Wisconsin Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wisconsin maintains a moderate regulatory approach with well-defined criminal and civil penalties for specific drone violations. The state prohibits drone operations over correctional facilities, schools during instructional hours, and critical utility infrastructure. Privacy violations and weaponized drones carry felony or high-misdemeanor penalties. State parks and DNR-managed lands are generally off-limits. Federal FAA registration and Part 107 certification apply; Wisconsin does not impose separate state drone registration, licensing, or insurance requirements.
State Drone Laws
Wis. Stat. § 114.045Restrictions on Drone Operations Over Correctional Institutions, Schools, and Utility Facilities
Consolidates three drone flight restrictions: (1) Prohibits operating a drone over any correctional institution or its grounds without express authorization from the Secretary of Corrections (state facilities) or county sheriff (county jails) — original provision enacted 2015, with violation subject to forfeiture up to $5,000. Investigating officers must seize all photographs, video, and data recorded by the drone. (2) Prohibits operating a drone over school property or grounds while school is open for instruction or during school-approved events, with limited exceptions for law enforcement operations and imminent danger prevention — added by 2025 Wisconsin Act 189, effective April 3, 2026, subject to forfeiture up to $5,000. (3) Prohibits operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of a utility facility (electric/gas power plants, substations, gas facilities, water reclamation/public water systems, telecom/internet/cable provider facilities, petroleum refineries), with carve-outs for facility owner-directed maintenance and Part 107 commercial flights — added by 2025 Wisconsin Act 194, effective April 3, 2026, subject to forfeiture up to $5,000.
Wis. Stat. § 941.292Possession or Operation of a Weaponized Drone
Makes it a Class H felony to possess or operate a weaponized drone — that is, any drone equipped with or designed to carry a weapon. The statute does not require that the weapon be fired; mere possession of the equipped drone is the offense. The only exemption is for U.S. armed forces or National Guard members acting in official capacity.
Wis. Stat. § 942.10Unauthorized Drone Surveillance and Privacy Invasion
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone with intent to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another person in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This covers surveillance of enclosed backyards, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other private spaces. Law enforcement officers authorized under Statute 175.55 are exempt. The key element is intent — a landscape photo that incidentally captures a person is not a violation.
Wis. Stat. § 175.55Law Enforcement Use of Drones — Search Warrant Requirement
Requires Wisconsin law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to gather evidence in any location where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Exceptions exist for exigent circumstances (search and rescue, locating escaped prisoners), executing arrest warrants, and preventing imminent danger to a person or destruction of evidence. Evidence gathered in violation of this statute is inadmissible in court.
Wis. Stat. § 29.083Interference with Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping Using a Drone
Prohibits using a drone to interfere with, disrupt, or harass a person engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping, including intentional harassment of wild animals, impeding or obstructing hunters, disturbing hunting blinds or bait, and photographing or approaching hunters with intent to obstruct their activities. Separately, the Wisconsin DNR prohibits using a drone to hunt, scout, locate, or drive game. Violations can result in civil damages including punitive damages.
Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.04(1)(c)Prohibition on Drone Operations in State Parks and DNR-Managed Lands
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and other flying activities (hang gliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, model aircraft, skydiving) on most DNR-managed property: state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Point Beach State Forest, and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Launching and landing are both prohibited outside of designated areas. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has a Special Use Zone where model aircraft, hot air balloons, and related activities are permitted with advance written approval (call at least one week ahead). State natural areas may permit drone use for research or education with prior approval.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Greenfield
townRestrictions on Drone Operations — Code of Ordinances Chapter 10.35
Imposes several restrictions on drone flights within the town boundaries.
Restrictions
No person shall launch or land a drone outside visual line of sight; within 100 feet of any person except the operator and assistant operator; within 500 feet of any festival, event, picnic, protest, or public assembly of more than 100 people; in a manner that endangers any person or property; within 500 feet of any emergency vehicle operating emergency lights or sirens; within 500 feet of an active police, fire, or emergency response incident; over schools during school hours; or over jails.
City of Hudson
cityUnlawful Use of Drones — Ordinance 2015-019
Prohibits using drones to photograph, record, or observe individuals in locations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Restrictions
Prevents use of drones to photograph, record, or observe any person in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including inside or on the grounds of residences and other private spaces. Violations are subject to municipal fines up to $200.
City of Chetek
cityHeight Limitation Zoning Map — Drone Altitude Restrictions Near Municipal Airport
Establishes altitude limitations on drone flights in proximity to Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (FAA LID: Y23).
Restrictions
Drones flying near Chetek Municipal Airport must comply with altitude limitations on a height restriction zoning map around the airport.
Outagamie County
countyRestrictions on Airport Operations — Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Division II
Prohibits drone operations on airport grounds without authorization.
Restrictions
No person may operate a drone to takeoff, land, or conduct any aeronautical activity on any county airport without the advanced written authorization of the airport director.
City of Green Bay
cityRestrictions on Drone Operations at Special Events — Code of Ordinances Section 24-122
Prohibits drone operations below 400 feet altitude during designated special events.
