Drone Regulations in Arizona: 2025–2026 Guide

Arizona drone pilots face a three-layer compliance stack: FAA rules at the base, Arizona state criminal and public-lands statutes on top, and almost no valid local ordinances left after HB 2875 passed in 2026. Read this before your next flight.

Quick Answer: What Rules Apply to Drone Pilots in Arizona?

Federal law governs your airspace and credentials. Arizona state law governs what you can fly over and why. Local governments now have almost no authority to add their own rules.

The Three-Layer Framework

Layer 1: Federal (FAA). Every drone operator in Arizona must comply with FAA rules. Commercial pilots need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Recreational flyers operate under the statutory exception at 49 U.S.C. § 44809, which requires passing the TRUST test and following community-based organization guidelines. FAA registration is required for any drone over 0.55 lbs, regardless of flight purpose.

Layer 2: Arizona State Law. Arizona adds criminal prohibitions on top of FAA rules. A.R.S. § 13-3729 is the core statute. It covers unlawful drone operations, including flights over correctional facilities, interference with first responders, and surveillance of individuals on private property. Separate provisions under A.R.S. Title 37 address public lands, including flights near active wildfires and prescribed burns.

Layer 3: Local Government (Mostly Preempted). Arizona has historically limited what cities and counties can regulate regarding drones. HB 2875 (57th-2nd-regular, 2026) reinforces and extends that preemption. Cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Tucson that previously maintained local drone ordinances now have very limited authority to enforce rules that go beyond state law. Consult the Arizona Attorney General's Office for specific guidance on which local ordinances remain enforceable.

What's Prohibited Under Arizona Law Right Now

• Flying over or near state correctional facilities (A.R.S. § 13-3729)
• Interfering with or surveilling first responders during operations (A.R.S. § 13-3729)
• Flying near active wildfires or prescribed burns in ways that interfere with firefighting (A.R.S. Title 37)
• Using a drone to photograph or surveil individuals on private property without consent (A.R.S. § 13-3729)
• Flying over K–12 school campuses is pending under SB 1627 (57th-2nd-regular, 2026), which was placed on the House Consent Calendar as of late March 2026. Confirm the bill's final disposition at azleg.gov before flying near schools.

No Arizona state drone permit or registration exists. Your credentials are your FAA registration and, for commercial work, your Part 107 certificate.

Arizona State Drone Statutes: What the Law Actually Says

A.R.S. § 13-3729: The Core Criminal Prohibition

A.R.S. § 13-3729 contains Arizona's primary drone-related criminal laws. The statute covers several distinct prohibited acts. Verify the current text at azleg.gov, as the legislature has amended this statute multiple times. The general categories of violation are listed below. Confirm exact criminal classifications against the current enrolled text, as penalty tiers can shift with amendments.

• Flying over a correctional facility: Operating an unmanned aircraft over a jail, prison, or other detention facility operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections or a county sheriff is a criminal offense. Consult A.R.S. § 13-3729 for the current felony or misdemeanor designation.
• Interfering with law enforcement or first responders: Using a drone to interfere with, surveil, or obstruct police, fire, or emergency medical operations is prohibited. Consult A.R.S. § 13-3729 for classification.
• Privacy violations via drone: Photographing or recording an individual on private property without consent using an unmanned aircraft is prohibited. Consult A.R.S. § 13-3729 for classification.

The statute does not replace FAA authority over airspace. It creates state criminal liability for specific uses, regardless of whether the FAA has separately authorized the flight.

Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Restrictions: A.R.S. Title 37

A.R.S. Title 37 covers Arizona public lands. Provisions within that title address drone operations near prescribed burns and active wildfires, a concern reflected in the legislative history of HB 2129 (54th-2nd-regular). While HB 2129 stalled at House Second Reading and did not become law, the underlying issue of drone interference with firefighting is addressed in existing statute. Consult the Arizona State Forestry Division (azda.gov/forestry) for current regulatory guidance on what is prohibited near active fire operations.

