correctable to 100% before the certificate is issued. Failure to carry proof of passage is a violation of FAA regulations.
FAA Drone Registration
Federal registration is required for all drones over 250 grams (0.55 pounds).
Registration is completed through the FAA DroneZone portal, costs $5, and is valid for 3 years. The registration number must be marked visibly on the outside of the aircraft. Remote ID broadcasts the registration number automatically.
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID has been mandatory since March 16, 2024, for all registered drones.
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID (airframe-integrated), a broadcast module, or operation within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Compliance is strictly enforced by the FAA and is referenced in H4679 § 55-1-220.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Drone operators must maintain unaided visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times or use a visual observer.
The pilot or a designated visual observer must maintain direct unaided visual contact with the drone throughout the flight. Flights must remain under 400 feet above ground level (AGL) in uncontrolled airspace and must occur during daylight or civil twilight. Nighttime operations require anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles.
Controlled Airspace Authorization via LAANC
Flights in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) require FAA authorization before flight.
Most of South Carolina's major urban centers sit under controlled airspace. Charleston (CHS) Class C is shared with Joint Base Charleston. Columbia (CAE) and Greenville (GSP) are Class C. Myrtle Beach (MYR) is Class D with extensive Class E shelves. LAANC authorization is available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers and can often be obtained in near-real time for flights under 400 feet, or through manual coordination for higher altitudes (up to 400 feet in designated UAS Facility Maps).
No Fly Zones and Airspace Restrictions
Multiple airspace restrictions apply in South Carolina beyond standard controlled airspace.
National Parks (Congaree, Fort Sumter, Kings Mountain, Cowpens) prohibit drones under 36 CFR 1.5. National Wildlife Refuges (Cape Romain, ACE Basin) prohibit launching or landing on refuge land under 50 CFR 27.34. Check B4UFLY before every flight to identify real-time TFRs, stadium event TFRs, and security-sensitive airspace restrictions.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
South Carolina's Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act (H4679) was signed into law by Governor McMaster on May 15, 2026 (Act No. 150), with an effective date of January 1, 2027. The Act establishes a two-tier partial preemption framework under S.C. Code § 55-1-230: (1) Local governments may NOT enact ordinances conflicting with Title 55 Article 3 or FAA rules; (2) Local governments MAY impose reasonable restrictions on drone takeoff and landing from or above their own public property. Existing public-property bans (CCPRC parks, Columbia city parks, Falls Park, Hunting Island State Park, Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park) are preserved under the second tier and are not at risk. Ordinances functioning as airspace restrictions regardless of takeoff location — particularly Charleston's 1/4-mile school/hospital radius and Folly Beach's city-wide permit requirement — face preemption exposure and should be reviewed by municipal counsel before January 1, 2027. The Seabrook Island ordinance requiring FAA Remote Pilot Certificate for ALL operators (including recreational) is the most legally vulnerable, as it conflicts with both H4679 and the federal recreational exemption framework under 49 USC § 44809. No South Carolina law currently requires a government warrant for drone surveillance by law enforcement — a significant gap compared to states like Florida, Texas, and Indiana that have enacted UAS surveillance warrant requirements. This legislative gap may attract attention in the 2027 session given increased law enforcement drone adoption. All municipal attorneys in South Carolina should audit local drone ordinances against the H4679 framework before the January 1, 2027 effective date.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available through multiple FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers at 726 airports nationwide, including multiple South Carolina locations. Nearly the entire area around Myrtle Beach International (MYR), much of the Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) airspace, and significant portions of other metropolitan areas require LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Most urban South Carolina requires LAANC pre-approval.
Major Airports
CHS — Charleston International (Class C, shared airspace with Joint Base Charleston)CAE — Columbia Metropolitan (Class C)GSP — Greenville-Spartanburg International (Class C)MYR — Myrtle Beach International (Class D with extensive Class E shelves covering the Grand Strand)HXD — Hilton Head Airport (Class D)GMU — Donaldson Field/Greenville-Downtown (Class D)Shaw Air Force Base east of Columbia (Class D with Restricted Area R-6002)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are issued during major sporting events including Clemson football games at Memorial Stadium (Death Valley), University of South Carolina Gamecock football at Williams-Brice Stadium, and special events like the Beaufort Water Festival. Active TFRs are published in real time on the B4UFLY app and LAANC systems. Joint Base Charleston and military installations maintain permanent restricted airspace.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
H3945In Committee — Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental AffairsAerial Management of Wild Animals
Would formally amend South Carolina Code by adding explicit statutory authority to Section 50-9-580 permitting drone-based counting, photographing, relocating, capturing, hunting, or taking of feral hogs and coyotes. Appears to codify or clarify existing Aerial Management Program (AMP) authority administered by SCDNR.
Last action: March 5, 2025
H4661In Committee — JudiciaryCritical Infrastructure Protection Act
Proposed legislation to add Article 10 to Chapter 11, Title 16, establishing definitions and criminal prohibitions on unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure facilities. May indirectly affect drone operations near critical infrastructure, though not drone-specific.
Last action: January 13, 2026
H4674In Committee — JudiciaryDisposal of Abandoned and Derelict Aircraft
Proposed legislation to add Chapter 7 to Title 55 regarding procedures for airport managers to dispose of abandoned or derelict aircraft. Not directly related to drone operations but part of broader aeronautics regulatory framework.
Last action: January 13, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina | USC requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved in advance by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Williams-Brice Stadium (Gamecock football stadium) falls under a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during Gamecock football games. Restrictions: Prior written approval from EHS is required for all drone operations on USC campus. No drone flights permitted at Williams-Brice Stadium during Gamecock football events due to stadium TFR. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety, University of South Carolina — ehs@sc.edu or via https://ehs.sc.edu/ |
| Clemson University | Clemson University requires drone operators to obtain prior approval from the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety. Memorial Stadium (Death Valley), the Clemson football stadium, falls under a TFR during Tiger football games. Restrictions: Prior approval from Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety is required for all UAS operations on Clemson campus. No drone flights permitted at Memorial Stadium (Death Valley) during Tiger football events due to stadium TFR. | Yes | Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety, Clemson University — via https://www.clemson.edu/research/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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