Ohio Drone Regulations: Rules, Permits & Laws (2025)

Ohio drone operators must follow federal FAA rules and state laws. Ohio's HB 77 (135th General Assembly) sets state operational rules. No separate state drone license is required beyond FAA certification, but operators must follow both sets of regulations.

Quick Answer: Are Drones Regulated in Ohio?

Yes, on two levels.

Federal rules from the FAA apply to every drone operator in Ohio. State rules under Ohio HB 77 (135th General Assembly, which concurred in Senate amendments in December 2024) add restrictions on top of federal requirements.

The compliance landscape breaks down by operator type:

• Recreational versus commercial use determines the FAA compliance path, but HB 77 applies to both.
• Ohio does not require a separate state drone license. A valid Part 107 certificate meets the state's operator credentialing threshold for commercial flight.
• Some Ohio municipalities have local drone ordinances. While FAA preemption limits local regulation of airspace, rules regarding ground-level activity like trespass or nuisance may apply. Review local codes before flying in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

Ohio State Drone Law: What HB 77 Actually Requires

Ohio HB 77 (135th General Assembly) is the state's primary statute governing drone operations. The bill concurred in Senate amendments in December 2024. For the specific Ohio Revised Code (ORC) sections created or amended, consult the enrolled bill text at the Ohio Legislature's website or contact the ODOT Office of Aviation.

Scope and Coverage

HB 77 applies to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations conducted within Ohio's borders. The law covers out-of-state operators flying in Ohio.

Prohibited Flight Zones Under Ohio Law

HB 77 addresses drone operations over or near certain categories of sensitive locations. The legislation's subject matter suggests these may include correctional facilities and critical infrastructure. For a definitive list of prohibited locations and any associated altitude or distance restrictions, operators must consult the final text of HB 77 or seek guidance from the ODOT Office of Aviation.

Privacy Restrictions

HB 77 contains provisions related to privacy and the use of drones for surveillance. The FAA does not regulate privacy, making this a distinct state-level obligation. To understand the specific prohibitions against using a drone to surveil private property without consent, consult the enrolled bill text.

Penalties

Violations of HB 77 can result in civil or criminal penalties. The classification of an offense and the associated fines depend on the nature of the violation. For the current penalty schedule, consult the Ohio Revised Code sections established by the bill or an Ohio aviation attorney.

FAA Preemption

Federal preemption doctrine limits a state's authority to regulate airspace. The FAA maintains exclusive jurisdiction over airspace safety and management. State laws like HB 77 are typically structured to regulate ground-level security and privacy interests to avoid conflict with federal authority. If a state rule appears to conflict with an FAA authorization, consult an aviation attorney.

FAA Requirements Ohio Drone Pilots Must Meet

These federal requirements apply to all drone flights in Ohio.

FAA Drone Registration

Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA before its first flight. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. The registration number must be marked on the exterior of the aircraft. Register at the FAA DroneZone portal.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Commercial drone operations require the pilot-in-command to hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, governed by 14 CFR Part 107. To obtain the certificate, an applicant must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test, complete TSA security vetting, and apply through the FAA's IACRA system. The certificate must be renewed through recurrent training or testing every 24 months. Part 107 rules also govern operations, including maintaining visual line of sight and flying at or below 400 feet AGL.

Recreational Flyer Rules

Hobbyists operate under 49 U.S.C. § 44809. Requirements include:

• Completing the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), which is free and available online.
• Flying within visual line of sight.
• Staying below 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace.
• Obtaining LAANC authorization when flying in controlled airspace near airports.

LAANC and B4UFLY in Ohio

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides automated airspace authorization for controlled airspace. In Ohio, LAANC is available at airports including Columbus (CMH), Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), and Dayton Wright Brothers (DAY). Verify the current list of participating Ohio airports on the FAA's website. Use the B4UFLY mobile app to check airspace status before every flight.

Waivers and Special Authorizations

Operations outside standard Part 107 rules, such as night flying or flights over people, require an FAA waiver or authorization. Applying for a manual waiver under 14 CFR Part 107, Subpart D can take 90 days or more.

Remote ID Compliance

Under 14 CFR Part 89, drones must broadcast identification and location information during flight unless operated within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA). Most drones sold after September 2023 have this capability built-in. Older aircraft may require a separate Remote ID broadcast module. This is a federal rule with no state exemption.

Law Enforcement & Government Drone Use in Ohio

Public agencies in Ohio must follow the same FAA rules as private operators, typically by operating under Part 107 or a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). They also face additional legal constraints.

