Tennessee Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Tennessee maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with enacted laws targeting privacy violations, critical infrastructure protection, and surveillance of hunters and fishers. The state has enacted legislation authorizing drone use for deer recovery and emergency management, and recently strengthened its law enforcement drone policies. Several bills pending in the 2026 legislative session propose significant new restrictions, including felony-level penalties for drones over correctional facilities and a new misdemeanor offense for flying over school grounds.
State Drone Laws
Tenn. Code § 39-13-601 (SB 1892)Unlawful Surveillance by Unmanned Aircraft
Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to intentionally conduct surveillance of an individual or their property using a UAS. Possession of images obtained in violation is a Class C misdemeanor; distribution or use of such images is a Class B misdemeanor.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-603 (SB 1777)Video Surveillance of Hunters and Fishers
Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for any private entity to use a UAS to conduct video surveillance of a person who is hunting or fishing without their consent.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-605 (SB 796)Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Enables law enforcement to use drones in compliance with a search warrant, to counter a high-risk terrorist attack, and if swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life. Evidence obtained in violation of this law is not admissible in state criminal prosecutions, and those wronged by such evidence can seek civil remedy.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-607 (HB 153)Prohibition on Drone Imaging at Open-Air Events
Prohibits using a drone to capture an image over certain open-air events and fireworks displays.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-609 (SB 2106)Unmanned Aircraft Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Makes it a crime to fly a drone within 250 feet of a critical infrastructure facility for the purpose of conducting surveillance or gathering information about the facility.
Tenn. Code § 49-7-XXX (HB 2376)UAS Use by Public and Private Higher Education Institutions
Clarifies that it is permissible for a person to use UAS on behalf of either a public or private institution of higher education.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-902 (HB 2178/SB 2428)TEMA Use of Unmanned Aircraft for Emergency Management
Allows TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency) to use unmanned aircraft to capture images for emergency management purposes. Limits retention of damage assessment images to one year or the retention period required by FEMA for major disasters. All other images must be retained for no more than 15 business days.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-610 (SB 306/HB 308)Enhanced Penalty for Critical Infrastructure Facility Operations
Increases the penalty for using an unmanned aircraft over a critical infrastructure facility without the business operator's consent from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Adds communication service facilities to the types of facilities that are considered critical infrastructure facilities.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-611 (SB 349/HB 154)Prohibition on Dropping Items from Unmanned Aircraft at Events
Prohibits the dropping of items or substances from unmanned aircraft into an open-air event venue where more than 100 persons are gathered for a ticketed event.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-901 (SB 1019/HB 1492)Law Enforcement Policy on Drone Weapons
Requires each law enforcement agency to develop and enforce a policy that prohibits an officer from using a drone or substantially similar device as a weapon. Permits qualified officers to use drones to remotely detonate bombs or similar incendiary or explosive devices.
Tenn. Code § 39-13-613 (HB 1620/SB 1645)Law Enforcement Use of Drones for Evidence Collection
Deletes the July 1, 2024, termination date for drone use by law enforcement, allowing agencies to continue using drones to search for and collect evidence or obtain information with the consent of a private property owner, in case of a natural emergency, or to investigate a crime that is occurring or has occurred.
Tenn. Code § 39 and Title 70 (HB 175/SB 130)Authorization of Drones for Deer Recovery When Hunting
Authorizes the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission to promulgate rules or pass proclamations to authorize the use of drones to locate and retrieve deer that have been wounded by hunters.
Tenn. Code § 4-3-2202 (HB 1070/SB 776)Prohibition on Purchase of Banned Drone Manufacturers
Prohibits a state agency, local agency, or law enforcement agency from purchasing or acquiring a drone or other covered telecommunications equipment or service produced by a manufacturer banned under the federal National Defense Authorization Act of 2019.
