Drone Laws in Louisiana (August 2026): Full Guide

Louisiana has undergone significant changes in drone legislation over the past decade, establishing itself as a pioneer in UAS regulation with groundbreaking laws like the 2025 “We Will Act” that made headlines nationwide. If you own or operate a drone in the Pelican State, understanding these regulations is essential to avoid severe penalties ranging from $5,000 fines to equipment forfeiture and up to one year in jail.

The legal landscape for drone operators in Louisiana involves multiple layers of authority: federal FAA regulations, state laws, and limited local ordinances. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about drone laws in Louisiana for 2026, including the critical 2025 updates that grant law enforcement new powers to neutralize suspicious drones.

Whether you are a recreational pilot flying over the Atchafalaya Basin, a commercial operator capturing footage in New Orleans, or an agricultural drone user working the sugarcane fields, this article will help you navigate Louisiana’s complex regulatory environment while staying compliant with all applicable laws.

Louisiana State Drone Laws Overview

Louisiana was one of the earliest states to enact comprehensive drone legislation, beginning in 2014 with HB 1029 (codified as RS 14:337) and continuing through significant 2025 updates. Unlike many states that defer to federal authority, Louisiana has established its own robust framework of UAS regulations that operators must understand.

The Louisiana Legislature has passed multiple bills addressing various aspects of drone operations, from surveillance restrictions to agricultural commercial use. Understanding these state-specific laws is crucial because violations can result in penalties far exceeding federal fines.

RS 14:337 (HB 1029/2014) – Unlawful Use of UAS

Louisiana Revised Statute 14:337, enacted in 2014 through HB 1029, serves as the cornerstone of Louisiana’s drone laws. This statute defines the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system and establishes the foundational restrictions that all drone operators must follow.

Under RS 14:337, it is unlawful for any person to use a drone to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence or collect information about, or otherwise intentionally observe any individual, residence, or private property without the consent of the owner or occupant. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the drone is flying over public or private property.

The law does contain specific exceptions. Law enforcement agencies may operate drones pursuant to a warrant, in exigent circumstances, or with the consent of the individual being surveilled. Additionally, the statute permits drone use for legitimate commercial purposes that do not violate privacy expectations, such as surveying land for construction projects or inspecting infrastructure.

Penalties for violating RS 14:337 include fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses, along with potential confiscation of the drone equipment used in the commission of the offense.

SB 69 (2017) – State Preemption of Drone Regulation

Senate Bill 69, passed in 2017, established Louisiana’s drone preemption policy, which is one of the most important yet frequently misunderstood aspects of the state’s UAS regulatory framework. This law explicitly states that the state shall have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate all unmanned aircraft systems and all unmanned aerial systems.

What does this mean for drone operators? Simply put, local municipalities and parish governments in Louisiana cannot enact their own drone regulations that conflict with state or federal law. This is particularly significant because it prevents a patchwork of varying rules across different cities and parishes.

For example, while New Orleans might seem like an obvious location for drone restrictions given the French Quarter and airport proximity, any local ordinance attempting to ban or significantly restrict drone operations would be preempted by SB 69. The state has determined that uniform regulation serves the interests of both drone operators and public safety better than localized restrictions.

This preemption extends to both recreational and commercial drone operations. However, it does not prevent private property owners from restricting drone flights over their own land, nor does it affect the authority of the state or federal government to designate restricted airspace.

SB 73 (2016) – Law Enforcement Drone Authority

Senate Bill 73 addresses the intersection of law enforcement authority and drone operations in Louisiana. This legislation clarifies when and how police agencies may use drones and, crucially, grants law enforcement the authority to disable or destroy drones under specific circumstances.

Under SB 73, law enforcement officers may not operate a drone over a cordoned police perimeter without authorization from the incident commander. This provision protects the integrity of crime scene investigations and emergency response operations from aerial interference.

