South Carolina Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
South Carolina currently has no enacted state-specific drone laws, making it one of the more permissive states for UAS operations. All commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations, and recreational flyers are subject to federal TRUST requirements and registration rules. Several bills are pending in the state legislature that could introduce drone-specific regulations covering public safety, wildlife management, and critical infrastructure protection. Until any of these bills are enacted, federal regulations remain the primary framework governing drone operations throughout the state.
State Drone Laws
No state-specific drone laws on record. Federal FAA regulations apply.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
South Carolina does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g).
No state permit required, but commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 certification requirements.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in South Carolina must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
Commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations are limited to daylight, within visual line of sight, below 400 feet AGL, and under other Part 107 restrictions.
Recreational UAS Operations
Hobbyist drone operators must comply with federal recreational model aircraft rules.
Recreational pilots must pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for $5. Operations must follow Part 107 recreational rules including altitude limits and line-of-sight requirements.
Government Drone Operations
Government agencies including law enforcement may operate under Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Government entities in South Carolina may use drones for official purposes under either Part 107 compliance or through a COA exemption process depending on operational needs.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements apply to all UAS operations in South Carolina.
All drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID rules requiring drones to broadcast identification information. Operators must ensure their aircraft are equipped with functioning Remote ID technology.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major South Carolina airports through the FAA system.
Major Airports
CHS — Charleston International AirportCAE — Columbia Metropolitan AirportGSP — Greenville-Spartanburg International AirportMYR — Myrtle Beach International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around military installations, major sporting events (Clemson and USC football games), and special events. Pilots should check B4UFly before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
H4679In Committee — JudiciarySouth Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act
Would establish guidelines for drone operations in South Carolina and impose penalties for unlawful drone use by adding Section 55-1-110 to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Last action: March 25, 2026
H3945In Committee — Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental AffairsAerial Management of Wild Animals
Would allow the use of unmanned aircraft for counting, photographing, relocating, capturing, hunting, or taking of feral hogs or coyotes in certain circumstances by adding Section 50-9-580 to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Last action: March 5, 2025
H4661In Committee — JudiciaryCritical Infrastructure Protection Act
Would add comprehensive critical infrastructure protection measures to South Carolina law, including definitions and penalties for unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure facilities and threatening operations of electric utility systems. Drone-related provisions may affect UAS operations near power plants, water systems, and other critical facilities.
Last action: January 13, 2026
H4674In Committee — JudiciaryDisposal of Abandoned and Derelict Aircraft
Would provide procedures for the disposal of abandoned or derelict aircraft by airport managers by adding Chapter 7 to Title 55 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. May have indirect implications for abandoned UAS/drone equipment at airports.
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 by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Special restrictions apply during Williams-Brice Stadium events. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all operations. Stadium TFR in effect during football games and other athletic events. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@sc.edu |
| Clemson University | Clemson requires drone operators to obtain approval from the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety. Memorial Stadium (Death Valley) TFR applies during games. Restrictions: Risk Management approval required. Stadium TFR in effect during football games and other athletic events. | Yes | Office of Risk Management / Environmental Health & Safety |
| College of Charleston | The College of Charleston generally requires prior authorization for drone operations on campus grounds in accordance with FAA regulations and institutional safety policies. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. Operations must comply with all FAA regulations. Urban campus location creates additional airspace considerations. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
| Coastal Carolina University | Coastal Carolina University requires drone operators to comply with FAA regulations and obtain institutional approval prior to conducting UAS operations on university property. Restrictions: Institutional approval required prior to flight. Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations including Part 107 where applicable. | Yes | University Police / Facilities Management |
| Furman University | Furman University requires prior written approval for any drone operations on campus property in compliance with FAA regulations. Restrictions: Written approval required prior to any UAS operation on campus. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Campus 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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