Restrictions
Cannot fly a drone below 400 feet altitude within designated boundaries of a special event during the scheduled time of the event. This applies to events such as Packers games at Lambeau Field, farmers markets, Fire Over the Fox, and other city-designated special events. Exemptions are granted for authorized law enforcement and with express approval from the event organizer or the FAA.
Waukesha County
countyDrone Permit Requirement for County Parks
Requires drone operators to obtain a permit before flying in Waukesha County Parks.
Restrictions
A permit is required to operate a drone in any Waukesha County Park. The permit is valid for one year from the purchase date. The no-charge application process can be completed online.
Milwaukee County
countyDrone Use Approval for County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks requires approval before drone operations on county-managed property.
Restrictions
Drone operators must obtain approval from the Milwaukee County Parks Special Events Office before flying in any county park. Operators must comply with all federal, state, and local licensing requirements and provide documentation upon request.
City of Madison
cityPermissive-by-Default Drone Policy — Ordinance MGO 25.18
Madison permits drone operations in city parks unless specifically posted otherwise.
Restrictions
Drones are allowed in Madison city parks provided operators comply with all FAA licensing and regulations (TRUST for recreational, Part 107 for commercial). Specific parks may be posted with restrictions or closures at any time. No permit is required if flying in compliance with FAA rules.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a drone over a correctional institution or its grounds without authorization | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | County Sheriff, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Local Law Enforcement | Investigating officers are directed to seize the drone's photographs, video, and data; all such materials become property of the Department of Corrections. |
| Operating a drone over school property while school is in session or during school-approved events | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | School District, Local Law Enforcement, State Police | School board or governing body designee approval is required; exceptions exist for law enforcement search and rescue and arrest execution. |
| Operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of a utility facility | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Local Law Enforcement | Exceptions apply for facility owner-directed inspection/maintenance and Part 107 commercial operations in compliance with FAA authorizations. |
| Possessing or operating a weaponized drone | Class H Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years | Wisconsin State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Local Law Enforcement | Class H is the most serious felony tier under Wisconsin law; conviction is permanent. No exemption except for U.S. armed forces or National Guard acting in official capacity. |
| Using a drone to photograph, record, or observe another person with intent in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 9 months | Local Law Enforcement, State Police | Intent is a required element; incidental capture of a person in a landscape photo is not a violation. Exemption for authorized law enforcement. |
| Using a drone to interfere with, harass, or disrupt hunting, fishing, or trapping | Violation of Chapter 29 (civil and criminal penalties vary) | Restoration fees and penalties per Wisconsin hunting violation schedules; potential civil damages including punitive damages | Varies per specific violation classification | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wardens, Local Law Enforcement | Separate prohibitions on using drones to hunt or scout game. Enforcement is primarily civil/administrative through DNR. |
| Operating a drone on state parks or DNR-managed property without authorization | DNR Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Varies by enforcement action | None | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Applies to state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, Kettle Moraine and Point Beach State Forests, and Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area Special Use Zone with advance written approval. |
Operating a drone over a correctional institution or its grounds without authorization
Investigating officers are directed to seize the drone's photographs, video, and data; all such materials become property of the Department of Corrections.
Operating a drone over school property while school is in session or during school-approved events
School board or governing body designee approval is required; exceptions exist for law enforcement search and rescue and arrest execution.
Operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of a utility facility
Exceptions apply for facility owner-directed inspection/maintenance and Part 107 commercial operations in compliance with FAA authorizations.
Possessing or operating a weaponized drone
Class H is the most serious felony tier under Wisconsin law; conviction is permanent. No exemption except for U.S. armed forces or National Guard acting in official capacity.
Using a drone to photograph, record, or observe another person with intent in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy
Intent is a required element; incidental capture of a person in a landscape photo is not a violation. Exemption for authorized law enforcement.
Using a drone to interfere with, harass, or disrupt hunting, fishing, or trapping
Separate prohibitions on using drones to hunt or scout game. Enforcement is primarily civil/administrative through DNR.
Operating a drone on state parks or DNR-managed property without authorization
Applies to state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, Kettle Moraine and Point Beach State Forests, and Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area Special Use Zone with advance written approval.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Wisconsin 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
- Milwaukee County Parks Special Events Office Approval — No fee (approval process required)Milwaukee County Parks requires advance approval for drone operations in county parks; approval process is at no charge but must be obtained through the Special Events Office.
- Waukesha County Parks Permit — No fee (permit is free)Annual permit required for drone operations in any Waukesha County Park. Valid one year from date of issue. Application is online and at no cost.
Wisconsin does not require separate state-level drone registration. All drone operators must comply with federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years for drones over 0.55 lbs). Recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test; commercial operators must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 exam fee). Wisconsin imposes no additional state licensing, registration, or insurance requirements beyond federal FAA rules.
Wisconsin does not require a state-level permit for drone operations. Some local jurisdictions (Waukesha County, Milwaukee County Parks) may require local permits for park access, but statewide permit is not required.
