Drone Regulations in Louisiana: 2024 Guide

Federal FAA rules and Louisiana state statutes apply to every drone flight in Louisiana. Operators must comply with both.

Quick Answer: Are Drones Regulated in Louisiana?

Yes. Drone operations in Louisiana are regulated by both federal and state law. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs airspace, while Louisiana state law governs drone use on the ground and over specific locations.

The following rules apply before you fly:

Federal Layer: 14 CFR Part 107 governs all commercial UAS operations. If you are compensated for flying, Part 107 applies. Recreational flyers operate under 49 U.S.C. 44809 and must follow safety guidelines from an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).

State Layer: Louisiana Act 328 of 2021 (enrolled from HB 587) is the primary state UAS statute. It established the Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee and created a framework for state-level drone regulation (Louisiana Act 328, 2021 / HB 587).

Key areas regulated by state law include:

• Operations near correctional facilities, the state capitol, or critical infrastructure
• Use of a drone for surveillance of private property
• Interference with active law enforcement operations

Pending Change: HB 940, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, proposes adding criminal penalties for certain unlawful UAS uses. As of April 2026, it was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary (OpenStates, Louisiana HB 940, 2026).

Louisiana State Drone Laws: Key Statutes Explained

Louisiana's aviation laws are located in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 2. Act 328 of 2021 (HB 587) added UAS-specific provisions to this framework.

What Act 328 (2021) Actually Did

Act 328 established the Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee and defined the scope of state authority over UAS operations. It focused on uses and locations of state concern, such as prisons, critical infrastructure, privacy, and law enforcement operations. The act did not replicate FAA airspace regulations.

Consult the Louisiana Legislature's enrolled text of HB 587 (Act 328, 2021) for the exact RS section numbers created or amended.

Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee

Act 328 created the Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee to advise the state on UAS policy and coordinate between state agencies (Louisiana Act 328, 2021 / HB 587). For current membership, meeting schedules, and any published recommendations, contact the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), Aviation Section.

State Preemption vs. Local Authority

Whether Louisiana municipalities and parishes can enact stricter drone ordinances is a key question for operators. The text of Act 328 addresses the scope of state authority. However, operators must verify the specific preemption language in the enrolled bill and any subsequent DOTD guidance to determine if local ordinances are displaced. Before flying commercially in public spaces, check with local parish or city planning offices.

Prohibited Operations Under State Law

State law addresses UAS operations over or near sensitive locations. Operators must consult the enrolled text of Act 328 and relevant sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes for specific prohibitions, which may include operations near:

• Correctional facilities: Prisons, jails, or detention centers.
• Critical infrastructure: The statute defines which facilities, such as pipelines, refineries, and power plants, are included. Consult the law for the precise definition.
• Active law enforcement operations: Flying in a way that interferes with an active law enforcement scene.
• State capitol grounds: Operations may be restricted.

Privacy Restrictions

Using a drone to surveil private property or individuals without consent is addressed in the state UAS statute. Such use may also implicate other state laws, such as criminal trespass statutes. Operators conducting observation, photography, or data collection over private property should obtain consent or legal advice.

Penalties

Violations of state UAS law can carry civil or criminal penalties, depending on the specific prohibition. Consult the enrolled text of Act 328 and Louisiana RS Title 14 for specific penalty classifications. If passed, HB 940 (2026) would likely expand criminal penalties for UAS misuse.

FAA Requirements That Apply in Louisiana

Federal rules apply uniformly across the United States, with no Louisiana-specific exemptions.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Any UAS operation for compensation or hire requires the operator to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). To obtain one:

1. Pass the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center.
2. Apply through the FAA DroneZone portal.
3. Pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security vetting.

The certificate does not expire, but a recurrent knowledge test is required every 24 months to maintain currency (14 CFR Part 107).

Drone Registration

Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA (14 CFR Part 48). The fee is $5, and the registration is valid for three years. Register at FAA DroneZone. The registration number must be marked on the exterior of the drone.

LAANC: Flying Near Louisiana Airports

Controlled airspace around Louisiana's airports requires pre-flight authorization. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides automated authorization for operations at or below pre-approved altitudes. Key Louisiana airports with LAANC coverage include:

• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY): Class B airspace
• Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR): Class C airspace
• Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV): Class C airspace
• Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT): Class D airspace

Use a LAANC-enabled application to request authorization. Operations above pre-approved altitudes require a manual FAA Part 107 waiver.

Remote ID

As of March 2024, FAA Remote ID rules are fully enforceable. Drones required to register must broadcast identification and location data during flight. Drones can comply with either built-in Standard Remote ID or an attached Remote ID broadcast module. Flying without compliant Remote ID is a violation of federal regulations.

