Drone Regulations in Kentucky: 2024 Rules & Requirements

Yes, drones are legal in Kentucky for both recreational and commercial use. Operations fall under two regulatory layers: FAA federal rules governing airspace and aircraft, and Kentucky state statutes governing privacy, criminal liability, and flight locations.

Quick Answer: Are Drones Legal in Kentucky?

Drones are legal to fly in Kentucky. Here's a brief overview of what you need to know before your first flight:

Recreational flyers must pass the FAA's free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), register any drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs on FAA DroneZone ($5 fee), and follow community-based safety guidelines. Kentucky does not have a state-level recreational permit.

Commercial flyers must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 107. Kentucky does not issue a separate state commercial drone license, but state privacy law still applies to every flight.

Government and law enforcement operators face the strictest rules under Kentucky's Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (HB 22, 2018 Kentucky Acts ch. 26). This act generally requires a warrant before using a drone to surveil a person or private property.

In addition to FAA rules, Kentucky state law adds three major restrictions that apply regardless of your operator type:

• Surveillance of private individuals without consent is prohibited (HB 22, 2018, new section of KRS Chapter 500).
• Flying over correctional facilities is a criminal offense (SB 157, 2019 Kentucky Acts ch. 061).
• Weaponizing a drone is prohibited (KRS Chapter 500 new section).

Evidence collected by drone in violation of the surveillance statute is inadmissible in Kentucky courts (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22).

Operator Type Comparison

Kentucky State Drone Laws: Statutes You Must Know

Kentucky's primary drone legislation comes from two bills. HB 22 (2018 Kentucky Acts ch. 26) is the foundational law. SB 157 (2019 Kentucky Acts ch. 061) added correctional facility restrictions and related penalties.

Definition of "Unmanned Aircraft System"

HB 22 amended KRS 446.010 to define "unmanned aircraft system" for Kentucky law. This definition anchors all other state drone statutes. If your aircraft fits the definition, all subsequent prohibitions apply.

Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act

The new section of KRS Chapter 500 created by HB 22 is the core of Kentucky drone privacy law. It prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of:

• An individual in a private space where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
• Private property without the owner's consent.
• Any person in a manner that would constitute harassment or stalking under Kentucky law.

"Surveillance" under the statute means intentional observation, photographing, videotaping, or otherwise recording a person or their property. This definition means a real estate photographer shooting a listed property with owner consent is not conducting prohibited surveillance. A hobbyist hovering over a neighbor's backyard to see what they are doing is.

Exceptions to the prohibition (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22) include:

• Law enforcement acting under a valid warrant.
• Search and rescue operations.
• FAA-authorized operations where surveillance is incidental.
• Agricultural monitoring of crops or livestock on property the operator owns or has permission to access.

Evidence exclusion rule: Any footage, images, or data collected by drone in violation of the Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act is inadmissible in any Kentucky criminal or civil proceeding (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22).

Criminal Liability for Drone-Facilitated Offenses

HB 22 created a new section of KRS Chapter 501 clarifying that existing criminal offenses, including harassment, stalking, and voyeurism, apply when committed using a drone. An operator cannot avoid a stalking charge by arguing they were physically distant from the victim while the drone was not. The drone is treated as an extension of the operator for criminal liability purposes.

Obstructing an Emergency Responder

HB 22 also created a new section of KRS Chapter 525 establishing the offense of obstructing an emergency responder by drone. Flying a drone in a manner that interferes with firefighting aircraft, medical helicopters, or other emergency response operations is a criminal offense.

SB 157 (2019): Correctional Facility No-Fly Zones

SB 157 (2019 Kentucky Acts ch. 061) added specific prohibitions on flying drones over Kentucky state correctional facilities and jails. The bill was classified under Corrections and Correctional Facilities and Crimes and Punishments subjects. For exact penalty tiers, including whether a violation is a Class A misdemeanor or a felony and the specific fine amounts, consult the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC) at legislature.ky.gov or the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The prohibition is criminal, not merely regulatory.

FAA Federal Requirements That Apply in Kentucky

Federal law governs the airspace above Kentucky. The state cannot override FAA jurisdiction over navigable airspace. All operators must satisfy federal requirements in addition to state statutes.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Any drone operation that is not purely recreational requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. "Commercial" is interpreted broadly: if you are being paid, if your employer benefits, or if you are using footage for business purposes, you need Part 107.

Eligibility requirements under 14 CFR Part 107.12:

• Age 16 or older.
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center.
• Complete TSA security vetting.
• Self-certify that you have no medical condition that would interfere with safe operation.

Recurrency: Part 107 certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training course through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) every 24 calendar months to remain current.