Tenn. Code § 39-16-701 et seq. (HB 2256/SB 1993)Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act
Revises the Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act, establishing protections against drone surveillance.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County
countyOrdinance 13.24.400 — Prohibition on Aircraft Landing in Parks
With the exception of designated flying areas in certain parks, this ordinance makes it illegal to bring, land or cause to descend or alight within or upon any Davidson County park any apparatus for aviation, including drones.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all Davidson County parks except for designated flying areas
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful surveillance of individual or property (Tenn. Code § 39-13-601) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $50 | Up to 30 days | Local Law Enforcement | Possession of images is also a Class C misdemeanor; distribution/use is a Class B misdemeanor (up to $500 and 3 months) |
| Video surveillance of hunters/fishers without consent (Tenn. Code § 39-13-603) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $50 | Up to 30 days | Local Law Enforcement / Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency | Private entities only |
| Drone operation within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facility (Tenn. Code § 39-13-609) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $50 | Up to 30 days | Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced to Class E felony under § 39-13-610 if unauthorized |
| Unauthorized use of drone over critical infrastructure facility (Tenn. Code § 39-13-610) | Class E Felony | Up to $2,500 | Up to 2 years | State Law Enforcement | Includes communication service facilities added by SB 306/HB 308 |
| Dropping items from drone at event with 100+ attendees (Tenn. Code § 39-13-611) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $50 | Up to 30 days | Local Law Enforcement | Ticketed event requirement |
Unlawful surveillance of individual or property (Tenn. Code § 39-13-601)
Possession of images is also a Class C misdemeanor; distribution/use is a Class B misdemeanor (up to $500 and 3 months)
Video surveillance of hunters/fishers without consent (Tenn. Code § 39-13-603)
Private entities only
Drone operation within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facility (Tenn. Code § 39-13-609)
Enhanced to Class E felony under § 39-13-610 if unauthorized
Unauthorized use of drone over critical infrastructure facility (Tenn. Code § 39-13-610)
Includes communication service facilities added by SB 306/HB 308
Dropping items from drone at event with 100+ attendees (Tenn. Code § 39-13-611)
Ticketed event requirement
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Tennessee does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration (Part 107 for commercial, recreational registration for hobbyists weighing over 250g) applies.
No state permit required, but federal Part 107 certification required for commercial operations and TRUST test required for recreational operators.
No state insurance requirement specified in state laws.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS Rule
All commercial drone operations in Tennessee must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements
Commercial pilots must pass the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate exam and comply with airspace restrictions, altitude limits, line-of-sight requirements, and other Part 107 rules.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must complete FAA's TRUST exam
All recreational flyers must take the TRUST test and follow the FAA's recreational model aircraft rules. Drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirement for all UAS operations
As of 2024, all drones (except those in special categories) must comply with Remote ID requirements, allowing remote identification of unmanned aircraft during flight.
Airspace Compliance (LAANC/B4UFly)
Tennessee operators must comply with FAA airspace rules and restrictions
Pilots must use B4UFly or LAANC to check airspace restrictions, TFRs, and obtain authorizations for controlled airspace operations.
FAA Preemption of Airspace Regulation
Federal law preempts state regulation of navigable airspace
Under 49 U.S.C. § 40103, the FAA has exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace. Tennessee's drone laws targeting privacy, trespass, and critical infrastructure are generally considered to operate in areas not preempted by federal law, but any state law that purports to regulate flight altitudes, routes, or airspace classifications may be subject to federal preemption challenge. The pending HB 0848/SB 1111 study on private property overflights directly engages this tension.
NDAA Banned Manufacturer Compliance
Tennessee's HB 1070/SB 776 aligns state procurement with federal NDAA restrictions
Tennessee Tenn. Code § 4-3-2202 mirrors federal prohibitions on procurement of drones from manufacturers listed under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (e.g., DJI), applicable to all state, local, and law enforcement agencies. This supplements but does not conflict with federal requirements.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available for Tennessee airspace through the FAA's LAANC system for Part 107 commercial operators.
Major Airports
BNA — Nashville International AirportMEM — Memphis International AirportTYS — Knoxville McGhee Tyson AirportCHA — Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around major stadiums during events (Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, FirstBank Stadium in Nashville) and around critical infrastructure facilities. Pilots must check NOTAMs and TFR maps before operations.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increased penalties for drone violations following detection of unauthorized drones over Fort McNair, signaling heightened enforcement activity nationwide including Tennessee.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA signaling tougher stance on unauthorized drone operations with increased fines and enforcement actions across the United States.
