Drone Regulations in Georgia: 2025 Complete Guide

Georgia drone operators must comply with federal FAA rules and Georgia-specific statutes. Federal law governs pilot certification, aircraft registration, and airspace access. State law adds restrictions on surveillance, weaponization, and flights over sensitive locations like prisons. This guide details both layers of compliance.

Quick Answer: What Georgia Drone Operators Must Know

Commercial drone operations in Georgia require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Georgia has no separate state-level drone pilot license, but it has enacted specific laws restricting certain drone uses.

Commercial operators: You must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Your drone must be registered with the FAA if it weighs 0.55 lbs or more. You must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports like those in Atlanta, Savannah, or Augusta.

Recreational flyers: You must pass the FAA's TRUST knowledge test. Drones weighing 0.55 lbs or more must be registered with the FAA. You must follow the same airspace authorization rules as commercial operators.

All operators: Georgia law preempts local governments from banning drone flight entirely (O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4). However, municipalities can regulate takeoff and landing on property they own, such as city parks. Always check local rules before launching from public property.

Key Georgia Prohibitions:

• Weaponizing a drone.
• Flying over state correctional facilities (O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18).
• Using a drone for unlawful surveillance in a private place (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62).
• Law enforcement use of drones for surveillance without a warrant or a recognized legal exception (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-20).

Georgia State Drone Statutes: What the Law Actually Says

Preemption of Local Ordinances: O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4

O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4 establishes state and federal authority over airspace, preempting counties and municipalities from enacting ordinances that create blanket prohibitions on drone flight. This preemption ensures a consistent regulatory environment for aviation across the state, preventing a confusing patchwork of local rules that could hinder commercial and recreational flights.

Local governments retain the authority to regulate drone takeoffs and landings on property they own or manage. This means a city can prohibit drone operations from a specific park or municipal building grounds. The state preemption protects your right to transit through the airspace above the park but does not grant an unrestricted right to launch from it.

For specific questions about local airspace restrictions, consult the Georgia Department of Transportation Aeronautics Program.

Surveillance and Privacy Restrictions: O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62

Georgia's unlawful surveillance statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62, applies to the use of drones. The law makes it a crime to use a drone to observe, photograph, or record a person in a private place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without their consent. A private place under this law includes areas where a person can reasonably expect not to be observed, such as inside a house, a fenced-in backyard, or over a private swimming pool.

Violations of this statute can result in criminal charges. FAA authorization to operate in the airspace does not provide a defense against a charge of unlawful surveillance. Commercial operators, especially those in real estate, insurance, and agriculture, must be diligent to avoid capturing imagery that infringes on the privacy of adjacent properties.

Weaponized Drones

Georgia law prohibits attaching any firearm, blade, explosive, or other weapon to an unmanned aircraft system. The specific provisions fall under O.C.G.A. Title 16 (Crimes and Offenses). This state-level prohibition is mirrored by federal law; 18 U.S.C. § 39B also makes it a federal crime to operate a weaponized drone. If your operation involves any payload that could be construed as a weapon, consult a Georgia-licensed attorney.

Drones Over Correctional Facilities: O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18

Under O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18, it is unlawful to fly an unmanned aircraft over a state correctional facility. This statute is designed to prevent the use of drones for smuggling contraband, such as drugs or cell phones, into prisons. The prohibition applies to the airspace directly over any prison, jail, or detention center operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. Flight plans near these facilities must be routed to avoid direct overflight.

Law Enforcement Drone Use: O.C.G.A. § 35-1-20

Reflecting Fourth Amendment principles against unreasonable searches, O.C.G.A. § 35-1-20 requires law enforcement agencies in Georgia to obtain a search warrant before using a drone for surveillance. The statute includes exceptions for circumstances like imminent threats to life, disaster response, or with the property owner's consent. The law also mandates that agencies adopt written policies governing their use of drones.

Definition of Unmanned Aircraft System

Georgia statutes generally define an "unmanned aircraft system" in a manner consistent with the FAA's definition, encompassing the aircraft and its associated control and communication elements. For the precise statutory language, consult the definitions section within O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4.

FAA Requirements That Apply in Georgia

State laws supplement, but do not replace, federal FAA regulations.

FAA Registration

Any drone weighing between 0.55 lbs (250 grams) and 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. Registration is done online through the FAA DroneZone portal. The registration costs $5 per aircraft and is valid for three years. Verify the current fee at faa.gov/uas before registering.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Commercial drone operations fall under 14 C.F.R. Part 107 and require the operator to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Obtaining this certificate allows an operator to:

• Fly for compensation or hire.
• Obtain airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace.
• Request waivers for certain operational limits, such as night flight or operations over people.

To obtain the certificate, you must:

1. Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center. The fee is set by third-party vendors and is approximately $175. Verify the cost directly with a PSI or CATS testing center in Georgia.
2. Pass a TSA security background check.
3. Complete the application through the FAA's IACRA or DroneZone system.

The certificate is valid for 24 calendar months. To maintain currency, pilots must complete a free online recurrent training course available at faasafety.gov.

Airspace Authorization: LAANC

Georgia has numerous airports surrounded by controlled airspace (typically Class B, C, or D). Before flying in these areas, you must receive authorization from the FAA. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides automated, near-instantaneous authorization for flights below published altitude ceilings. Major Georgia airports using LAANC include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), and Augusta Regional (AGS).

Use the FAA's B4UFLY app or an FAA-approved LAANC provider to check airspace and request authorization. For flights that require altitudes above the LAANC ceilings or occur in areas without LAANC, you must request a manual Certificate of Authorization (COA) through the FAA DroneZone portal.