Standard Operating Limits

Under 14 CFR Part 107, the following limits apply unless the operator holds a specific waiver:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
• Visual line of sight must be maintained at all times
• Daylight and civil twilight operations only (anti-collision lighting required for twilight)
• No flight over people or moving vehicles
• No operations from a moving vehicle

Planning Tools

• B4UFLY app: FAA's official pre-flight airspace check tool
• FAA DroneZone: Registration, waivers, and certificate management
• SkyVector: Sectional chart review for Louisiana airspace
• LAANC Providers (e.g., Aloft): Authorization requests

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Airspace in Louisiana

Controlled Airspace Around Airports

Any flight in Class B (MSY), Class C (BTR, SHV), or Class D (LFT and others) airspace requires prior authorization via LAANC or an FAA waiver. Check FAA sectional charts for the exact dimensions of each airport's airspace.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs are common in Louisiana due to events like Mardi Gras, major sporting events at the Caesars Superdome, VIP visits, and disaster response operations. Check the FAA's TFR list at tfr.faa.gov before every flight.

National Parks and Wildlife Refuges

The National Park Service (NPS) prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones within its managed areas (36 CFR 1.5). This ban applies at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Kisatchie National Forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which has its own policies; contact the forest supervisor's office for local restrictions.

State-Law No-Fly Zones

Under Louisiana state law, UAS operations may be prohibited or restricted near the following locations, regardless of FAA authorization:

• Correctional facilities and detention centers
• Critical infrastructure (as defined by statute)
• State capitol grounds
• Active law enforcement operations

Consult the text of Act 328 (2021) for specific rules.

Military Airspace: Barksdale and Fort Johnson

Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City and Fort Johnson in central Louisiana are associated with restricted airspace and Military Operations Areas (MOAs). These areas are depicted on FAA sectional charts. Do not fly in or near these areas without confirming current airspace status and adhering to all restrictions.

Oil and Gas Infrastructure

Louisiana's industrial corridor contains numerous refineries, LNG terminals, and offshore support facilities. While FAA airspace may be open, Louisiana state law restricts UAS operations over designated critical infrastructure. Operators hired for aerial work near energy facilities must verify compliance with both FAA and state law.

Permit Fees, Timelines, and Requirements at a Glance

Notes on the table:

• The Part 107 knowledge test fee is set by the testing vendor (e.g., PSI, CATS), not the FAA. Confirm the price before scheduling.
• LAANC authorization above pre-approved grid altitudes requires a manual FAA Part 107 waiver.
• Consult the Louisiana DOTD Aviation Section to confirm if any state-level UAS operating permits are required.
• Parish and municipal permit requirements for commercial operations on public property vary by jurisdiction.

What Changed Recently: Louisiana Drone Law Updates

HB 940 (2026 Legislative Session)

HB 940 was introduced to establish criminal penalties for the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system. As of April 2, 2026, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary and had not advanced further (OpenStates, Louisiana HB 940, 2026). Track the bill's status at the Louisiana Legislature's website (legis.la.gov) or via OpenStates.

FAA Remote ID Enforcement (March 2024)

The FAA began full enforcement of its Remote ID rule in March 2024. Louisiana pilots must ensure their aircraft are compliant via built-in broadcast capability or an attached broadcast module to avoid FAA enforcement action.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63) includes provisions affecting UAS operations nationwide, including frameworks for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. Louisiana operators involved in infrastructure inspection should monitor FAA rulemaking that implements these provisions.

Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee Activity

The Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee was established by Act 328 in 2021 (Louisiana Act 328, 2021 / HB 587). For information on committee recommendations, guidance, or proposed rules since its formation, contact the Louisiana DOTD's Aviation Section.

Next Steps: How to Fly Legally in Louisiana

Pre-Flight Checklist

1. Register your drone at FAA DroneZone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (14 CFR Part 48).
2. Obtain a Part 107 certificate if flying commercially (14 CFR Part 107).
3. Confirm Remote ID compliance before flight.
4. Check airspace using B4UFLY or a LAANC provider and obtain authorization if required.
5. Check for active TFRs at tfr.faa.gov on the day of the flight.
6. Verify state-law restrictions by consulting the text of Act 328 (2021) and other relevant statutes, especially if operating near correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, or the state capitol.
7. Check local parish or municipal requirements if operating commercially on public property.

Key Contacts

FAA Southern Region Handles Louisiana airspace matters and Part 107 enforcement. Website: faa.gov/about/office_org/regions/southern

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), Aviation Section State aeronautics authority and contact for the Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee. Website: dotd.la.gov

Local Parish/City Planning Offices Contact for local permits for commercial filming or events on public property.

Key Tools

• FAA DroneZone: faa.gov/uas
• B4UFLY App: FAA's airspace tool
• LAANC Providers: Aloft, etc.
• SkyVector: Sectional charts
• Louisiana Legislature Bill Tracker: legis.la.gov
• OpenStates: openstates.org/la/bills/2026/HB940/
• FAA TFR Listings: tfr.faa.gov

Operators conducting complex commercial flights, such as those near critical infrastructure or BVLOS, should consider consulting an aviation attorney to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations.