Michigan Drone Regulations: Rules Every Pilot Must Know

Federal FAA rules apply in Michigan, supplemented by state-level conduct restrictions in 2016 PA 436 (MCL 259.301–259.331). A significant package of drone-related bills is pending in the 2025–2026 legislative session and could materially change state law.

Quick Answer: Drone Rules in Michigan at a Glance

Federal baseline (applies in all 50 states):

• Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (faa.gov/uas)
• Recreational flyers must hold a TRUST certificate and follow community-based safety guidelines (49 U.S.C. § 44809)
• Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107)
• Stay below 400 ft AGL and out of controlled airspace without authorization

Michigan-specific overlay:

• Michigan's primary drone statute is 2016 PA 436, codified at MCL 259.301–259.331 (the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act)
• State law preempts local ordinances: cities, counties, and townships cannot enact drone rules that conflict with or are more restrictive than state law (MCL 259.303)
• No separate Michigan commercial drone license exists
• Key prohibited uses under state law: surveilling individuals without consent, flying over correctional facilities, interfering with emergency operations

Legislative alert: Michigan introduced a significant package of UAS bills in the 2025–2026 session, including proposals to allow drone destruction near critical infrastructure and to restrict government drone procurement. While none have passed, HB 5332 has advanced further than the others. Read the Recent Changes section before planning any commercial or government-adjacent operations.

Michigan State Drone Law: What MCL 259.301–259.331 Actually Says

Michigan's primary drone statute, 2016 PA 436, supplements federal FAA rules by regulating conduct and specific uses within the state.

Scope and Preemption

MCL 259.303 establishes state authority to regulate UAS operations. It contains a preemption clause barring local governments from enacting ordinances that conflict with or are more restrictive than state law. This means pilots do not need to research a patchwork of city or county drone ordinances. An ordinance banning drones in a public park is likely unenforceable if it conflicts with state law. However, property owners may still prohibit drone takeoff and landing on their land.

Airspace regulation is an exclusive federal domain (49 U.S.C. § 40103). Michigan law regulates drone use, including proximity to certain facilities and data collection.

Prohibited Operations

The statute explicitly prohibits several categories of operation. Consult the Michigan Legislature's enrolled text of 2016 PA 436 for exact section numbers on each prohibition, as section numbering in the codified MCL can differ from the enrolled act. The prohibitions include:

• Flying over or near correctional facilities
• Using drones to surveil hunters or fishers
• Interfering with first responders or emergency operations
• Capturing images of individuals in private spaces without consent

Privacy Protections

Michigan's UAS statute adds privacy restrictions not found in FAA regulations. Using a drone to photograph or record a person in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without their consent, is prohibited. Consult MCL 259.301–259.331 for the specific privacy provisions, and consult an aviation attorney if your operation involves aerial photography of identifiable individuals.

Definitions

MCL 259.301 defines "unmanned aircraft system" to include the aircraft, the control station, and the data link between them. This broad definition means the statute covers the full operational system, not just the airframe.

Penalties

Violations of 2016 PA 436 can result in civil and criminal penalties. Consult the statute for the current penalty schedule. Criminal penalties can apply to intentional violations such as surveilling individuals without consent or flying over a correctional facility.

Where You Cannot Fly: No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas in Michigan

Controlled Airspace Around Major Airports

These Michigan airports generate controlled airspace that requires authorization before you fly within it:

Use the FAA's B4UFLY app or the LAANC system (available through approved UAS Service Suppliers) to check airspace and request real-time authorization.

Michigan State Parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) regulates drone use on state-managed lands. Many state parks restrict or prohibit drone operations to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Verify permit requirements and current rules directly with the MDNR at michigan.gov/dnr before flying in any state park. Do not assume a park is open to drone use without checking.

Correctional Facilities

Flying over Michigan correctional facilities is prohibited by 2016 PA 436 and carries criminal penalties. Maintain a wide buffer around these facilities.

Critical Infrastructure

Power plants, water treatment facilities, and similar infrastructure have heightened restrictions under existing law. Proposed HB 5325 (2025–2026) would allow destruction of drones flying in violation of critical infrastructure guidelines. Treat these sites as no-fly zones unless you have explicit authorization.

