All New Drone Laws in Missouri (2025 Updated)

Drones quickly become integral to the state’s scenery, from Missouri’s majestic rolling hills to its vast and vibrant prairies. From military use to recreational cruising, more and more people are turning to the skies of Missouri for their drone activities.

Whether for capturing stunning aerial photography or data collection, drones have found a place in this beautiful Midwest state.

The great state of Missouri is one of the most lenient regarding drone laws. For Missouri residents interested in purchasing and operating a drone, there are important regulations to understand first.

Due to the rise of commercialized drone technology, it’s become increasingly important for states like Missouri to establish laws and guidelines for the safe operation of these devices.

Whether you want your local government’s perspective on drones operating over private property or federal agency restrictions when flying near sensitive sites, understanding state and national drone laws are essential before taking off with your new device.

This blog post will discuss various aspects of drone laws in Missouri that anyone should know before embarking on their aerial adventure.

General Drone Rules in Missouri (2025)

While Missouri’s drone regulations are still a work in progress, there is already some legislation available that can help guide your use of drones.

• You must be 16 years old to fly a drone in Missouri.
• The drone must be flown under 400 ft above ground level (AGL)
• Drones may not be flown over people or vehicles except by public safety officials in performing their duties.
• Drones must be kept within the visual line of sight of the operator at all times.
• First-person view (FPV) drones may only be flown with someone else maintaining the drone’s visual line of sight (VLOS), and the operator must have a spotter who can take control of the drone if necessary.
• Drones may not be flown within 5 miles of an airport without prior approval from air traffic control.
• Drone operators must yield the right of way to all manned aircraft.
• Drones must not be flown carelessly or recklessly.
• Drones may not be used to harass wildlife.
• Drones may not be used to interfere with emergency response efforts, such as wildfires or search and rescue operations.
• Drone operators must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including privacy, data collection, and law enforcement activities.

Read Also: All Drone Laws in Wisconsin: Rules, Penalty

Penalties for Breaking The Drone Laws in Missouri

If you are using a drone, Missouri residents must comply with the laws or face serious consequences.

It is paramount that you understand all of the regulations to avoid any potential penalties. The following information outlines what those repercussions could look like for non-compliance.

Fine / Jailtime

Breaking the drone law in Missouri can lead to a misdemeanor charge, which carries up to several days of jail time and harsh fines. If you are convicted of a felony, it may involve imprisonment and hefty fines.

Furthermore, going against the rules by flying near an airport will result in high penalties. Additionally, if you invade someone’s privacy with your drone use, charges could include prison time and significant financial repercussions.

Criminal charges

If you break the law with your drone, you could face civil and criminal charges and be sentenced to prison. In Missouri- a felony – invasion of privacy is a possible charge if someone’s privacy is breached via drone use; other potential charges include stalking or harassment. Furthermore, should your drone cause injury or property damage, it will likely be sued civilly for negligence.

Civil lawsuit

If you violate the drone laws and someone is harmed or their property damaged in any way, it could result in a lawsuit where you are held financially accountable for damages.

Additionally, if photos were taken of them without permission, then they can also file an invasion of privacy suit against you.

Therefore, it’s essential to always abide by the law when operating drones so that no one gets hurt and your rights and those around you remain protected.

Punishment from the FAA

The FAA can revoke a pilot’s license, issue fines, or even pursue both measures against those who violate drone regulations. Also, law enforcement may confiscate your flying device if they catch you breaking these laws.

Rules for Recreational Use of Drones

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a set of rules and regulations that apply to using drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), for recreational purposes. These rules are known as the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. To fly a drone recreationally, you must:

• Fly your drone only for hobby or recreation
• Register your drone with the FAA
• Mark your registration number on your drone
• Fly your drone below 400 feet
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight
• Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an authority focused on overseeing and regulating all aspects of aviation, including commercial and general aviation operations ranging from drones to large jet aircraft.

It promotes safety in U.S. airspace by providing guidance through various regulations, such as programs that certification drone pilots must pass to be legally qualified to operate drones professionally.

The FAA also focuses on increasing efficiency, helping create efficient routes for airlines while also taking steps to help reduce air traffic congestion.

By conducting extensive research on emerging technologies, the FAA also looks toward future innovations in the industry that could enhance safety and make flying even more accessible than it already is.

FAA’s Part 107

The FAA’s Part 107 is the main set of regulations for drone use in the United States. These regulations cover everything from who can fly a drone to where they can fly it. To fly a drone commercially in the United States, you must have a Part 107 certificate.

FAA’s Part 107 Certificate

To get a Part 107 certificate, you must pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. You must also be at least 16 years old and have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

Once you have your Part 107 certificate, you can start flying drones commercially in the United States. However, you must still follow all of the rules and regulations in Part 107.

FAA’s Part 107 Exam

The FAA’s Part 107 exam is a multiple-choice test covering airspace classifications, meteorology, and flight regulations. The exam is taken at an FAA-approved testing center. You will have two hours to complete the exam and must answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

FAA’s Renewal for Certificate

To keep your Part 107 certificate, you must pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every two years. The test will cover the same topics as the initial aeronautical knowledge test.

FAA’s Renewal for Drone Registration

You must also renew your drone registration every three years. You can do this online through the FAA’s website.

Read Also: All New Drone Laws in Illinois

No Drone Zones in Missouri

No Drone Zones are areas where the unmanned operation of aircraft, commonly referred to as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is restricted.

These zones can include but are not limited to, airspace near airports, military facilities, and other areas deemed too hazardous or inappropriate for drone use.

Missouri’s policy on No Drone Zones is quite strict, aiming to protect the safety and privacy of Missouri citizens. Missouri strongly advocates that operators abide by and respect these designated areas to follow FAA regulations, avoid fines, and decrease accidental intrusions by hobbyists.

Missouri boasts an aggressive stance against unwanted UAV usage, making it clear that aerial navigation should be treated with caution around populated areas; this includes airports, parks, prisons, hospitals, theme parks, military bases, national monuments, and more. These zones have been carefully planned to provide necessary protection for United States citizens.

B4UFLY App

The B4UFLY app is an incredibly useful and innovative tool that was made to help drone pilots fly safely and responsibly. Developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the app provides real-time airspace advisories that help drone operators understand when and where they can fly.

Also, it includes notifications, interactive maps, and helpful tips that explain how regulations differ in various areas of the country. This allows users to make informed decisions while piloting drones near airports, even informing them of any temporary restrictions imposed, such as temporary flight restrictions or warning areas.

With revolutionary features like this, the B4UFLY app is becoming an invaluable resource for any responsible drone operator.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding the regulations and rules for drone operations in the United States is important. The FAA requires all commercial drone operators to have a Part 107 certificate and abide by all of the rules outlined in Part 107.

Missouri has also implemented several No Drone Zones, which help protect the privacy and safety of its citizens.

Drones are quickly becoming a popular and beloved way to explore Missouri’s wonderful landscapes. As technology advances, it’s important for state and federal government agencies to work together to ensure that drone operators have a clear understanding of the laws governing their use.

If drone enthusiasts adhere to these regulations and guidelines, they can not only stay safe but also enjoy the unrestricted skies of Missouri.

By following these regulations, you can ensure your drones’ safe and legal operation in Missouri. We sincerely hope this article has been of use to you. Please don’t hesitate to leave your comments below.