South Carolina Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
South Carolina currently maintains a moderate stance toward drone operations with targeted restrictions around correctional and detention facilities, plus privacy protections under voyeurism statutes. The state explicitly authorizes drone use for feral hog and coyote management through the Aerial Management Program (AMP). Effective January 1, 2027, the Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act (H4679) will significantly expand the regulatory framework by increasing buffer zones around correctional, detention, and military facilities to 1,500 feet, establishing felony penalties for weaponized drones and contraband delivery, and implementing a partial preemption structure for local ordinances while preserving municipal authority over takeoff and landing sites.
State Drone Laws
S.C. Code § 24-1-300Unlawful Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Near Certain Correctional Facilities
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility without written consent from the SCDC Director. This statute will be repealed January 1, 2027, when H4679 takes effect. Exemption for commercial operators monitoring electric, communications, water, or transportation infrastructure with advance notice to SCDC (2 hours minimum, 5 days maximum before operation).
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. This statute will be repealed January 1, 2027, when H4679 takes effect. Exemption for commercial operators monitoring infrastructure with advance notice to jail administrator (2 hours minimum, 5 days maximum before operation).
S.C. Code § 16-17-470Eavesdropping, Peeping, and Voyeurism
Prohibits eavesdropping, peeping tom behavior, and surveillance defined to include intentional looking with a device designed to improve visual acuity. Reaches drone-based surveillance and privacy invasion through the device provision. Aggravated voyeurism (distribution of recorded images) is elevated to felony status.
S.C. Code §§ 50-1-130 and 50-9-580Aerial Management Program for Feral Hogs and Coyotes
Authorizes South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to issue Aerial Management Program (AMP) permits for drone use to count, photograph, relocate, capture, hunt, or take feral hogs and coyotes only. South Carolina is one of very few states explicitly authorizing drone-assisted hunting. AMP permit holders must carry the permit paired with a signed Landowner's Authorization (LOA) for each tract and maintain a daily flight log. Violations enforced by SCDNR conservation officers.
S.C. Code Title 55, Article 3 (H4679)South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act
Comprehensive state drone regulation framework effective January 1, 2027. Expands critical infrastructure buffer zones from 500 feet to 1,500 feet horizontal around all correctional facilities, detention facilities, and military installations without express written consent. Creates intent-based felonies: (1) operating or possessing drone with intent to deliver contraband to corrections facility - up to 5 years and $10,000; (2) surveilling or mapping military/corrections facility with intent to identify vulnerabilities or security measures - up to 5 years and $10,000; (3) weaponizing drone or using it to threaten or harm - up to 10 years and $25,000. Misdemeanor penalties for location/registration violations scale by offense count (1st: $1,000/6 months; 2nd: $2,500/1 year; 3rd+: $5,000/2 years). Requires FAA compliance and partially preempts local ordinances while preserving municipal authority over takeoff/landing on public property. Repeals §§ 24-1-300 and 24-5-175.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Charleston
cityDrone Flight Restrictions in Charleston
Charleston maintains the most restrictive local drone ordinance in South Carolina with quarter-mile buffers around sensitive areas
Restrictions
Drones not allowed within 1/4-mile radius of: schools while in session, hospitals, parks, recreation facilities, sporting events, road races, outdoor festivals, fireworks shows, stadiums, public gatherings of 50+ people. Camera-equipped drones must fly at least 200 feet from any person, vehicle, building, or structure. Owner and operator names and addresses must be affixed to the outside of the aircraft.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC)
countyBlanket Drone Ban in County Parks
CCPRC prohibits drone launches in all county parks and recreation areas unless a permit has been granted for a designated area
Restrictions
Blanket ban applies to: James Island County Park, Wannamaker County Park, Palmetto Islands, Caw Caw, Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, Stono River, Laurel Hill, McLeod Plantation, SK8 Charleston. Contact CCPRC at (843) 795-4386 for permit inquiries.
City of Folly Beach
cityPermit Required for Drone Operations
Folly Beach requires permits for all drone operations within city limits
Restrictions
Permit required for drone operations within city limits
Town of Mount Pleasant
townDrone Prohibition at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Prohibits drone operation at specific city park
Restrictions
Drones prohibited at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Town of Seabrook Island
townFAA Certification Requirement for Drone Operations
Requires FAA licensing and registration for drone operations in the town
Restrictions
Launching or landing a drone within town limits requires a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and FAA registration per Part 107 requirements
Hunting Island State Park
countyBlanket Drone Ban
Hunting Island State Park explicitly and actively bans drone operations
Restrictions
Drones are prohibited at Hunting Island State Park. This restriction is enforced.
City of Columbia
cityDrone Restrictions in City Parks
Columbia parks generally prohibit drone use without special-event permits
Restrictions
Drones not allowed in city parks without special-event permits. Policy varies by individual park. Contact Columbia Parks & Recreation for specific permits and park-by-park requirements.
