Flying a drone in Louisiana sounds like a great time. The bayous, the French Quarter, the wide-open sugarcane fields. It really is beautiful from the air. But Louisiana takes drone laws seriously. More seriously than most states, honestly.
Before you launch your drone anywhere in the Pelican State, you need to know the rules. Breaking them could cost you thousands of dollars, your drone, or even your freedom.
What Is a Drone Under Louisiana Law?
A drone is officially called an “unmanned aircraft system” or UAS. It’s any aircraft that flies without a human pilot on board. This includes small hobby drones, large commercial drones, and everything in between.
Louisiana has its own set of drone laws on top of federal rules. That’s the key thing to understand. You’re not just following one rulebook. You’re following two.
Federal Drone Laws That Apply in Louisiana
Okay, let’s start with the basics. The FAA, which is the Federal Aviation Administration, sets rules for all drone flying in the U.S. These apply in Louisiana too.
Recreational Flyers
Flying for fun? You still have requirements. Hobbyist pilots in Louisiana must take the Recreational UAS Safety Test, known as the TRUST test. It’s free and you can take it online. Pretty straightforward.
If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), you need to register it with the FAA for a $5 fee. Most popular consumer drones fall into this category. Don’t skip this step.
Drone Remote ID is also required for hobbyists. Think of Remote ID like a license plate for your drone. It broadcasts your location and your drone’s location in real time.
Commercial Flyers
Getting paid to fly? That changes things. Commercial drone pilots in Louisiana must follow the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule. This includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate.
This test covers airspace, weather, emergency procedures, and more. It costs $175 to take at an approved testing center. It’s not super hard, but you do need to study.
Government Drone Pilots
Government employees like police and fire departments can operate under FAA Part 107 or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA.
Louisiana State Drone Laws
Here’s where things get serious. Louisiana doesn’t just rely on federal rules. The state has passed its own laws. And some of them are really strict.
The Privacy Law (RS 14:337)
This is the big one. Louisiana Revised Statute 14:337, passed in 2014, makes it illegal to use a drone to spy on, gather information about, or observe any person, home, or private property without the owner’s permission.
Wait, this applies even if you’re flying in public airspace. You’re not in the clear just because you’re up in the air. The law looks at what you’re doing with that camera.
There are exceptions. Law enforcement can use drones with a warrant, in emergencies, or with a person’s consent. Regular civilians don’t get that pass.
First-time violations can result in a fine of up to $500. Repeat violations carry fines up to $1,000. Your drone can also be confiscated.
The State Preemption Law (SB 69)
This law surprises a lot of people. Louisiana’s Senate Bill 69, passed in 2017, gives the state exclusive authority to regulate drones. Local cities and parishes cannot make their own drone rules that conflict with state or federal law.
So you don’t have to worry about New Orleans having one set of rules and Baton Rouge having another. The state controls it all. That actually makes things simpler for pilots.
That said, private property owners can still restrict drones over their own land. And federal restricted airspace still applies everywhere.
No-Fly Zones: Prisons and Jails
This one is crystal clear. Flying a drone over any state or local jail, prison, or other correctional facility is prohibited in Louisiana.
No exceptions for this one. Don’t do it. The penalties under newer laws can be severe if you try.
No Spying on Sensitive Facilities (HB 19)
House Bill 19 bans the use of drones to conduct surveillance on “targeted facilities” without the owner’s consent. Targeted facilities include schools, correctional facilities, and detention centers.
Hovering your drone near a school to take photos could get you in serious legal trouble. Even if you don’t record usable footage. The intent is what matters here.
Video Voyeurism by Drone (HB 635)
House Bill 635 extended Louisiana’s video voyeurism laws to include drone-based recording. If you use a drone to film someone in a private or intimate situation without their knowledge, that’s a criminal offense. It’s not just creepy. It’s illegal.
Don’t Fly Over Police Crime Scenes (SB 73)
Senate Bill 73 prohibits drone operators from flying over a cordoned police perimeter in a way that interferes with investigations or emergency responders.
If you see police tape or flashing lights, land your drone. This is not the time for aerial footage.
This law also authorizes law enforcement to disable drones that are operating illegally or posing a threat. Yes, they can take your drone down. More on that below.
