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Drone Laws in Ohio

Summary of Drone Laws in Ohio

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Ohio and USA

Drone Operations in Ohio are regulated.


  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed
  • Hobbyist drone pilot license may be required for certain operations.
  • A TRUST Test is required.
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required for hobbyists flying a drone of more than 0.55 lbs.
  • Drone Remote ID is required for hobbyists.
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Ohio and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Ohio and USA

Drone Operations in Ohio are regulated.


  • Commercial drone flights are allowed
  • A commercial drone pilot license is required
  • Commercial Drone registration is required in Ohio
  • Drone Remote ID is required for Commercial Drone Operators.
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for commercial drone operations

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Ohio and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Foreign Visitors To Ohio (not USA Residents)

Drone Operations in Ohio are regulated.


  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Ohio
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required for visitors/tourists
  • Drone Remote ID is required in Ohio for tourists..
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Ohio for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Government Drone Operators

Drone Operations in Ohio are regulated.


  • Government drone flights are allowed in Ohio
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is required in Ohio for Government operations..
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Ohio for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the State of Ohio

Drone Regulator in the USA: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the FAA directly at:

  • Address: 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591
  • Phone: 844-FLY-MY-UA (+1 844-359-6982) (Some users have indicated that this number tells you to use the email below and hangs up)
  • EmailUAShelp@faa.gov

Please continue reading for more details on USA Drone Laws.


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Ohio

Drone operation in the State of Ohio is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. Click here for details on FAA USA Drone Laws.

In addition, the Ohio legislature has created a technology committee to review opportunities specific to Ohio drone operations. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the links above and search for unmanned aircraft

Are drones allowed in Ohio?

Drones are allowed in Ohio for recreational and commercial use, subject to FAA regulations and flight controls established by local governments. Read on for details.

Specific additional drone use laws by the Ohio State legislature

House Bill HB 292 (2014)

This law enacts Sec. 122.98 of the Revised Code to create the OAATC or Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee. One of the duties is to promote, research, and further develop the aerospace, aviation, and technology industries, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

There is hereby created the Ohio aerospace and aviation technology committee, consisting of the following members:

  1. Three members of the Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate, not more than two of whom may be members of the same political party;
  2. Three members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, not more than two of whom may be members of the same political party;
  3. Fifteen members represent the aviation, aerospace, or technology industry, the military, or academia. The governor shall appoint one such member, and fourteen such members shall be appointed by a majority vote of the six members representing the Senate and House of Representatives.

The duties of the committee shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

  1. Studying and developing comprehensive strategies to promote the aviation, aerospace, and technology industry throughout the state, including through the commercialization of aviation, aerospace, and technology products and ideas;
  2. Encouraging communication and resource-sharing among individuals and organizations involved in the aviation, aerospace, and technology industry, including business, military, and academia;
  3. Promoting research and development in the aviation, aerospace, and technology industry, including research and development of unmanned aerial vehicles;
  4. Providing assistance related to military base realignment and closure.

Specific additional UAV laws by local governments within Ohio State

The City of Cleveland | Municipal Law (2016)

This ordinance gives the City of Cleveland police authorization to enforce drone laws set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ordinance does not pre-empt FAA rules/regulations. It works in conjunction with them to promote better public safety by reorganizing limitations.

UAS operation rules in Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Preserves

Anderson Township Parks | Park District Rule (2015)

This ordinance prohibits drones and other radio-controlled aircraft operations within all parks and facilities owned and managed by the township. The Executive Director may grant written permission to fly drones under certain circumstances.

Butler County | Metro Parks (Section 17 C – February 2022)

No persons shall operate drones or other remote-controlled aircraft in Metro Parks of Butler county outside of designated areas. The Executive Director may issue special use permits under certain conditions. Official exceptions for drone operations exist for law enforcement or medical responders operating within the line of duty.

Cincinnati Parks | Park Board Rule (2017)

This rule prohibits all drone operations in Cincinnati parks outside of designated areas. The only exception is with the written permission from the park’s board.

Hamilton County | Great Parks Rule (2015)

No drone pilots can operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in any Great Parks of Hamilton without official written authorization from the Chief Executive Officer. Recreational pilots can apply by submitting a Private Drone Application form or a Commercial Drone Usage Application for business-related flying.

Specific additional laws in Jurisdictions within Ohio

Many cities or towns within the state of Ohio may have specific restrictions within their jurisdictions. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

What you must know about Ohio No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Will you need flight authorizations? And, if so, how do you get those authorizations?

We encourage you to read our explainer. It provides more details here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

How do I check for no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and uncontrolled or controlled airspace in Ohio?

The FAA has partnered with several partners to develop B4UFLY mobile apps. Theses app can tell you if there are any airspace restrictions where you want to fly.

If you are looking for a drone no-fly zone map, then B4UFLY is a good place to start.

The app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users. You will need airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace. This app does not allow you to get airspace authorizations. Authorizations are available through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).

The B4UFLY app is available to download for free:

B4UFLY Desktop and Mobile Applications

Approved Service  Provider (click on name to go to website)App on iOSApp on AndroidDesktop
Airspace LinkYesYesYes
AutoPylotYesYes
AvisionYesYesYes
UASidekickYesYesYes

How do I get authorization to fly in controlled airspace in Ohio?

The FAA runs Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). It is the only way to get permission to fly in controlled airspace.

LAANC is available to drone pilots. It applies if you are operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107. And it applies if you are operating under the exception for Recreational Flyers.

You can get access through one of the FAA-approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Some providers have apps that can be used to apply for approval in near-real time.

The companies above (with B4UFLY capabilities) are also FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability.

There are two ways to use LAANC:

  • Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations. Applies to flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. This is available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers.
  • Submit a “further coordination request.” This applies if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.
  • You can apply up to 90 days before a flight. The approval is coordinated manually through the FAA. This is available to Part 107 pilots only.