City of Greenville
cityDrone Prohibition at Falls Park on the Reedy
Prohibits drone use at major city park
Restrictions
Drones are prohibited at Falls Park on the Reedy. Greenville County Sheriff's Office publishes drone-use guidelines summarizing federal and state framework.
City of Myrtle Beach
cityNo City Drone Ordinance; Defers to Federal Rules
Myrtle Beach has no city-specific drone ordinance
Restrictions
No city-level drone restrictions beyond FAA rules. However, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is Class D with extensive Class E airspace coverage of the Grand Strand, requiring LAANC authorization for most flights under 400 feet. Practical restrictions are airspace-based, not ordinance-based.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal or 250 ft vertical of Department of Corrections facility without consent (Current law through 12/31/2026) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 30 days | SCDC, Local Law Enforcement, SLED | Drone subject to confiscation by SCDC. This statute repealed effective 01/01/2027 by H4679. |
| Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal or 250 ft vertical of local detention facility without consent (Current law through 12/31/2026) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 30 days | Jail administrator, Local Law Enforcement, SLED | Drone subject to confiscation by jail. This statute repealed effective 01/01/2027 by H4679. |
| Drone-based voyeurism or peeping (§ 16-17-470) | Misdemeanor (voyeurism) to Felony (aggravated voyeurism) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 10 years (aggravated voyeurism with distribution) | Local Law Enforcement, SLED | Applies to drone-based surveillance and privacy invasion. Aggravated voyeurism (distributing recorded images) is felony-level. |
| Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 1st offense | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement, SLED, SCDC, Military Installation Authority | Effective 01/01/2027. Each subsection violation counts as separate offense. |
| Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 2nd offense | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement, SLED, SCDC, Military Installation Authority | Effective 01/01/2027. |
| Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 3rd or subsequent offense | Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 2 years | Local Law Enforcement, SLED, SCDC, Military Installation Authority | Effective 01/01/2027. |
| Delivery of contraband to corrections facility via drone (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | SCDC, Local Law Enforcement, SLED, Federal Authorities (ATF, FBI) | Effective 01/01/2027. Intent-based offense. |
| Surveillance of military or corrections facility with criminal intent to identify vulnerabilities or security measures (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Military Installation Authority, SCDC, SLED, Federal Authorities (FBI, DHS) | Effective 01/01/2027. Includes mapping facilities or observing response patterns with criminal intent. |
| Weaponized drone, or using drone to threaten or cause harm (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) | Felony | Up to $25,000 | Up to 10 years | Local Law Enforcement, SLED, Federal Authorities (ATF, FBI) | Effective 01/01/2027. Highest penalty under H4679. |
| Aerial wildlife harassment using drone (non-AMP species such as deer, turkey, waterfowl) | Violation (varies per SCDNR enforcement) | Varies by violation type | Varies | SCDNR conservation officers; TIP line 1-800-922-5431 | Applies to drone use to scout, count, or harass wildlife other than feral hogs and coyotes (which are authorized under AMP permit). |
Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal or 250 ft vertical of Department of Corrections facility without consent (Current law through 12/31/2026)
Drone subject to confiscation by SCDC. This statute repealed effective 01/01/2027 by H4679.
Operating drone within 500 ft horizontal or 250 ft vertical of local detention facility without consent (Current law through 12/31/2026)
Drone subject to confiscation by jail. This statute repealed effective 01/01/2027 by H4679.
Drone-based voyeurism or peeping (§ 16-17-470)
Applies to drone-based surveillance and privacy invasion. Aggravated voyeurism (distributing recorded images) is felony-level.
Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 1st offense
Effective 01/01/2027. Each subsection violation counts as separate offense.
Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 2nd offense
Effective 01/01/2027.
Operating drone within 1,500 ft horizontal of corrections, detention, or military facility without consent (H4679, effective 01/01/2027) — 3rd or subsequent offense
Effective 01/01/2027.
Delivery of contraband to corrections facility via drone (H4679, effective 01/01/2027)
Effective 01/01/2027. Intent-based offense.
Surveillance of military or corrections facility with criminal intent to identify vulnerabilities or security measures (H4679, effective 01/01/2027)
Effective 01/01/2027. Includes mapping facilities or observing response patterns with criminal intent.
Weaponized drone, or using drone to threaten or cause harm (H4679, effective 01/01/2027)
Effective 01/01/2027. Highest penalty under H4679.
Aerial wildlife harassment using drone (non-AMP species such as deer, turkey, waterfowl)
Applies to drone use to scout, count, or harass wildlife other than feral hogs and coyotes (which are authorized under AMP permit).
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
South Carolina does not require separate state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 0.55 pounds (250g). Registration cost: $5 for 3-year certificate via FAADroneZone.
No state-level drone permit required. Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operations require TRUST certification completion. Local city, county, and park permits may be required depending on jurisdiction and venue (e.g., Charleston, CCPRC parks, specific state parks).