Core Operational Rules Under 14 C.F.R. Part 107

• Fly only during daylight or civil twilight (with appropriate anti-collision lighting). Night operations require a waiver or specific training and aircraft lighting under the updated Operations Over People rule.
• Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times.
• Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL), or within 400 feet of a structure.
• Do not fly over people or moving vehicles unless the operation complies with the specific requirements of 14 C.F.R. Part 107, Subpart D.
• Maximum groundspeed is 100 mph.

TRUST Test for Recreational Flyers

Recreational flyers must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The test is free, can be taken online through FAA-approved test administrators, and does not expire. You must carry proof of passing the test whenever you fly.

Remote ID Compliance

As of September 16, 2023, the FAA's Remote ID rule (14 C.F.R. Part 89) is in effect. Most drones required to be registered must broadcast identification and location information during flight. This can be accomplished with a drone that has Standard Remote ID built-in or by attaching a separate Remote ID broadcast module. The only exception is for drones flown exclusively within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Georgia does not have a separate state-level Remote ID requirement.

Permit Fees, Timelines, and Airspace Authorization Comparison

Georgia does not impose state-level fees for drone permits. The following costs are set by the FAA or its third-party vendors.

Sources: FAA UAS registration fee schedule (faa.gov/uas), FAA LAANC program documentation, 14 C.F.R. § 107.200.

Verify all fees directly with the FAA or the testing vendor before payment.

Special Use Cases: Commercial, Real Estate, Agriculture, and Law Enforcement

Real Estate Photography

Part 107 certification is mandatory. No additional Georgia permit is needed. The primary state-level concern is O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62 (unlawful surveillance). To mitigate risk, focus imagery strictly on the subject property. As a best practice, consider notifying immediate neighbors before a flight as a courtesy.

Agricultural Drones and Crop Spraying

In addition to Part 107, operations involving the aerial application of substances like pesticides may require an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate, particularly if the total aircraft weight with payload exceeds 55 lbs. Federal EPA regulations also apply. Furthermore, Georgia requires a pesticide applicator license for this work. Consult the Georgia Department of Agriculture for state-specific licensing requirements before conducting any aerial application.

Film and Media Production

Part 107 certification is required. Productions on state-owned property should coordinate with the Georgia Film Office for location permits. While the Film Office does not issue drone permits, location agreements may specify conditions for aerial operations. Always check for FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) before every shoot, as they are common for large public events or VIP movements.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Georgia agencies must comply with the warrant requirements of O.C.G.A. § 35-1-20. Agencies should also consult guidance from the Georgia Technology Authority regarding the procurement of drones, as state and federal policies increasingly restrict the purchase of systems from foreign adversary nations.

Critical Infrastructure

Flights near power plants, substations, water treatment facilities, ports, and pipelines require extreme caution. These areas are often designated as critical infrastructure and may be protected by FAA flight restrictions. Check for active TFRs at tfr.faa.gov before any flight near such facilities.

Drone Delivery and BVLOS Operations

Commercial Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations require a specific waiver from the FAA. Georgia has no separate state-level approval process. Obtaining a BVLOS waiver is a complex process that requires a robust safety case, and processing can take several months to over a year.

What Changed Recently: 2025 to 2026 Georgia Legislative Activity

No major new drone operational restrictions passed the Georgia legislature during the 2025-2026 session as of this publication. Legislative focus has been on government procurement and the use of aerial data by the insurance industry.

HR 817: House Study Committee on Foreign-Adversary Drones

HR 817 (2025-26) proposed a committee to study security risks from drones made by entities in foreign adversary nations. This reflects a national trend, including federal restrictions like NDAA FY2020 Section 848, which bars federal agencies from using certain Chinese-made drones. As of March 2026, HR 817 was withdrawn and recommitted (openstates.org/ga/bills/2025_26/HR817/). If it reemerges, it could impact which drones Georgia state and local agencies can purchase.

SB 409: Insurers' Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act

SB 409 (2025-26) aims to regulate how insurance companies use aerial imagery in underwriting and claims processing. This bill is part of a larger conversation about data privacy and transparency in the growing field of "insurtech." As of March 2026, the bill was in House Second Readers (openstates.org/ga/bills/2025_26/SB409/). If passed, it could create new compliance duties for drone operators who provide data to insurers.

HB 1344: Georgia Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act

HB 1344 (2025-26) is a broad insurance reform bill that may also touch on the use of aerial imagery in claims. The bill was sent to the Governor in April 2026 (openstates.org/ga/bills/2025_26/HB1344/). For its current status and specific provisions, consult the Georgia General Assembly website or the Georgia Department of Insurance.

Practical Takeaway

The recent legislative session did not produce new general flight restrictions for private operators. The focus remains on data use and government security. Operators working in insurance or government contracting should continue to monitor these legislative trends.

Next Steps and Who to Contact in Georgia

Step 1: Register your drone with the FAA Visit faadronezone.faa.gov. This is required for any drone weighing 0.55 lbs or more.

Step 2: Get the right certification

• Recreational: Complete the free FAA TRUST test.
• Commercial: Schedule and pass the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Georgia testing centers are operated by PSI and CATS. Contact them directly to confirm locations and fees.

Step 3: Check airspace before every flight Use the FAA B4UFLY app or an FAA-approved LAANC provider. Obtain LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace.

Step 4: Review Georgia-specific restrictions Confirm your flight plan does not violate state laws regarding surveillance (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62) or flights over correctional facilities (O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18).

Step 5: Monitor relevant legislation If you work in the insurance sector, monitor the status of SB 409 at legis.ga.gov.

Key Contacts

FAA Atlanta Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) For regulatory questions, enforcement, and certificate actions. Contact: faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/atl FAA UAS Hotline: 1-844-FLY-MY-UA (1-844-359-6982)