Most significantly, SB 73 authorizes law enforcement to “disable” drones that are operating illegally or posing a threat. This language was expanded in the 2025 “We Will Act” legislation, but SB 73 established the foundational authority that enabled subsequent developments.

The law requires law enforcement agencies to establish policies and training programs for drone operations and provides guidelines for the retention and destruction of data collected through drone surveillance. Officers must also obtain a warrant before using drones for sustained surveillance, except in exigent circumstances.

HB 261 (2025) – The “We Will Act” Law

House Bill 261, signed into law in 2025 and popularly known as the “We Will Act” legislation, represents the most significant expansion of drone enforcement authority in Louisiana history. This groundbreaking law made Louisiana the first state in the nation to explicitly authorize local law enforcement to neutralize suspicious drones through both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

The “We Will Act” law was enacted in response to growing concerns about drone privacy violations, smuggling operations, and potential terrorist threats using UAS technology. Under this legislation, law enforcement agencies now have explicit legal authority to take decisive action against drones operating in ways that threaten public safety or privacy.

The penalties established by HB 261 are severe and reflect the seriousness with which Louisiana treats drone violations. Operators found in violation face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone equipment used in the commission of the offense. The forfeiture provision is particularly significant because it means violators permanently lose their aircraft, regardless of the value of the drone.

The law authorizes law enforcement to use “kinetic and non-kinetic means” to neutralize drones. Non-kinetic methods include signal jamming and GPS spoofing, while kinetic means refer to physically shooting down or otherwise forcing a drone to the ground. This authority applies when drones are operating over correctional facilities, near critical infrastructure, or in other high-risk situations.

Critics of the law have raised concerns about potential abuse and the risk of accidentally disabling legitimate drone operations. Supporters counter that the law includes sufficient safeguards and that the severity of penalties will deter violations. Operators should exercise extreme caution to avoid triggering law enforcement response under this authority.

HB 19 (2016) – Surveillance of Sensitive Facilities

House Bill 19 prohibits the use of UAS to conduct surveillance or collect information on a “targeted facility” without the consent of the owner. This law was enacted specifically to protect sensitive locations from unwanted aerial observation and potential threats.

The term “targeted facility” under HB 19 includes schools, correctional facilities, detention centers, and other locations where surveillance could facilitate criminal activity or compromise security. The law makes it clear that hovering a drone over these locations to observe or record activity constitutes surveillance regardless of whether the operator actually captures usable footage.

Violations of HB 19 are treated seriously and can result in criminal charges in addition to the civil penalties established by other statutes. Operators should treat all schools and correctional facilities as prohibited areas and never attempt to fly drones in their vicinity without explicit authorization from facility administrators and appropriate governmental authorities.

HB 335 (2016) – Registration and Licensing Fees

House Bill 335 established the framework for drone registration and licensing fees within Louisiana, creating a system that complements federal FAA requirements while generating revenue for state regulatory activities.

While the FAA handles federal drone registration for aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds, HB 335 authorized Louisiana to establish additional state-level registration requirements for commercial drone operators. Commercial operators conducting business in Louisiana may need to obtain state-level permits in addition to their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.

The fees established by HB 335 are used to fund the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s UAS program and to support law enforcement training for drone-related activities. Operators should check with the Louisiana DOTD to determine whether their specific drone operation requires state-level licensing.

HB 635 (2016) – Video Voyeurism Via UAS

House Bill 635 extended Louisiana’s video voyeurism statutes to encompass drone-based recording, addressing a significant privacy concern as UAS technology became more widely available to the public.

Under HB 635, it is unlawful to use a drone to record or transmit images of another person without their consent in a location where that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, changing areas, and other private spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.

The law was designed to address emerging concerns about “peeping Tom” drone operators who might use cameras mounted on aircraft to invade personal privacy. Violations can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim.