Agricultural Drones (Special Rule)
Farming operations using drones have extra steps in Louisiana. Each person operating a drone for agricultural commercial purposes must obtain a license from the Louisiana Department and complete an agricultural education and safety training course. The course fee cannot exceed $50.
The training is offered through the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. It’s a small cost for a big operation.
The “We Will Act” Law (2025 Update)
Hold on. This part is really important.
In 2025, Louisiana passed House Bill 261, known as the “We Will Act.” This made Louisiana the first state in the nation to explicitly authorize local law enforcement to neutralize suspicious drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
What does that mean? Non-kinetic means includes signal jamming and GPS spoofing. Kinetic means includes physically shooting a drone down or forcing it to the ground.
The law was passed to address growing concerns about drone privacy violations, smuggling operations, and potential terrorist threats using drone technology.
This is not a bluff. Louisiana law enforcement can actually disable or destroy your drone if it’s operating illegally in certain situations. That’s serious.
Penalties and Consequences
Let’s talk about what you’re actually risking if you break these laws.
For basic privacy violations under RS 14:337, you’re looking at up to $500 for a first offense. Up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. Plus drone confiscation.
Under the newer “We Will Act” law (HB 261), penalties are much harsher. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and mandatory forfeiture of your drone equipment.
Think of it like this. The forfeiture means you don’t just pay a fine and get your drone back. You lose the drone permanently. That DJI Mavic you spent $1,500 on? Gone.
Honestly, the penalties in Louisiana are some of the toughest in the country. That’s not an exaggeration.
Local Rules and Special Locations
While the state controls most drone regulations, some local rules still exist. For example, drone usage is prohibited in all parks owned by the Audubon Nature Institute.
Always check before flying in parks, nature preserves, or private venues. Just because the state preempts local laws doesn’t mean every outdoor space is open to drones.
You also need to check FAA airspace maps before flying anywhere near airports. New Orleans International Airport, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and other airports have controlled airspace that requires authorization. Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app or the LAANC system to check and request authorization.
How to Stay Legal in Louisiana
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. Here’s what you need to do.
If you fly for fun, take the free TRUST test online first. Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs over 0.55 pounds. Always check the B4UFLY app before flying to avoid restricted airspace.
If you fly for money or business, get your FAA Part 107 certification. Study the airspace rules. Keep your registration current.
For everyone, avoid flying near prisons, schools, and crime scenes. Never use your drone to record people without their knowledge or consent. Keep your drone in your line of sight at all times.
Wondering if a specific location is legal? The safest move is to check the FAA’s LAANC system, use the B4UFLY app, and verify you’re not near any state-listed restricted areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my drone in Louisiana?
Yes, if your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, you must register it with the FAA for $5. Louisiana follows federal registration requirements.
Can I fly a drone over my neighbor’s yard in Louisiana?
Not to spy on them. Louisiana law bans using a drone to observe or gather information about a private person or their property without consent. You could face fines and lose your drone.
Is it legal to fly a drone near a prison in Louisiana?
No. Flying over any state or local jail or prison is explicitly banned under Louisiana law. This applies to all drone pilots, recreational or commercial.
Can police in Louisiana shoot down my drone?
Under the 2025 “We Will Act” law, law enforcement has authority to disable or destroy drones operating illegally near correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, or other high-risk areas. This includes physical means.
Do I need a license to fly a drone commercially in Louisiana?
Yes. Commercial pilots need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Agricultural drone operators also need a special state-level license and must complete a safety training course.
Can cities in Louisiana make their own drone laws?
Generally no. Louisiana’s state preemption law gives the state exclusive authority to regulate drones. Local governments cannot create conflicting rules.
What happens if I fly my drone over a crime scene?
You could have your drone disabled by law enforcement. You may also face criminal charges for interfering with an investigation.
Final Thoughts
Louisiana’s drone laws are layered, specific, and strict. The state was one of the first to pass comprehensive drone legislation. And the 2025 “We Will Act” law made it even tougher.
But none of this should stop you from enjoying your drone. Just fly smart. Register with the FAA, take the TRUST test, check your airspace, and respect people’s privacy.
Now you know the rules. Stay legal, fly safe, and enjoy the incredible views that Louisiana has to offer.