Wisconsin does not mandate drone insurance. However, commercial clients typically require proof of general liability insurance ($1 million minimum coverage is common market practice). Part 107 commercial operations do not have a statutory insurance requirement at the state level.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
Commercial drone operators in Wisconsin must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Wisconsin does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing beyond the federal FAA Part 107 requirement ($175 exam fee, 24-month validity). All commercial drone work requires compliance with FAA airspace rules, altitude limits (400 ft AGL), Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), and LAANC authorization in controlled airspace around Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay airports.
Remote ID Requirements
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information as mandated by the FAA.
Since March 16, 2024, all registered drones must have Remote ID capability (either standard Remote ID built in, a broadcast module, or operation inside a FRIA — FAA Recognized Identification Area). Wisconsin state law does not add additional Remote ID requirements beyond the federal mandate.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
LAANC authorization is required for all drone operations in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E controlled airspace.
Wisconsin has controlled airspace around three major airports (MKE, MSN, GRB). Recreational and commercial operators must obtain LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier before launching. Authorization is typically issued in near-real time for operations at or below designated altitude ceilings in each grid square. Requests can be submitted up to 90 days in advance for 'further coordination' requests above designated ceilings (Part 107 only).
Recreational Flying — TRUST Test Requirement
Recreational drone pilots must pass the free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
All recreational flyers in Wisconsin must pass the TRUST test (free, online, one-time, correctable to 100%) through an FAA-approved test administrator and carry proof of passage. Drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Wisconsin adds no additional recreational licensing requirements.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (as amended by 2025 Wisconsin Act 194) — Limitation on the operation of drones — operation over certain utility facilities
Penalty: Forfeiture penalty under 2025 Wisconsin Act 194
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Statute prohibits operation under 300 ft AGL over or within 500 ft of covered facilities. Carve-outs include facility-owner direction, inspection or maintenance work, and FAA-compliant commercial operations.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at three major airports in Wisconsin: Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) with Class C airspace, Dane County Regional Airport in Madison (MSN) with Class C airspace, and Austin Straubel International in Green Bay (GRB) with Class D airspace. LAANC authorization is required for all drone operations (recreational and commercial) in these controlled airspace areas. Smaller airports (La Crosse, Appleton, Wausau) have their own controlled airspace; check the UAS Facility Map for details.
Major Airports
MKE — Milwaukee Mitchell International AirportMSN — Dane County Regional Airport (Madison)GRB — Austin Straubel International Airport (Green Bay)LSE — La Crosse Regional AirportATW — Appleton International AirportCWA — Wausau Central Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are automatically activated by the FAA over Lambeau Field in Green Bay during all Green Bay Packers games and major NFL events. The TFR typically extends 3 nautical miles from the stadium, from surface to 3,000 feet AGL, and remains active from one hour before the event until one hour after. Violation of a stadium TFR can result in federal civil penalties of tens of thousands of dollars. Military restricted airspace exists at Fort McCoy and Volk Field in central Wisconsin.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Issues Drone Flight Restriction Over Menasha Tornado Damage Area
regulatory changeThe FAA issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over Menasha, Wisconsin (Winnebago County) following a tornado. The restriction was established to protect emergency response operations, prevent interference with manned aircraft, and ensure public safety during disaster relief efforts.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | UW-Madison requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Safety and Risk Management. Camp Randall Stadium, home of Badger Athletics, is subject to automatic FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions during football games and other major events. Restrictions: Prior written approval from Office of Safety and Risk Management is required for any drone flight on UW-Madison property. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. No flights over UW Hospital. Operator must comply with all federal and state regulations. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Management, 608-265-2900, safety@wisc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | UW-La Crosse requires advance written permission and completion of a UAS checklist for all drone operations. Third-party and hobbyist operators must provide proof of liability insurance. Drones must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from buildings. Restrictions: Permission required before any drone flight. Third-party drone operators must carry liability insurance. Drones must remain at least 100 feet away from buildings. Must comply with all federal and state regulations. | Yes | Environmental Health and Safety, 608-785-8000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | UW-Whitewater requires university employees, students, and third-party contractors operating UAS on university property to secure approval from the university's Risk Management Department. All drone operators must provide proof of liability insurance and must not operate in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Restrictions: Risk management approval required for all university employees and students. Third-party pilots (contractors) must secure university approval before operations. All operators must provide proof of liability insurance. Drones may not be used to monitor or record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, health treatment areas, daycare facilities, or sensitive institutional information). | Yes | Risk Management Department |
| Western Technical College | Western Technical College permits drone operations only for instructional, institutional, or contractor purposes. Contractor drone use requires proof of liability insurance. Drones may not be used for surveillance in areas where reasonable privacy expectations exist. Restrictions: Only instructional use, institutional use, or contractor work is permitted. Contractors performing college-related work must provide proof of liability insurance. Drones may not be used to monitor or record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy (restrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, changing rooms, daycare facilities, health treatment rooms, or for sensitive institutional/personal information). | Yes | Campus Safety and Facilities |
Last Updated
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