Flying a drone is legal across the US — but what you do with it is set state by state, and the rules that catch pilots out aren't the FAA's: they're the state laws on filming people and property, using a drone around wildlife, and flying near prisons and critical infrastructure. A flight that's fine in one state can be a crime across the line. Below is where each state stands. Tap any state for the dated, officially-sourced detail. (State law sits on top of the FAA's airspace rules — follow both.) For the bigger picture, see laws you didn't know you were breaking.
Drone privacy & surveillance by state
This is the one that surprises hobbyists. About half the states make it a crime to use a drone to surveil, record or observe a person or private property where there's a reasonable expectation of privacy; a few impose only a civil penalty or a narrow rule; and the rest have no drone-specific privacy law, falling back on general voyeurism, trespass or harassment statutes. "Specific crime" means there's a drone-specific offense; "Limited" means a civil or partial rule; "No specific law" means general statutes apply.
Drones & hunting: barred almost everywhere
Nearly every state bars using a drone to hunt, take, drive, harass, locate or scout wildlife — and many also bar hunting for a set period after you've used a drone to spot game. The federal Airborne Hunting Act applies on top. If you hunt or fish, assume a drone is not a legal tool for it unless your state's page says otherwise.
No-fly: prisons & critical infrastructure
Most states make it an offense to fly a drone over or near a correctional facility or a "critical infrastructure" site — power and water plants, refineries, chemical plants, stadiums — with penalties from misdemeanors up to felonies, and the harshest reserved for delivering contraband or conducting surveillance. A handful have no specific statute and rely on federal rules.
Know it before you fly
This is a snapshot. LawLert pins the live drone rules to exactly where you are and alerts you when one changes or when you cross into a state where they flip. Browse all state laws.
FAQ
Can I fly a drone over someone's private property?
It depends on the state. Around half make it a crime to use a drone to surveil, record or observe a person or private property where there's a reasonable expectation of privacy; others have no drone-specific law and fall back on general voyeurism, trespass or harassment statutes. Separately, the FAA controls the airspace itself. Your state's page shows the specific rule.
Can I use a drone to hunt or scout game?
Almost never. Nearly every state bars using a drone (or any aircraft) to hunt, take, drive, harass, locate or scout wildlife — and many bar hunting for a period after you've used one to spot game. The federal Airborne Hunting Act applies on top of that.
Is it illegal to fly a drone near a prison or a power plant?
In most states, yes. The majority criminalize flying a drone over or near a correctional facility or 'critical infrastructure' (power, water, refineries, stadiums), with penalties that range from misdemeanors up to felonies — especially if you're delivering contraband or gathering surveillance. A handful of states have no specific statute and rely on federal rules.
Do FAA rules still apply?
Yes. State drone laws sit on top of the FAA's rules (registration, the 400-foot ceiling, remote ID, and temporary flight restrictions). This guide covers state law — for the airspace itself, follow FAA requirements too.
How current is this?
Each state links to its detail page, which shows the official statute or agency-rule source and the date LawLert verified it. This hub is generated live from that same data.