Drone Regulations in Alabama: 2025 Guide

Alabama drone operators must follow federal FAA rules and state-specific criminal laws. FAA certification does not exempt pilots from state trespass or surveillance laws.

Quick Answer: What Drone Rules Apply in Alabama?

Drone flights in Alabama are subject to both federal FAA regulations and state criminal statutes. Alabama does not have a state-level drone permit or registration system. Governance is divided between federal and state authorities.

Federal (FAA): The FAA governs pilot certification, aircraft registration, airspace authorization, Remote ID, and general flight rules. Commercial pilots need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). Recreational pilots must pass the TRUST test and fly under the rules of 49 U.S.C. § 44809.

State (Alabama statutes): Alabama criminalizes drone flights over or near Department of Corrections facilities (HB 345, enacted 2024). Existing criminal trespass law (Alabama Code § 13A-7-4.3) applies to critical infrastructure. Bills were introduced in 2020 to specifically add drones to this statute, but they did not pass. A 2025 bill (HB 201) proposes adding public schools to the list of restricted locations.

Local governments: Alabama has no state preemption law, so municipalities may have their own ordinances, such as rules for flying in city parks. These local rules cannot regulate airspace, which is the FAA's exclusive domain, but they can regulate drone takeoffs and landings on city property.

Registration threshold: Drones weighing 0.55 lbs or more must be registered with the FAA. The fee is $5 for a three-year registration.

Alabama State Drone Laws: Statutes You Must Know

Critical Infrastructure: Alabama Code § 13A-7-4.3

Alabama's criminal trespass law, § 13A-7-4.3, covers unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility. In 2020, companion bills SB 45 and HB 36 were introduced to amend this statute to explicitly include unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These bills did not pass, according to legislative records.

Operators should not assume flights over critical infrastructure are permitted. The existing statute's language regarding unauthorized entry could still apply to drone operations. Critical infrastructure includes power plants, water treatment facilities, oil and gas pipelines, and refineries.

Flying a drone over these sites could risk prosecution under state trespass law, independent of any FAA airspace authorization. For a definitive interpretation of how the current statute applies to UAS, consult the Alabama Attorney General's office or a licensed Alabama attorney.

Department of Corrections Facilities: HB 345 (2024)

Enacted during the 2024 regular session, HB 345 makes it a criminal offense to operate a UAS over or near any Alabama Department of Corrections facility (OpenStates, HB 345, 2024rs). The bill provides for penalties and exceptions.

The source material confirms enactment but does not detail penalty classifications, fine amounts, or the scope of exceptions for law enforcement or other authorized operators. For these specifics, consult the enrolled bill text via the Alabama Legislature's ALISON system or contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Flying over or near an Alabama prison is a state crime.

Pending School Restriction: HB 201 (2025)

HB 201, introduced in the 2025 session, would prohibit UAS operation near public schools (OpenStates, HB 201, 2025rs). As of February 10, 2025, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. It is not yet law. Operators who fly near school campuses for photography, surveying, or news gathering should monitor this bill's progress.

Privacy and Other State Law Considerations

Alabama does not have a drone-specific privacy statute. However, existing state laws on trespass, voyeurism, and harassment may apply to drone operations. Low-altitude flights over private residential property could expose an operator to civil or criminal liability under these general statutes. For specific legal interpretation, consult the Alabama Attorney General's office.

Preemption: Local Rules May Still Apply

Because Alabama has not passed a state preemption law, cities and counties can create their own drone ordinances. These are typically limited to regulating takeoff and landing on public property, such as parks. Check with the relevant city or county government before flying in urban or park settings.

FAA Requirements That Apply to All Alabama Drone Pilots

Federal regulations provide the baseline for all drone operations.

Registration

Any drone weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more must be registered with the FAA at https://faadronezone.faa.gov before its first flight. The registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. The registration number must be marked on the exterior of the aircraft.

Commercial Operators: Part 107

Flying a drone for any business purpose requires an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, issued under 14 CFR Part 107. To qualify, you must:

• Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a TSA security background check.

Part 107 rules limit flights to 400 feet above ground level, within the pilot's visual line of sight, and during daylight or civil twilight (with anti-collision lighting). Flights over people or moving vehicles are restricted. A recurrent online knowledge test is required every 24 months to maintain certification (14 CFR Part 107.65).

Recreational Flyers: 49 U.S.C. § 44809

Recreational flights are governed by 49 U.S.C. § 44809. To comply, you must:

• Pass the free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test).
• Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO).
• Fly only for recreational purposes.
• Keep the drone within your visual line of sight.

Remote ID

As of September 16, 2023, all registered drones must comply with Remote ID rules (14 CFR Part 89). Drones must broadcast identification and location data during flight. If your drone does not have this capability built-in, you must attach a separate Remote ID broadcast module.

LAANC: Getting Airspace Authorization Near Alabama Airports

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides automated, near-real-time authorization for flights in controlled airspace. Alabama airports with LAANC coverage include Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM), Huntsville International (HSV), Mobile Regional (MOB), and Montgomery Regional (MGM). Verify LAANC availability at smaller airports through the FAA's UAS Data map or a LAANC-capable app.

Use an FAA-approved LAANC provider app to request authorization. For flights outside LAANC-covered areas, a manual waiver request through the FAA DroneZone may be required, which can take up to 90 days.