Temporary Flight Restrictions

TFRs are issued for sporting events, presidential movements, and wildfires. Check NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) at notams.faa.gov or through your flight planning app before every flight. TFR violations are federal offenses under 14 CFR Part 91 and Part 99.

Proposed No Drone Zone Signage

HB 5324 (2025–2026) would add Section 29 to MCL 259.301–259.331 and create an official standardized "No Drone Zone" sign for use across Michigan. The bill has been referred to second reading and is not yet law. Monitor legislature.mi.gov for status.

Permit Fees, Registration, and Certification: Costs and Timelines Compared

Michigan does not charge a separate state drone registration fee or issue a state pilot license. All costs are federal or agency-specific.

Part 107 waiver note: Waivers for operations like night flight or flight over people are free to apply for under 14 CFR Part 107.200, but FAA review can take 90 days or longer.

What Changed Recently: Michigan's 2025–2026 Drone Legislation Package

Michigan's Legislature introduced a coordinated package of UAS bills in the 2025–2026 session. Most amend 2016 PA 436 (MCL 259.301–259.331), while HB 5329 amends the Management and Budget Act (MCL 18.1101–18.1594). None are yet law, but operators should monitor their progress.

HB 5332: Public Agency Drone Procurement Restrictions (Most Advanced)

HB 5332 would add Section 6 to MCL 259.301–259.331 and prohibit public agencies from purchasing or using drones from manufacturers on restricted lists. It is tied to HB 5330. HB 5332 has reached "recommendation concurred in" status, making it the furthest along in the package. Law enforcement and government UAS programs should monitor this bill closely.

HB 5330: Cybersecurity and Data Protection Requirements

HB 5330 would add Section 16 to MCL 259.301–259.331 and impose cybersecurity and data protection obligations on drone operators. Status: referred to second reading.

HB 5329: State Funds Prohibition on Certain Drone Purchases

HB 5329 amends MCL 18.1101–18.1594 by adding Section 261g, prohibiting use of state funds to purchase drones from certain countries or manufacturers. It is tied to HB 5330. Status: referred to second reading.

HB 5328: State Government Drones Must Follow Federal Restricted Drone List

HB 5328 would add Section 10 to MCL 259.301–259.331, requiring state government drones to comply with the federal restricted drone list. Status: referred to second reading. To determine which manufacturers are on the federal restricted drone list, consult the relevant federal agency.

HB 5325: Drone Destruction Near Critical Infrastructure

HB 5325 would add Section 8a to MCL 259.301–259.331, authorizing destruction of drones flying in violation of critical infrastructure guidelines. Status: referred to second reading. If enacted, a drone could be legally destroyed for a violation.

HB 5326: Drone Destruction for FAA Guideline Violations

HB 5326 would add Section 8 to MCL 259.301–259.331, authorizing destruction of drones flying in violation of FAA guidelines. Status: referred to second reading.

HB 5324: Official No Drone Zone Signage

HB 5324 would add Section 29 to MCL 259.301–259.331, creating a standardized official "No Drone Zone" sign for Michigan. Status: referred to second reading.

Where to track all bills: legislature.mi.gov and openstates.org/mi/

Special Use Cases: Commercial, Law Enforcement, and Government Drone Operations

Commercial Operators

FAA Part 107 is the governing framework. Michigan adds no separate commercial license, but state conduct laws under MCL 259.301–259.331 apply to every flight. A Part 107 certificate does not exempt an operator from Michigan's privacy restrictions or facility prohibitions.

News Media and Journalism

No press exemption exists under Michigan law. Commercial newsgathering requires a Part 107 certificate, and aerial photography of individuals in private spaces triggers Michigan's privacy provisions.

Agricultural UAS

Part 107 applies to commercial agricultural drone operations. If a drone is applying pesticides, consult the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for rules governing aerial pesticide application. Verify with MDARD whether UAS-specific certification is required before any spraying operation.

Law Enforcement Drones

Michigan law enforcement agencies operate under 2016 PA 436. Proposed HB 5332 would restrict public agency drone procurement. Agencies using potentially affected platforms should consult