Wisconsin Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wisconsin maintains a balanced regulatory approach with targeted prohibitions focused on sensitive areas (prisons, schools, utility facilities) and privacy protection, while allowing recreational and commercial operations under FAA oversight without additional state licensing or registration requirements. Recent amendments in 2026 expanded drone restrictions to school property and critical infrastructure.
State Drone Laws
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(a)Drone Operations Over Correctional Institutions Prohibited
Prohibits operating a drone over a correctional institution or its grounds without express authorization from the Secretary of Corrections (state facility) or county sheriff (county jail). Officers investigating violations are directed to seize all photographs, video, and data captured by the drone.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(b)Drone Operations Over Utility Facilities Restricted
Prohibits flying a drone below 300 feet above or within 500 feet of parcels containing electric/gas power plants, generating stations, substations, gas storage facilities, water reclamation/public water system facilities, telecommunications carrier plants, internet/cable/video service provider facilities, or petroleum refineries. Exceptions allow flights for facility owner/operator-directed monitoring, inspection, operation, or maintenance, and commercial Part 107 operations.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(2)Drone Operations Over School Property Prohibited
Prohibits operating a drone over property owned by a school or on which a school is located while the school is open to pupils for instruction or being used for a school-approved event. Narrow exceptions allow flights with express permission from the school board or designee, law enforcement operations for search and rescue or arrest warrant execution, or when an officer reasonably believes the flight is necessary to stop imminent danger to a person or destruction of evidence.
Wis. Stat. § 941.292Operating a Weaponized Drone Prohibited
Prohibits attaching a weapon to a drone and operating the aircraft. The statute covers any weaponized drone with no hobbyist exemption; the offense is the operation of the aircraft with the weapon attached, not firing the weapon. Only exception is military or National Guard members acting in official capacity.
Wis. Stat. § 942.10Drone Privacy Violation—Unlawful Surveillance
Prohibits using a drone with the intent to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another person in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This is Wisconsin's anti-voyeurism law for drones, targeting deliberate surveillance such as photographing through windows. Intent element is required; accidental captures do not constitute a violation. Law enforcement officers operating authorized drones are exempt.
Wis. Stat. § 175.55Law Enforcement Drone Use Requires Search Warrant
Prohibits police from using a drone to gather evidence in a criminal investigation from a place where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy without first obtaining a search warrant. Wisconsin was an early mover on this restriction. Exceptions exist for exigent circumstances and preventing imminent danger to a person or destruction of evidence. Evidence gathered in violation is inadmissible in court.
Wis. Stat. § 29.083(2)(a)8Drone Use to Interfere with Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping Prohibited
Prohibits using a drone to intentionally interfere with someone's lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping. Also prohibits using a drone to hunt (scout, locate, or drive game). Specific prohibited acts include harassing wild animals, impeding hunters, disturbing equipment or bait, photographing hunters with intent to obstruct, and approaching hunters with intent to impede.
Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.04(1)(c)Drone Operations on State Lands Prohibited
Prohibits operating drones (including launching and landing) on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-managed property including state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, the Kettle Moraine and Point Beach state forests, and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, except where specifically posted for drone use. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has a Special Use Zone where model aircraft and drones are permitted with advance permission (call at least one week ahead).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Greenfield
townshipDrone Operation Restrictions
Restricts drone operations on the town level with multiple specific prohibitions including launch/landing outside visual line of sight, proximity to people and crowds, emergency response areas, schools, and jails.
Restrictions
No launch or landing outside pilot's visual line of sight; no landing within 100 feet of persons other than operator/assistant; no flight within 500 feet of public gatherings exceeding 100 people; no flights endangering safety of people/property; no flight within 500 feet of emergency vehicles operating lights/siren; no flight near active emergency response incidents, schools in session, or jails.
City of Hudson
cityUnlawful Drone Use Ordinance
Prohibits using drones to photograph, record, or observe individuals in places where they have reasonable expectation of privacy, such as residences and private property.
Restrictions
No drone use to observe, photograph, or record anyone inside or on grounds of residence or other private spaces where reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
City of Chetek
cityDrone Altitude Limitations Near Airport
Establishes height limitations on drone flights near Chetek Municipal Airport per zoning ordinance.
Restrictions
Altitude limitations apply based on Height Limitation Zoning Map around Chetek Municipal Airport (FAA LID: Y23).
Outagamie County
countyAirport Operations Prohibition
Prohibits drone operations on airport grounds without authorization.
Restrictions
Drones may not take off, land, or operate on airport grounds without advanced written authorization from the airport director.
City of Green Bay
citySpecial Event Drone Flight Restrictions
Prohibits drone flights at low altitude during designated special events, including professional sports events and public gatherings.
Restrictions
Cannot fly below 400 feet within designated boundaries of special events during scheduled event times. Includes Green Bay Packers games at Lambeau Field.
Waukesha County Parks
countyCounty Parks Drone Permit Requirement
Requires a free annual permit for drone operations in county-managed parks.
Restrictions
Free annual permit required to operate drone in any Waukesha County Park. Permit valid for one year from purchase date. Application available online.