For drone operators, this law reinforces the importance of respecting others’ privacy and maintaining appropriate distances from people and private property. Even if you are flying in airspace where operation is technically permitted, capturing images or recordings of individuals without consent can still result in criminal prosecution under this statute.

SB 141 (2016) – Criminal Trespass Via Drone

Senate Bill 141 established that operating a drone over private property without permission can constitute criminal trespass under Louisiana law. This legislation provided property owners with legal recourse against drone operators who repeatedly fly over their land despite being asked to stop.

While drones flying at appropriate altitudes may technically be in navigable airspace where flight is permitted, SB 141 recognizes that repeated low-level flights over private property can constitute harassment or trespass. The law allows property owners to seek restraining orders against drone operators and provides criminal penalties for violations.

This law is particularly relevant for drone operators conducting aerial photography or surveying work near residential areas. Even if your flight path takes you over multiple properties, a property owner who feels harassed by your operations can invoke SB 141 to restrict your activities.

SB 183 (2015) – Agricultural Commercial Operations

Senate Bill 183, one of the earliest Louisiana drone laws, established the legal framework for agricultural commercial drone operations in the state. This legislation recognizes the importance of UAS technology for farming and ranching operations while establishing appropriate regulations.

Under SB 183, agricultural commercial operators can use drones for purposes such as crop monitoring, livestock tracking, irrigation management, and precision agriculture applications. The law established specific guidelines for how close agricultural drones may fly to neighboring properties and required operators to notify adjacent land owners of planned drone operations.

Agricultural drone operators must still comply with all FAA regulations, including registration, certification requirements, and airspace restrictions. However, SB 183 provides additional clarity on state-level requirements that are specific to farming and ranching applications.

The legislation also addressed concerns about drone use for hunting and fishing applications, prohibiting the use of UAS to locate, track, or pursue wildlife in a manner that provides an unfair advantage over traditional hunters and fishermen.

Federal Drone Laws in Louisiana

In addition to Louisiana state laws, all drone operators in the state must comply with federal FAA regulations. These federal rules establish baseline requirements that apply regardless of which state you are flying in, and they address issues such as registration, pilot certification, and airspace access.

FAA TRUST Test (Recreational Users)

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is required by the FAA for all recreational drone operators in the United States, including Louisiana. This free online test covers essential safety topics and must be completed before operating a drone for recreational purposes.

TRUST covers topics including airspace regulations, emergency procedures, weather effects on drone operations, and the operational requirements for recreational flights. Upon passing the test, you receive a completion certificate that you should keep for your records.

Recreational operators must follow the FAA’s exception for recreational operations, which limits flights to hobby or recreation purposes, prohibits compensation or hired services, and requires compliance with all community-based safety guidelines.

FAA Part 107 Certificate (Commercial Users)

Commercial drone operators in Louisiana must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge exam. This certification demonstrates that you understand the regulations, airspace requirements, emergency procedures, and other critical aspects of commercial drone operations.

The Part 107 exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics including applicable regulations, airspace classification and requirements, meteorology, loading and performance, and operations management. You must score at least 70% to pass, and the test must be taken at an FAA-approved testing center.

To be eligible for the Part 107 exam, you must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Your certificate is valid for two years, after which you must pass a recurrent exam to maintain your credentials.

Commercial operators should note that Part 107 does not authorize all commercial drone activities. Operations over people, night operations, and flights in certain airspace categories require additional authorizations or waivers that must be obtained separately.

FAA Drone Registration

All drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA before flying outdoors in Louisiana or any other state. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years.

During registration, you will receive a unique registration number that must be marked on all your drones. This number allows the FAA to identify drone operators in case of incidents or violations and facilitates communication between authorities and operators.

Registration must be renewed every three years, and you should update your information if you move or change email addresses. Operating an unregistered drone can result in civil penalties of up to $27,500, so maintaining current registration is essential for compliance.