Recreational Flyer Requirements

Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, recreational flyers must:

• Pass the free TRUST test through an FAA-approved test administrator.
• Register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs on FAA DroneZone ($5 fee, valid 3 years).
• Follow community-based safety guidelines from an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
• Fly only for hobby or recreational purposes.

Remote ID

The FAA Remote ID Rule (14 CFR Parts 47, 48, 89, and 91) became fully enforceable on March 16, 2024. Every drone operated in US airspace, including Kentucky, must broadcast Remote ID unless flown within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Remote ID broadcasts your drone's location, altitude, speed, and a unique identifier in real time. If your drone does not have built-in Remote ID, you must attach a Remote ID broadcast module.

Standard Operating Limits

Under 14 CFR Part 107, unless you hold a waiver:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
• Visual line of sight required at all times.
• Daylight or civil twilight operations only (with anti-collision lighting at twilight).
• No flight over moving vehicles or people without a waiver.
• No flight from a moving vehicle.

Airspace Authorization in Kentucky

Kentucky has controlled airspace around several airports. Before flying near:

• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF): Class C airspace, LAANC authorization required.
• Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX): Class C airspace, LAANC authorization required.
• Smaller regional airports: Class D airspace, check via FAA B4UFLY app before every flight.

Use the FAA B4UFLY app or SkyVector to check current airspace classifications and active Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before each flight. LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) provides near-real-time authorization for controlled airspace through apps like AirMap, Kittyhawk, or Aloft.

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas in Kentucky

Correctional Facilities

SB 157 (2019 Kentucky Acts ch. 061) prohibits drone flight over Kentucky state correctional facilities. This applies to all operators, including commercial pilots with Part 107 certificates. If you are unsure whether a facility qualifies, treat it as prohibited and consult the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

Mammoth Cave National Park

The National Park Service prohibits drone launch, landing, and operation within Mammoth Cave National Park under 36 CFR 1.5 closure orders. NPS can issue site-specific closures, and Mammoth Cave has done so. A permit from the park superintendent is required for any drone operation, including commercial filming. Contact Mammoth Cave National Park directly to verify current permit availability and conditions.

Fort Knox

Fort Knox involves restricted military airspace. Consult the FAA sectional chart for the area and check NOTAMs before any flight in the vicinity. Do not attempt to fly near military installation boundaries without confirming airspace status through official FAA tools.

Stadiums and Sporting Events

Under 14 CFR 91.145, drone flight is prohibited within 3 nautical miles of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more during a Major League Baseball, NFL, NCAA Division I football game, or NASCAR race, from one hour before to one hour after the event. This applies to Louisville and Lexington venues hosting qualifying events.

Temporary Flight Restrictions

Kentucky experiences TFRs due to emergency declarations, VIP movements, and wildfire response. Check the FAA NOTAM system at notams.faa.gov before every flight. TFRs can appear with short notice and carry serious penalties for violation.

Kentucky State Parks

The Kentucky Department of Parks has administrative policies governing drone use in state parks. A formal permit system may exist with designated launch areas. Because specific fee structures and current permit requirements were not confirmed in the source material, contact the Kentucky Department of Parks directly at parks.ky.gov to verify current rules before flying in any state park.

Commercial Drone Operations in Kentucky: Permits, Fees & Timelines

What Kentucky Requires (and Does Not Require)

Kentucky does not have a statewide commercial drone operator permit separate from FAA Part 107 certification. Your Part 107 certificate is the primary credential. However, local municipalities may impose additional requirements for commercial operations in public spaces.

Operator Requirements Comparison Table

Local Permits: Louisville and Lexington

Some Kentucky cities may require additional permits for commercial drone filming or operations in public spaces. Louisville Metro Government and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government may have local ordinances that apply. Because specific current ordinance text was not confirmed in the source material, check directly with:

• Louisville Metro Government: louisvilleky.gov
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government: lexingtonky.gov

Confirm local rules before any paid shoot in a public park, street, or city-owned property.

Agricultural Drone Operations

Kentucky HR 69 (2022RS) urged the FAA to update its administrative regulations for agricultural unmanned aircraft systems. This was a resolution, not binding law, and it does not change current FAA rules. Agricultural drone operations in Kentucky fall under standard Part 107 rules. For operations that exceed Part 107 limits, such as flying beyond visual line of sight for crop scouting, a Part 107 waiver under 14 CFR Part 107.200 is required. Consult the FAA's Southern Region office or the Kentucky Farm Bureau for current guidance on ag-specific waivers.