Milwaukee County Parks
countyDrone Approval Through Special Events Office
Requires pre-flight approval for drone operations in Milwaukee County Parks.
Restrictions
Drone use in Milwaukee County Parks (including major lakefront and regional parks) must be approved through the County Parks Special Events Office. Operator must comply with all federal, state, and local licensing and provide documentation on request.
City of Madison Parks
cityPermissive Default Drone Policy in City Parks
Allows drone operations in city parks unless specifically posted otherwise, following FAA rules.
Restrictions
Drones are allowed in City of Madison parks (per MGO 25.18) unless a specific park is posted with restrictions. Pilots must comply with all FAA licensing and rules.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone over a correctional institution or its grounds | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | Local Law Enforcement / Wisconsin Department of Corrections | Investigating officer is directed to seize all photographs, video, and data recorded by the drone |
| Drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of utility facilities | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | Local Law Enforcement / State Authorities | Applies to electric/gas facilities, water systems, telecommunications, and petroleum refineries |
| Drone over school property during instruction or approved events | Forfeiture (civil penalty) | Up to $5,000 | None | Local Law Enforcement / School District | Effective April 3, 2026; does not apply to authorized law enforcement or school board-approved operations |
| Operating a weaponized drone | Class H Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years state prison | Wisconsin State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Most serious drone offense in Wisconsin; no hobbyist exemption; weapon need not be fired to constitute offense |
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (photographing/recording in private space with intent) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 9 months | Local Law Enforcement | Requires proof of intent; accidental captures in landscape photography do not constitute violation |
| Law enforcement using drone for surveillance without search warrant | Evidence inadmissibility (no direct criminal penalty) | None | None | Courts / Defense counsel | Evidence gathered in violation is inadmissible in court; exceptions for exigent circumstances |
| Using drone to interfere with hunting, fishing, or trapping | Civil damages (Chapter 29 penalties) | Varies (civil) | None | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Includes punitive damages; also prohibits using drone to hunt or scout game |
| Operating drone on prohibited state park or forest lands | DNR Forfeiture | Varies | None | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Applies to launches and landings as well as flight operations |
| Drone operations on Hudson private property without consent | Municipal violation | Up to $200 | None | City of Hudson Police | Local ordinance mirrors state privacy law for local enforcement |
| Flying below 400 feet at designated special events (Green Bay) | Municipal forfeiture | Varies | None | City of Green Bay Police | Applies to Lambeau Field events and other designated special events |
Drone over a correctional institution or its grounds
Investigating officer is directed to seize all photographs, video, and data recorded by the drone
Drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of utility facilities
Applies to electric/gas facilities, water systems, telecommunications, and petroleum refineries
Drone over school property during instruction or approved events
Effective April 3, 2026; does not apply to authorized law enforcement or school board-approved operations
Operating a weaponized drone
Most serious drone offense in Wisconsin; no hobbyist exemption; weapon need not be fired to constitute offense
Drone surveillance violating privacy (photographing/recording in private space with intent)
Requires proof of intent; accidental captures in landscape photography do not constitute violation
Law enforcement using drone for surveillance without search warrant
Evidence gathered in violation is inadmissible in court; exceptions for exigent circumstances
Using drone to interfere with hunting, fishing, or trapping
Includes punitive damages; also prohibits using drone to hunt or scout game
Operating drone on prohibited state park or forest lands
Applies to launches and landings as well as flight operations
Drone operations on Hudson private property without consent
Local ordinance mirrors state privacy law for local enforcement
Flying below 400 feet at designated special events (Green Bay)
Applies to Lambeau Field events and other designated special events
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
- Waukesha County Parks Drone Permit — $0 (free)Free annual permit required for drone flights in Waukesha County Parks; valid for one year; applied online
- Milwaukee County Parks Approval — VariesApproval through Special Events Office required but no fixed fee stated; depends on event/use specifics
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area Special Use Zone — $0 (free but requires advance approval)No fee to use the special use zone for model aircraft/drones, but must call park office at least one week in advance to request permission
Wisconsin requires no separate state drone registration or commercial licensing beyond federal FAA requirements. All drone operators must comply with FAA registration ($5 for 3 years for drones over 250g), TRUST test (recreational), or Part 107 certification (commercial). No state-level pilot license, operator permit, or insurance mandate is imposed by Wisconsin state law, though commercial clients often require $1 million general liability insurance as a practical market requirement.
No state permit required. Some local jurisdictions (Waukesha County parks, Milwaukee County parks) require local permits for launching/landing on their property.
No state mandate. Commercial clients typically require $1 million general liability coverage as market standard.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Wisconsin commercial drone operators must comply with Part 107 Small UAS Rule requirements.
All commercial drone operations (flights conducted for business or benefit) require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Wisconsin has testing centers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and Eau Claire. The Part 107 test costs $175, covers 60 multiple-choice questions, and is valid for 24 months before requiring recurrent testing. No state-level commercial licensing adds to this federal requirement.
Recreational TRUST Certificate
Recreational drone pilots in Wisconsin must complete the FAA TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test).