Current Ohio Rules on Law Enforcement Drone Surveillance

Law enforcement use of drones for surveillance is subject to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and related state protections. While no Ohio statute specifically codifies a warrant requirement for all drone surveillance, general constitutional principles apply. For guidance on how existing surveillance laws apply to drone operations, public agencies should consult the Ohio Attorney General's office and legal counsel.

HB 251 (136th GA): Pending Law Enforcement Drone Legislation

Ohio HB 251 (136th General Assembly) proposes specific rules for drone use by law enforcement and near aviation facilities. According to an April 15, 2026, update, the bill has been referred to committee. Public agencies should monitor the bill's status at the Ohio Legislature's website before finalizing drone policies.

Public Records Obligations

Drone footage collected by Ohio government agencies is generally considered a public record under the Ohio Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43). Unless a specific exemption applies, such as for records in an active criminal investigation, the footage is subject to disclosure upon request.

What Changed Recently: 2024–2025 Ohio Drone Legislation

HB 77 (135th GA) — Concurred in Senate Amendments December 2024

This bill establishes Ohio's first comprehensive UAV operational statute. It addresses topics including prohibited flight zones and privacy. For the effective date and specific ORC sections, consult the enrolled bill text at the Ohio Legislature's website.

HB 251 (136th GA) — Law Enforcement Drone Use

This bill addresses law enforcement drone operations. As of April 15, 2026, it has been referred to committee and has not advanced.

HB 317 and SB 180 (136th GA) — Foreign-Made Drone Restrictions

These companion bills would prohibit Ohio public entities from purchasing drones made by "covered foreign entities." As of March 2026, both bills have been referred to committee. For the specific definition of "covered foreign entity," consult the bill text. If passed, this legislation would affect procurement for government agencies and vendors who supply them.

HR 304 (136th GA) — Advanced Air Mobility Resolution

Adopted by the Ohio House, this resolution signals legislative support for Ohio's participation in the FAA's advanced air mobility framework. It is a policy statement, not an operational rule.

Federal Context: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63) includes provisions affecting UAS integration, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and Remote ID. FAA rulemaking under this authority will shape future operational requirements for all Ohio drone pilots.

Ohio Drone Permit Fees, Timelines & Airspace Zones: Comparison Table

Fees and Processing Times

Knowledge test fees are set by FAA-approved testing centers and may vary.

Key Restricted and No-Fly Zones in Ohio

• Columbus (CMH) & Cleveland (CLE): Class C airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
• Dayton (DAY): Class D airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
• Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Restricted military airspace; LAANC is not available.
• Major Sporting Events: Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common over stadiums during events.
• State-Restricted Zones (HB 77): HB 77 prohibits or restricts flights over certain sensitive sites. Consult the enrolled bill text or ODOT for a complete list.

Checking TFRs in Ohio

Check the FAA's TFR map at tfr.faa.gov before every flight. The B4UFLY app also displays active TFRs. A LAANC authorization does not permit flight inside an active TFR.

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

Compliance Checklist

1. Determine Use Type. Classify your operation as recreational or commercial to identify the correct FAA compliance path.
2. Register Your Drone. Drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered at the FAA DroneZone portal.
3. Get Certified or Tested. Commercial operators need an FAA Part 107 certificate. Recreational flyers must pass the free online TRUST test.
4. Check Airspace. Use B4UFLY and obtain LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace. Check for TFRs at tfr.faa.gov.
5. Review HB 77 Restrictions. Consult the enrolled bill text or ODOT to ensure your operation complies with state laws regarding flight over sensitive locations.
6. Check Local Ordinances. Review municipal codes for rules affecting drone use in parks or other public areas.

Who to Contact in Ohio

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Office of Aviation ODOT is the primary state agency for aviation questions, including interpretation of HB 77. For current contact information, visit the ODOT website at transportation.ohio.gov.

Ohio State Highway Patrol For questions regarding law enforcement drone use or to report an incident involving a public agency drone, contact the OSHP public information office.

Who to Contact Federally

FAA UAS Help Desk For questions about registration or Part 107, call 844-FLY-4-UAS (844-359-4827).

FAA Great Lakes Region For regional airspace and enforcement matters, contact the FAA Great Lakes Regional Office.

Reporting a Drone Violation in Ohio

Report suspected violations of FAA rules to the FAA Safety Hotline at 800-255-1111. Report violations of Ohio state law, such as privacy intrusions or flights in prohibited zones under HB 77, to local law enforcement.

Key Resources

• FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone.faa.gov
• Ohio Legislature: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov
• ODOT Aviation: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov
• FAA TFR Map: https://tfr.faa.gov
• B4UFLY App: Available on iOS and Android

Commercial operators planning complex operations or providing services to government agencies should consult an aviation attorney to ensure compliance with the changing regulatory environment.