The FAA also issues Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over active wildfires under 14 CFR § 91.137. A TFR violation is a federal offense independent of state law.

SB 1277 (2023): What the Veto Means for Current Law

SB 1277 (56th-1st-regular) would have expanded drone photography and loitering prohibitions. The Governor vetoed it in June 2023. The practical effect is that the additional restrictions SB 1277 proposed do not exist. Current law on drone photography and surveillance is what A.R.S. § 13-3729 states as of its last enacted amendment, not what SB 1277 proposed. For the specific rationale behind the veto, consult the Arizona Governor's Office.

What Changed Recently: 2025–2026 Arizona Drone Legislation

HB 2875 (2026): Local Preemption, Passed

HB 2875 (57th-2nd-regular, 2026) passed the Arizona Legislature and prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate unmanned aircraft beyond what state law allows. According to the OpenStates record updated April 9, 2026, the bill's latest action is "PASSED."

Effective date: Arizona legislation without an emergency clause takes effect 90 days after the session's sine die adjournment (Arizona Constitution, Art. IV). Confirm the sine die date for the 57th-2nd-regular session at azleg.gov to calculate the precise effective date. Verify the enrolled bill text for an emergency clause, which would make it effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.

Practical effect for operators: If you previously obtained a city-issued drone permit in an Arizona municipality, review whether that permit was based on a local airspace ordinance. If so, the underlying ordinance may now be unenforceable. However, ground-level film and production permits tied to the use of city property, not airspace regulation, may still be valid. HB 2875 preempts drone-specific airspace rules, not general land-use or event permitting.

Contact the Arizona Attorney General's Office for guidance on which specific local ordinances HB 2875 supersedes.

SB 1627 (2026): School Campus Prohibition, Pending

SB 1627 (57th-2nd-regular, 2026) would prohibit drone operation over K–12 school campuses. As of the OpenStates record updated March 30, 2026, the bill was placed on the House Consent Calendar, meaning it was advancing but had not yet been signed into law.

What operators need to know: Real estate photographers, news media, and hobbyists who fly near or over school campuses should monitor this bill's status closely. If SB 1627 is signed into law, school campuses will become a prohibited zone under state criminal law. Check azleg.gov for final disposition before flying near any K–12 facility.

SB 1500 (2024): Did Not Become Law

SB 1500 (56th-2nd-regular, 2024) addressed drones and autonomous vehicles. Its last recorded action was Senate Second Reading in February 2024. It did not advance further and did not become law. No compliance obligations flow from it.

FAA Requirements That Apply in Arizona

Federal rules apply everywhere in Arizona. State compliance alone is never sufficient.

Registration

All drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA at faadronezone.faa.gov. The registration number must be marked on the aircraft. Verify the current fee schedule at faadronezone.faa.gov before registering.

Recreational Flyers

Under 49 U.S.C. § 44809, recreational flyers must:

• Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) through an FAA-approved administrator.
• Fly within the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
• Register the drone if it exceeds 0.55 lbs.
• Never fly in controlled airspace without authorization.

Commercial Operators: Part 107

Under 14 CFR Part 107, commercial operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Requirements include a written aeronautical knowledge exam, TSA security vetting, and recurrent training. Use the FAA testing center locator at faa.gov to confirm current locations and availability for the initial exam.

Airspace Authorization: LAANC

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides near-real-time airspace authorization for flights in controlled airspace. Arizona operators flying near the following airports need LAANC authorization:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor (KPHX): Class B airspace
• Tucson International (KTUS): Class C airspace
• Scottsdale Airport (KSDL): Class D airspace
• Mesa Gateway (KIWA): Class D airspace

LAANC is available through FAA-approved service supplier apps listed at faa.gov/uas.

Standard Operating Limits

Under 14 CFR Part 107:

• Maximum altitude: 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace.
• Night flying: Permitted with anti-collision lighting.
• Operations over people and moving vehicles: Require specific category compliance or a waiver.
• Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): Requires an FAA waiver.