All recreational flyers (flying for personal enjoyment only) must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof of completion. The test is available through FAA-approved test administrators online and must be retaken if the certificate is lost. TRUST covers aeronautical knowledge and safety requirements specific to recreational flight.
Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID has been mandatory for all registered drones in Wisconsin since March 16, 2024.
All drones operating in the National Airspace System must broadcast Remote ID information. Three methods satisfy this requirement: drones with built-in Remote ID modules, external broadcast Remote ID modules, or operations within FAA-recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Remote ID enables the FAA and law enforcement to identify and locate drone operators.
400 Feet Altitude Cap
All drone operations in Wisconsin must remain below 400 feet AGL except when authorized by airspace procedures.
The 400-foot altitude limit is a federal floor that applies nationwide. Wisconsin does not add lower limits beyond this, except for specific local rules (e.g., Green Bay's 400-foot prohibition during special events is the same as federal minimum, and utility facility rules impose 300 feet minimum distance vertically but allow up to 400 feet if outside horizontal buffers).
Visual Line of Sight Requirement
All recreational and Part 107 operations in Wisconsin require maintaining visual line of sight with the aircraft.
Pilots must keep the drone visible throughout flight in daylight or civil twilight, either by unaided eye or with visual observer assistance. The observer must be physically located with the pilot and in direct communication. Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations require a specific FAA waiver; Part 108 BVLOS rule remains under FAA rulemaking as of August 2026.
Controlled Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Drone flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace around Wisconsin's major airports require LAANC authorization.
Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE), Madison Dane County (MSN), and Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB) all operate under Class C airspace with layered rings extending into surrounding cities. Most LAANC requests are approved automatically through FAA-approved app providers (DJI Fly, Aloft, UASidekick, Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision). Flights above designated altitude ceilings require manual coordination and longer approval windows.
FAA Drone Registration
All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA before flight.
Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. Operators register via FAA DroneZone and receive a registration number that must be marked visibly on the aircraft. Failure to register can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 or criminal penalties up to $250,000.
FAA Enforcement Actions
Wisconsin pilots are subject to federal FAA enforcement for Part 107 violations and recreational safety breaches.
The FAA has launched its DETER program to accelerate enforcement with fast-track civil penalties for first-time offenders. FAA penalties for violations can reach $27,500 (civil) or higher, separate from any state-level penalties. Wisconsin pilots have faced FAA enforcement in national sweeps in 2025-2026.
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 available at 726 airports nationally. Wisconsin's major airports (Milwaukee Mitchell MKE, Madison Dane County MSN, Green Bay Austin Straubel GRB) have automated LAANC authorization available through FAA-approved service providers. Smaller airports (La Crosse, Appleton, Wausau) also have controlled airspace; manual authorization process available.
Major Airports
MKE — Milwaukee Mitchell InternationalMSN — Madison Dane County RegionalGRB — Green Bay Austin Straubel InternationalLSE — La Crosse MunicipalATW — Appleton InternationalCWA — Wausau Central Wisconsin
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) automatically activate over Lambeau Field during Green Bay Packers games (typically 3 NM radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hour before to 1 hour after). FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Wisconsin will have designated no-drone zones. Menasha tornado damage areas received TFR designations in July 2026.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Issues Drone Flight Restriction Over Menasha Tornado Damage Area
regulatory changeFAA established temporary flight restrictions over Menasha, Wisconsin following tornado damage to coordinate emergency response and prevent drone interference with manned search and rescue operations.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | UW-Madison requires all UAS operations on university property to receive advance approval from the Office of Safety and Risk Management. Operations near Camp Randall Stadium during football games are subject to stadium TFR restrictions. Restrictions: Safety and Risk Management approval required before any drone flight on campus. Flights over University of Wisconsin Hospital are prohibited. Stadium TFR in effect during Badger football games at Camp Randall. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Management — safety@wisc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | UW-La Crosse requires operators to secure permission and complete a checklist before flying. Third-party/hobbyist operators must provide liability insurance. Drones must maintain at least 100 feet distance from buildings. Restrictions: Must remain at least 100 feet away from any building. Third-party operators must carry liability insurance. All flights require advance permission and checklist completion. | Yes | UW-La Crosse — check with UAS Coordinator |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | UW-Whitewater requires employees, students, and third-party contractors to obtain approval from Risk Management for any UAS operations over university lands or property. All third-party operators must provide proof of liability insurance. Drones may not be used to monitor or record areas with reasonable expectation of privacy. Restrictions: Third-party drone pilots must secure Risk Management approval before operating. All operators must provide liability insurance with proof. No monitoring or recording in private spaces (restrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, daycare, health treatment areas, or areas containing sensitive institutional information). | Yes | Risk Management Department |
| Western Technical College | Drone operations at Western Technical College are restricted to instructional use, institutional use, or authorized contractor work. Contractors performing college-related work must provide liability insurance. Drones may not be used to monitor or record areas with reasonable expectation of privacy. Restrictions: Operations limited to instructional, institutional, or contractor-authorized use only. Contractor operations require liability insurance. Prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, changing rooms, daycare facilities, health treatment rooms, and areas with sensitive institutional or personal information. | Yes | WTC Administration |
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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