FAA Names and Shames Drone Pilots with Fines Up to $36,770
enforcementFAA published enforcement sweep results from 2025 with significant civil penalties against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations.
Pending Legislation
HB 0848Placed on Subcommittee Calendar (as of 3/11/2026)Study on Drones and Restrictions on Operation Over Private Property
Requires the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission to study the laws and regulations of other states regarding restrictions on the operation of drones over private property. Amends TCA Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 42; Title 56 and Title 66.
Last action: March 11, 2026
SB 1111Assigned to General Subcommittee (as of 3/11/2026)Study on Drones and Restrictions on Operation Over Private Property
Requires the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission to study the laws and regulations of other states regarding restrictions on the operation of drones over private property. Companion to HB 0848.
Last action: March 11, 2026
SB 1631Recommended for Passage with Amendments (as of 3/16/2026)Increased Penalty for Drones Over Correctional Facilities
Increases the penalty for knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over any portion of a property that includes a correctional facility from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Authorizes correctional facility employees to disable drones operating over such facilities without liability for damage.
Last action: March 16, 2026
HB 1538In Judiciary Committee (as of 3/25/2026)Increased Penalty for Drones Over Correctional Facilities
Companion to SB 1631. Increases penalty for drone use over correctional facilities to Class C felony and authorizes facility employees to disable drones without liability.
Last action: March 25, 2026
SB 2434Recommended for Passage with Amendments (as of 3/17/2026)Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Over School Grounds
Creates the Class C misdemeanor offense of knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over the grounds of a school. Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 49.
Last action: March 17, 2026
HB 2147In Judiciary Committee (as of 3/25/2026)Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Over School Grounds
Companion to SB 2434. Creates Class C misdemeanor for knowingly using unmanned aircraft over school grounds.
Last action: March 25, 2026
SB 2215Assigned to General Subcommittee (as of 3/23/2026)Protecting Everyone from Excessive Police Surveillance (PEEPS) Act
Enacts the PEEPS Act to protect, maintain, and access historical location data. While not exclusively about drones, it may impact drone surveillance data collection and retention by law enforcement. Amends TCA Title 10; Title 24 and Title 38.
Last action: March 23, 2026
HB 2608In Judiciary Committee Criminal Justice Subcommittee (as of 3/25/2026)Protecting Everyone from Excessive Police Surveillance (PEEPS) Act
Companion to SB 2215. Protects against excessive police surveillance of historical location data, which may include drone-collected data.
Last action: March 25, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | UT requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Neyland Stadium (one of the largest stadiums in the US) has a strict TFR during football games enforced by the FAA. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all flights. Neyland Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games. No flights over campus buildings without prior approval. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@utk.edu |
| Vanderbilt University | Vanderbilt requires prior approval from campus safety and risk management for all drone operations on campus. FirstBank Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval from risk management required. FirstBank Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over medical center facilities. | Yes | Vanderbilt University Public Safety |
| University of Memphis | The University of Memphis requires all unmanned aircraft operations on or over university property to be registered and approved in advance through the Office of Risk Management. Operations must comply with all applicable FAA regulations including Part 107 for commercial use. Restrictions: Prior written approval from Risk Management required. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. No flights over crowds or university events without specific authorization. | Yes | University of Memphis Risk Management |
| Tennessee State University | Tennessee State University (Nashville) requires compliance with FAA regulations for all drone operations on campus. Flights over campus facilities, events, or people require prior administrative approval. Restrictions: FAA compliance required. Prior approval needed for flights over campus events or buildings. Proximity to Nashville BNA airport requires LAANC authorization. | Yes | TSU Campus Police and Administration |
| Middle Tennessee State University | MTSU in Murfreesboro requires prior authorization for drone operations on university property. The institution's aviation program operates drones under specific FAA authorizations; all other campus users must obtain separate approval. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for non-aviation program operations. FAA Part 107 compliance required for commercial operations. Campus events and athletic facilities may have additional restrictions. | Yes | MTSU Department of Aerospace |
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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