Part 107 Timeline

A realistic timeline from decision to first legal commercial flight:

• Study time: 2 to 4 weeks (using FAA study materials or a prep course).
• Schedule and take knowledge test: 1 to 2 weeks to get an appointment at a testing center.
• FAA certificate issuance after passing: 1 to 3 weeks.
• Total: approximately 4 to 9 weeks from start to certificate in hand.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Law Enforcement Drone Rules

Scope of the Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act

The Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22, 2018 Kentucky Acts ch. 26) applies to everyone: private individuals, businesses, and government actors including law enforcement. A private investigator, a journalist, and a hobbyist are all subject to the same prohibition on surveilling individuals in private spaces.

Law Enforcement Requirements

Law enforcement agencies in Kentucky must obtain a valid warrant before using a drone to surveil a person or their private property in most circumstances. The warrant requirement tracks Fourth Amendment doctrine as reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court in Carpenter v. United States, 585 U.S. 296 (2018), which established that prolonged digital surveillance requires a warrant. Kentucky's statute codifies a similar protection at the state level.

Recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement under the statute include:

• Exigent circumstances (imminent threat to life).
• Active search and rescue operations.
• Monitoring of public spaces where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists.

Evidence Exclusion

Any drone footage or data collected in violation of the Act is inadmissible in Kentucky criminal and civil proceedings (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22). Law enforcement agencies that collect surveillance footage without a warrant face having that evidence suppressed. Private litigants who use drone footage obtained in violation of the statute cannot introduce it in civil court.

Because the source material does not confirm any published Kentucky appellate court opinions applying this Act, consult a Kentucky attorney for the current state of case law if you are involved in a dispute where this statute is relevant.

What "Surveillance" Means for Hobbyists and Professionals

The practical line for non-law-enforcement operators:

• Real estate photography of a listed property with the seller's consent: not prohibited surveillance.
• Journalism covering a public event from public airspace: generally not prohibited, but avoid directing the camera at individuals in private spaces.
• Hobbyist flying over a neighborhood: keep the camera pointed away from private backyards and windows; do not hover over a specific person's property.
• Drone-facilitated harassment or stalking: prosecuted under the new section of KRS Chapter 501 (HB 22), with the drone treated as an extension of the operator.

A practical rule: if you would need to look through someone's fence or window to see what you are filming, your drone should not be filming it either.

Next Steps: How to Fly Legally in Kentucky & Who to Contact

Pre-Flight Compliance Checklist

1. Register your drone on FAA DroneZone (https://faadronezone.faa.gov) if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs. Cost: $5.
2. Get certified: Pass the TRUST test (recreational) or Part 107 knowledge test (commercial). Carry proof of certification on every flight.
3. Verify Remote ID compliance: Confirm your drone has built-in Remote ID or attach a broadcast module.
4. Check airspace: Open FAA B4UFLY or SkyVector before every flight. Request LAANC authorization if flying near Louisville SDF or Lexington LEX.
5. Check for TFRs: Review the FAA NOTAM system at notams.faa.gov the day of your flight.
6. Verify no local permits are needed: If flying commercially in Louisville or Lexington public spaces, confirm with the relevant city government.
7. Review the Kentucky surveillance statute: Confirm your planned operation does not involve recording individuals in private spaces without consent (KRS Chapter 500 new section, HB 22).
8. Confirm you are not near a correctional facility or Mammoth Cave NP.
9. Fly.

Key Contacts

FAA DroneZone https://faadronezone.faa.gov Use for: drone registration, Part 107 certificate application, LAANC authorization.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Aviation Contact via the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at transportation.ky.gov. The Office of Aviation handles state-level aviation matters. Verify current contact details and any state-level drone oversight role directly at that URL.

FAA Southern Region (covers Kentucky) Consult the FAA's Southern Region office for airspace questions, waiver applications, and enforcement matters. Contact information is available at faa.gov.

Kentucky Department of Parks parks.ky.gov — for state park drone permit requirements.

Mammoth Cave National Park nps.gov/maca — for filming permits and drone authorization.

Reporting a Violation For FAA rule violations (airspace, Remote ID, registration): contact the FAA at 1-800-835-5322. For Kentucky state statute violations (surveillance, correctional facility overflight): contact local law enforcement or the Kentucky State Police.

When to Consult an Attorney

Get legal advice before proceeding if you are:

• Operating commercially at scale and unsure whether your operations require local permits.
• Involved in a dispute where drone footage is being offered or challenged as evidence under the Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (KRS Chapter 500 new section).
• Applying for a Part 107 waiver for complex operations such as beyond visual line of sight or flight over people.
• A law enforcement agency developing a drone program and need to structure warrant procedures under the Act.

The Kentucky Bar Association's lawyer referral service can connect you with an aviation or privacy attorney: kybar.org.