Military Airspace in Arizona

Arizona has significant military airspace that affects drone operations:

• Luke AFB (Glendale): Class D surface area with associated MOAs and restricted areas to the west.
• Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson): Class D surface area with the R-2303 restricted area nearby.
• Yuma Proving Ground: Extensive restricted airspace in southwestern Arizona.

Check FAA sectional charts or an airspace app for current MOA and restricted area boundaries before flying in western or southern Arizona.

Permit Fees, Timelines & Requirements at a Glance

Notes on Specific Categories

Arizona State Land Department: Commercial drone operations that involve landing on or physically using state trust land may require separate authorization from the Arizona State Land Department. Consult ASLD directly at land.az.gov for current requirements.

National Parks and National Forests: Drone flight is prohibited in most National Park Service units, including Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks, under 36 CFR § 1.5. The U.S. Forest Service manages drone use under separate authority. These are federal land management rules not affected by HB 2875.

Film and Production Permits on City Property: Even after HB 2875, a city may still require a film or production permit to use city-owned property for a commercial shoot. That permit governs ground-level access and land use, not airspace.

Restricted & Sensitive Locations in Arizona

Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Zones

Arizona's wildfire season creates dynamic no-fly situations. The FAA typically issues a TFR under 14 CFR § 91.137 over active fires. Flying a drone into a TFR is a federal violation. Check for active TFRs before every flight at 1800wxbrief.com or using the B4UFLY app. State law under A.R.S. Title 37 adds a separate prohibition for interference with firefighting on public lands, which applies even if a TFR is not yet active.

Correctional Facilities

Arizona operates numerous state prison complexes and county jails. Flying over any of these facilities is a criminal offense under A.R.S. § 13-3729. There is no permit process to authorize such a flight.

Critical Infrastructure

Federal and state laws restrict drone operations near critical infrastructure like power plants and water treatment facilities. The FAA may also designate these as sensitive areas. Consult the FAA's UAS facility maps and check with the infrastructure operator before flying nearby.

School Campuses

SB 1627 (57th-2nd-regular, 2026) is pending. If signed, it will prohibit drone flight over K–12 school campuses under Arizona law. Until its final disposition is confirmed at azleg.gov, avoid overflights of school campuses.

Tribal Lands

Arizona includes many tribal nations with sovereign authority over their lands. Tribal governments have independent authority to regulate drone activity. HB 2875's preemption of local ordinances does not apply to tribal nations. You must obtain permission from the relevant tribal government before flying over tribal land.

Military Airspace

Beyond the surface areas around Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, and Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona has extensive Military Operations Areas (MOAs) and restricted airspace. These areas are depicted on FAA sectional charts and in airspace apps.

Next Steps: Who to Contact & How to Stay Compliant in Arizona

Your Pre-Flight Compliance Checklist

Step 1: Register your drone. Go to faadronezone.faa.gov. Pay the fee and mark the registration number on your aircraft.

Step 2: Get your Part 107 certificate if flying commercially. Schedule your knowledge exam through an FAA-approved testing center.

Step 3: Check airspace before every flight. Use the B4UFLY app or another service. For controlled airspace, obtain LAANC authorization. Check 1800wxbrief.com for active TFRs, especially during wildfire season.

Step 4: Read A.R.S. § 13-3729. Bookmark azleg.gov and check SB 1627's final status. If it passes, school campuses become a prohibited zone.

Step 5: Verify local permit requirements. Post-HB 2875, most city drone ordinances are preempted. If doing commercial work on city property, check if a film or event permit is still required for ground-level access.

Key Contacts

Professional Resources

Local drone pilot associations and the AUVSI Arizona chapter provide peer guidance and legislative updates for operators. These organizations often track state legislative developments. Arizona's drone regulatory landscape moved significantly in 2026. Check azleg.gov at the start of each legislative session for new bills.