Part 107 Waivers

The FAA issues waivers for operations that fall outside standard Part 107 rules, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights or flights over people. Applications are submitted through the FAA DroneZone. Processing times vary from weeks to months.

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Airspace in Alabama

Controlled Airspace Around Alabama Airports

Flights in Class B, C, or D airspace require FAA authorization. Alabama's primary controlled airspace includes:

• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM): Class C
• Huntsville International (HSV): Class C
• Mobile Regional (MOB): Class C
• Montgomery Regional (MGM): Class D

Use LAANC to obtain authorization to fly in these areas.

Military Installations

Federal law prohibits unauthorized drone flights over or near military installations. Key restricted sites in Alabama include:

• Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville): Active Army installation.
• Fort Novosel (Daleville/Enterprise): U.S. Army aviation training center. Formerly Fort Rucker.
• Maxwell AFB (Montgomery): Active Air Force base.

Temporary Flight Restrictions

The FAA issues Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for security or safety reasons, such as major sporting events, VIP movements, or wildfires. Always check the FAA's TFR map at https://tfr.faa.gov and use the B4UFLY app before every flight.

State-Level Ground Restrictions

Alabama state law creates ground-based no-fly zones that apply even if the overlying airspace is not restricted by the FAA:

• Department of Corrections facilities: Prohibited by HB 345 (2024rs).
• Critical infrastructure sites: Potentially restricted by trespass law under Alabama Code § 13A-7-4.3.

National Parks and Federal Lands

Drone use is prohibited in National Park Service (NPS) units without a Special Use Permit (36 CFR § 1.5). In Alabama, this applies to sites like Little River Canyon National Preserve and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Contact the NPS Southeast Regional Office for permit information.

Pre-Flight Tools

• FAA B4UFLY app: Official source for airspace status and TFRs.
• Aloft (or other LAANC provider): For airspace authorization requests.
• FAA UAS Data on ArcGIS: Detailed facility maps for flight planning.

What Changed Recently: 2024–2025 Alabama Drone Legislation

HB 345 (2024): DOC Facilities Now a Criminal No-Fly Zone

Enacted in 2024, HB 345 criminalizes the operation of a UAS over or near Alabama Department of Corrections facilities (OpenStates, HB 345, 2024rs). This is the most significant recent change to Alabama drone law. For details on penalties and exceptions, review the enrolled bill text or contact ALEA.

SB 241 (2024): Approved-Drone Procurement List, Did Not Pass

SB 241 proposed creating a state-approved drone list for government procurement, managed by ALEA (OpenStates, SB 241, 2024rs). The bill did not pass after being referred to committee. If reintroduced and passed, it would affect how state and local agencies in Alabama purchase drones.

HB 201 (2025): School-Zone Restriction Pending

Introduced in the 2025 session, HB 201 would criminalize UAS operation near public schools (OpenStates, HB 201, 2025rs). As of early 2025, it was pending in committee and is not law.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

This federal law (Public Law 118-63) extended FAA authority through 2028 and included provisions to advance drone delivery, counter-UAS measures, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Alabama operators should monitor new FAA rulemaking resulting from this act.

Alabama's legislative approach is to add location-specific criminal restrictions incrementally rather than creating a single, comprehensive state drone code.

Permit Fees, Timelines & Requirements: At a Glance

Alabama does not have a state-level drone registration or permit fee.

Next Steps: How to Fly Legally in Alabama and Who to Contact

Pre-Flight Compliance Checklist

1. Register your drone with the FAA at https://faadronezone.faa.gov if it weighs 0.55 lbs or more.
2. Get certified. Pass the TRUST test for recreational flight or obtain a Part 107 certificate for commercial work.
3. Confirm Remote ID compliance. Ensure your drone broadcasts Remote ID as required by 14 CFR Part 89.
4. Check airspace. Use the FAA's B4UFLY app to check for restrictions and TFRs. Obtain LAANC authorization if flying in controlled airspace.
5. Verify state criminal restrictions. Confirm your flight path is not over a DOC facility (HB 345) or a critical infrastructure site (Alabama Code § 13A-7-4.3).
6. Check local rules. If flying within a city or county park, check for local ordinances governing drone takeoff and landing.

Who to Contact

For FAA questions:

• FAA DroneZone portal: https://faadronezone.faa.gov for registration and waivers.
• General FAA contact: https://www.faa.gov/contact.

For Alabama state law questions:

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): https://www.alea.gov for questions on state oversight and HB 345.
• Alabama Attorney General's Office: For legal interpretations of state criminal statutes.

For NPS permits on Alabama federal lands:

• National Park Service Southeast Regional Office: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/index.htm.

For bill tracking:

• Alabama Legislature ALISON system: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us.
• OpenStates Alabama: https://openstates.org/al/.

A Note for News Media and Journalists

No special state-level press exemption exists for drone operations. News gathering flights fall under commercial use and require the operator to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Media operators should monitor pending legislation like HB 201 for potential impacts on news gathering near schools.

Recommended Apps

• FAA B4UFLY: Airspace status and TFRs.
• Aloft (or similar): LAANC authorization.
• FAA UAS Data on ArcGIS: Detailed airspace maps for planning.