B4UFLY App and LAANC Authorization

The FAA’s B4UFLY mobile application is an essential tool for Louisiana drone operators. This free app provides real-time information about airspace restrictions, temporary flight restrictions, and other critical data needed for safe and legal flight operations.

B4UFLY uses your location to display relevant airspace information and will clearly indicate whether you are in controlled airspace, near an airport, or within a restricted zone. The app includes a “Fly” feature that provides go/no-go guidance based on current conditions and airspace status.

For operations in controlled airspace, including areas nearLouisiana airports in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and other cities, you will need LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization. LAANC provides real-time approval for controlled airspace operations, eliminating the need for manual authorization requests that could take days to process.

LAANC-authorized providers include apps like ALOFT, AirMap, and others that connect directly to FAA systems. When you request authorization through a LAANC provider, you receive immediate approval if your proposed operation meets the requirements for the specific airspace.

Both B4UFLY and LAANC are regularly updated to reflect changing conditions and new restrictions, so make sure you check them before every flight, even in locations where you have flown previously. Temporary flight restrictions can be issued with little notice due to sporting events, emergency response, or other temporary circumstances.

No Drone Zones in Louisiana

Louisiana has numerous designated no drone zones where UAS operations are prohibited or severely restricted. Understanding these zones is critical because violations can result not only in federal penalties but also state criminal charges under RS 14:337 and HB 261.

Airports and Controlled Airspace

All airports in Louisiana are surrounded by controlled airspace that requires authorization for drone operations. The airspace around major airports like Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) extends several miles and requires LAANC approval for legal drone flight.

Louisiana’s smaller airports and heliports also have protected airspace designations. Before flying anywhere near an airport, always check B4UFLY to determine whether authorization is required. Flying without authorization in controlled airspace is one of the most common drone violations and can result in significant penalties.

Military Bases and National Guard Facilities

All military installations in Louisiana, including Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse, Barksdale Air Force Base, and Louisiana National Guard facilities, are permanently restricted airspace where drone operations are prohibited without explicit military authorization.

These restrictions are enforced by the Department of Defense and apply regardless of altitude or the operator’s intentions. Even if you believe your drone could not reach restricted airspace at its maximum altitude, do not attempt to fly near military installations.

Critical Infrastructure

Louisiana’s critical infrastructure, including petrochemical facilities, oil and gas platforms, refineries, and major industrial installations, often has drone flight restrictions. These facilities are considered high-value targets for potential terrorist activity and are protected by both federal and state laws.

The 2025 “We Will Act” law specifically authorizes law enforcement to neutralize drones operating near critical infrastructure without authorization. Given the severity of penalties under HB 261, including potential forfeiture of your equipment, you should treat all industrial facilities as prohibited airspace.

Schools and Correctional Facilities

As established by HB 19, drones are prohibited from conducting surveillance of schools, correctional facilities, and detention centers in Louisiana. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the facility is public or private.

While flying over or near a school may not constitute surveillance if you are simply passing through, the safest approach is to avoid school areas entirely, particularly during school hours when children are present. Any drone operation that could be interpreted as observing or gathering information about a school could trigger enforcement action under HB 19.

Louisiana State Parks

Personal drone use is allowed at Louisiana State Parks with certain restrictions. Unlike many states that prohibit drones entirely in state parks, Louisiana permits recreational drone flights as long as operators follow park regulations and respect other visitors.

Specific restrictions apply at each park, and you should check with individual park offices before flying. Generally, drones may not be flown over developed areas, visitor centers, or areas with high concentrations of people. Night flights and operations over wilderness areas may require additional permits.

Audubon Parks and City Park New Orleans

Audubon Park in New Orleans and City Park New Orleans both have specific drone policies that operators should be aware of. These popular urban parks accommodate drone flights in designated areas but prohibit operations that interfere with park visitors or wildlife.

Audubon Park’s drone policy restricts flights to open areas away from the Zoo and Audubon Golf Course. Operators should maintain visual line of sight and avoid flying over crowded areas. Permits may be required for commercial photography or videography operations.