Insurance is not required by South Carolina or FAA, but is strongly recommended for commercial operations. Liability exposure exists for privacy violations, property damage, and injury claims.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Mandatory Broadcasting
Remote ID has been mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
All drones must broadcast Remote ID information via standard Remote ID transmitter, broadcast module, or operate within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Standard Remote ID enables remote identification and tracking. Limited FRIAs exist in South Carolina; check faa.gov for current list of approved FRIA locations.
Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot Certification
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Knowledge test costs $175, covers 60 multiple-choice questions on airspace, weather, regulations, and safety. Certificate valid for 24 months before recurrent testing required. Testing centers available in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Commercial operators must comply with altitude limit (400 ft AGL), visual line-of-sight, daylight operations, and airspace restrictions. Operations Over People rule allows Part 107 flights over people and moving vehicles without waiver if requirements met.
Recreational Flyer Exception and TRUST
Recreational drone pilots must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
TRUST is free online test available through FAA-approved test administrators. Completion certificate must be carried when flying. Recreational operations must follow 49 USC 44809 guidelines: flight for hobby or sport only, keep drone within visual line of sight (or with visual observer in direct communication), maintain altitude at or below 400 feet AGL in Class G uncontrolled airspace, obtain LAANC authorization for Class B/C/D airspace, do not interfere with manned aircraft, give way to other aircraft.
FAA Drone Registration
All drones over 0.55 pounds (250g) must be registered with FAA
Registration via FAADroneZone costs $5 for 3-year certificate. Registration number must be marked visibly on aircraft exterior. Failure to register results in civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000. All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC Authorization
Much of South Carolina's urban and coastal areas lie under controlled airspace requiring LAANC
Charleston area: CHS is Class C with Joint Base Charleston shared airspace coverage. Columbia area: CAE is Class C covering much of downtown and USC campus. Greenville area: GSP is Class C covering metro area. Myrtle Beach: MYR is Class D with extensive Class E shelves covering Grand Strand. Hilton Head: HXD is Class D. Nearly all flights in these metros under 400 feet require LAANC pre-approval. Use B4UFLY app or UAS Facility Maps to identify controlled airspace before every flight.
Part 108 Routine Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Operations
FAA is developing Part 108 regulations for routine BVLOS drone operations
South Carolina pilots engaged in utility and nuclear-facility inspection, port and aerospace operations, agriculture, or any operation exceeding Part 107 scope should begin planning for Part 108 compliance now. Advanced BVLOS waiver requests are available to Part 107 pilots today, but future routine BVLOS will require Part 108 certification. Specialized training and strategy sessions available through organizations such as USI.
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, 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) are preserved. 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 to preemption as it conflicts with the federal recreational exception framework under 49 USC § 44809. No South Carolina law currently requires a government warrant for drone surveillance by law enforcement — a gap that may draw legislative attention.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major South Carolina airports: Charleston International (CHS), Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Myrtle Beach International (MYR), and Hilton Head (HXD). LAANC authorization is required for flights under 400 feet in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E controlled airspace. Authorizations available via approved UAS Service Suppliers (Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick).
Major Airports
CHS — Charleston International Airport (Class C, Joint Base Charleston shared airspace)CAE — Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Class C)GSP — Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (Class C)MYR — Myrtle Beach International Airport (Class D with extensive Class E shelves covering Grand Strand)HXD — Hilton Head Island Airport (Class D)GMU — Donaldson Field, Greenville (Class D)Shaw AFB — Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter (Class D, Restricted Area R-6002)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around major airports, military installations, and special events. Stadium event TFRs apply per 14 CFR § 99.7 during: University of South Carolina football games at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, Clemson University football games at Memorial Stadium (Death Valley) in Clemson, and Beaufort Water Festival events. Additional special event TFRs may be issued for large gatherings.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
H3945In Committee — Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs CommitteeAerial Management of Wild Animals
Would amend South Carolina Code by adding Section 50-9-580 to authorize the counting, photographing, relocating, capturing, hunting, or taking of feral hogs or coyotes by unmanned aircraft in certain circumstances. Status note: FlyUSI (May 2026) references §§ 50-1-130 and 50-9-580 as existing law, suggesting the Aerial Management Program authority may already be in effect or this bill may be clarifying/expanding existing authority rather than creating entirely new law.
Last action: March 5, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina | USC requires all UAS operations on campus to obtain prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Williams-Brice Stadium (home of Gamecocks football) has a temporary flight restriction during football games. Restrictions: No drone flights on campus without EHS approval. Williams-Brice Stadium TFR applies during football games and athletic events. Approval must be obtained in advance. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@sc.edu or (803) 777-5950 |
| Clemson University | Clemson requires all UAS operations on campus to obtain prior approval from the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety. Memorial Stadium (Death Valley, home of Tigers football) has a temporary flight restriction during football games. Restrictions: No drone flights on campus without Risk Management and EHS approval. Memorial Stadium TFR applies during football games and athletic events. Approval must be obtained in advance. | Yes | Office of Risk Management / Environmental Health & Safety — (864) 656-2230 |
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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