City Park New Orleans permits recreational drone use in most areas but prohibits operations that could disturb wildlife or interfere with park programming. Commercial operators should contact park management for permit requirements, as Louisiana’s preemption law does not prevent park systems from establishing reasonable operational requirements.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana imposes some of the most severe penalties for drone violations in the United States, particularly following the 2025 “We Will Act” legislation. Understanding these penalties is essential for any drone operator in the state.

HB 261 Penalties (2025 We Will Act)

The 2025 “We Will Act” law established the most severe penalties for drone violations in Louisiana. Operators found violating this law face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone equipment used in the offense.

The forfeiture provision means that law enforcement can permanently seize your drone, regardless of its value. This is particularly significant for operators with expensive commercial equipment who might otherwise be willing to risk fines as a cost of doing business.

These penalties apply to operations that threaten public safety or privacy, including flights over correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, and other protected areas. The severity of penalties reflects the state’s determination to deter dangerous or invasive drone use.

RS 14:337 Penalties

Violations of Louisiana’s core UAS law, RS 14:337, carry fines of up to $500 for first offenses and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. In addition to fines, violators may face confiscation of their drone equipment.

Criminal charges under RS 14:337 are typically misdemeanor offenses, but repeated violations or violations involving aggravated circumstances can result in more serious charges. The statute also allows for civil remedies, meaning that individuals whose privacy was violated can sue for damages in addition to any criminal penalties.

Federal FAA Penalties

The FAA has its own civil penalty authority for drone violations that occur in Louisiana’s airspace. These penalties are separate from and in addition to any state penalties and can be quite severe for serious violations.

Civil penalties for drone violations can reach $32,666 per violation for individuals, with knowing violations carrying penalties of up to $163,366 per violation. Willful or reckless operations that endanger the safety of the national airspace system can result in criminal referral to the Department of Justice.

The FAA also has authority to suspend or revoke pilot certificates, which means that commercial operators who violate drone laws could lose their ability to legally operate any aircraft, not just drones.

Seizure and Forfeiture of Equipment

Louisiana law enforcement has authority to seize drones used in the commission of violations. Under HB 261, forfeiture is mandatory for “We Will Act” violations, meaning operators will permanently lose their aircraft upon conviction.

Even for less serious violations, law enforcement may temporarily seize drones as evidence during investigations. Operators should be prepared to provide registration information, pilot credentials, and documentation of their flight authorization when requested by authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Drone Laws

Conclusion

Louisiana drone laws represent a comprehensive framework that balances the interests of drone operators with public safety and privacy concerns. The state’s legislation, particularly the pioneering 2025 “We Will Act” law, demonstrates a willingness to take aggressive action against dangerous or invasive drone operations.

For recreational pilots, the key requirements are straightforward: pass the FAA TRUST test, register your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, and follow basic safety rules including altitude limits and visual line of sight requirements. State laws add important restrictions against surveillance, flying over sensitive facilities, and harassment of property owners.

Commercial operators face additional requirements including Part 107 certification and potential state-level licensing under HB 335. Whether you are flying over the sugarcane fields of Acadiana, capturing video of the French Quarter, or inspecting oil platforms in the Gulf, you must ensure your operations comply with both federal and state regulations.

The most important thing to remember about drone laws in Louisiana is that violations can result in penalties far exceeding typical federal fines. With potential penalties of $5,000, one year in jail, and mandatory equipment forfeiture under HB 261, the consequences of non-compliance are severe. Always verify your flight location with B4UFLY, obtain LAANC authorization when required, and err on the side of caution when operating near people, property, or sensitive facilities.

By understanding and following these regulations, Louisiana drone operators can enjoy the benefits of UAS technology while avoiding the significant penalties that await violators. Stay informed, fly safely, and respect the privacy and property rights of your fellow citizens.