LAANC is available at 726 airports. Use the manual process to apply for authorizations for airports not offering LAANC.


Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Ohio

If you have a small drone of less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following Drone Laws in the USA defined by 49 USC 44809.

In Ohio, recreational UAS operations (i.e., flying for recreational purposes) are approved under law, specifically 49 USC 44809. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Following these rules will keep you and your drone safe. And that helps keep the airspace available to everyone.

All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) meets this rule. If law enforcement or FAA personnel ask, you must provide proof of passage. 

TRUST provides education and testing on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly. 

Note: If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds (lbs), you must register your drone through the FAA’s Drone Zone.

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

To fly your drone as a recreational flyer, it’s as easy as 1-2-3

  1. Understand recreational flying requirements.
    • Note: Non-recreational drone use is when you fly drones for business or to help out, not just for fun. For example, real estate agents may use drones to photograph houses they sell. Roof inspectors might use drones to get a closer look at roofs. A high school might have someone fly a drone to record football games and post videos on their website. Doing volunteer work with drones also counts as non-recreational use. So, non-recreational drone use is any time you operate a drone for useful work. Or help others out. It is when you are not just doing it to enjoy flying it for hobby or sport. If you’re unsure which rules apply to your flight, fly under Part 107 (See below).
    • Visit the Recreational Flyers page to learn about the rules for recreational flyers.
    • Download the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app for more recreational drone flying resources.
  2. Take TRUST
    • You may take the free online test through any FAA-approved test administrators.
    • All FAA-approved TRUST test administrators offer the test free.
    • All test questions are correctable to 100% before issuing your completion certificate.
    • After completing TRUST, you must download, save, or print your completion certificate.
    • If you lose your certificate, you will need to retake TRUST.
    • View a list of TRUST Test Administrators
  3. Receive your certificate
    • After you pass the test, you will receive a certificate. The test administrator you selected gives you your certificate.
    • Test administrators will not keep a record of your certificate. If law enforcement officers ask, you must present a copy of your certificate.

General Rules for Recreational Flyers

USC44809 is the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft. The law describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:

  1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
  2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). Read Advisory Circular 91-57C. It provides more information on how to become an FAA-recognized CBO, 
  3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight. Or use a visual observer who is physically next to you and directly communicating with you.
  4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
  5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace with prior FAA authorization. Controlled airspace is Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport. Get your FAA authorization using LAANC or DroneZone.
  6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Before the flight, drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions. You can do so on the B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
  7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
  8. Have a current FAA registration. Mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number. And carry proof of registration when flying. Starting September 16, 2023, registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. The FAA temporarily delayed enforcement to March 16, 2024. That law is now in place and being enforced.
  9. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

Recreational drone pilots must not violate safety requirements. Nor should they operate their drone flight carelessly or recklessly. You could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties if you do.

You do not need a drone license if your drone use is recreational and falls within the scope of 44809. But, to fly your drone commercially, you must first get a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC). This is also true for flights under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107). The RPC is also known as a drone license or a Part 107 certificate. You may want to get your drone license for the flexibility it allows in your drone flights.

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

It is recommended that recreational drone operators consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations on the proper use of recreational drones and use common sense when operating these devices around crowded public areas, wildlife, or historic resources.


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Ohio

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Drone Laws in the USA defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Commercial drone operations in Ohio are approved under the FAA Part 107. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

For a complete review of the FAA Part 107 regulation, please see our comprehensive FAA 107 Explainer.

Note: The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

If you have a small drone of fewer than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. There are three main steps to fly under Part 107 rules.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Ensure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules.

If you are unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation, check our user identification tool.

Some operations will need a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:

Learn more about Part 107 Waivers.

Drone operators should avoid flying near airports. It is difficult for crewed aircraft to see and avoid a drone while flying. Remember that the drone operator must avoid manned aircraft. You are responsible for any safety hazard your drone creates in an airport environment.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:

  • At least 16 years old
  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS

Study for the Knowledge Test

Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

Schedule an Appointment

Complete FAA Form 8710-13

Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy to register. Learn more about registering your drone.

  • Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone. Select “Fly sUAS under Part 107.”
  • Once you’ve registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number. The number will be helpful in case it gets lost or stolen.

Useful published information on flying drones in Ohio

We have partnered with the FAA and other drone enthusiasts in supporting an internet educational campaign called Know Before You Fly. The tips, pointers, and resources apply to Ohio Drone Users also. Please visit the site for additional information: Know Before You Fly


Authoritative Sources of Information on Ohio Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:



NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.


Find out why

We think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist

And a Drone Post-flight checklist

Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF

This Drone Flight Checklist is better than others.

It’s free!

It includes both the preflight checklist and post-flight checklist

It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.


Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.



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16 responses to “Drone Laws in Ohio”

  1. Don Hill

    You say that “Drone Insurance is required for commercial drone operations” on several of your pages. Is that an FAA requirement for Part 107 pilots or is that a state or city law/ordinance? Please site what law/ordinance requires drone insurance and the coverage amounts. I noticed this for the state of Ohio and also for the city of San Diego in California. If this is not a federal requirement, please list the states and cities where it is required.

    1. Editorial Team

      Don, thank you. Drone insurance is not required by the FAA. It is recommended, since in our experience most commercial clients will require drone service operators carry liability insurance. We have clarified by changing this to say “not required, but recommended”

  2. Cassi Hormel

    I have a drone that stalks me every single day weather permitting. I have hundreds of videos and photos from the last several months. It’s causing me severe depression, anxiety, and losing focus at work. It has been hard for me to bring this up in fear of no one believing me. I need help. This is consuming my life!

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please contact your local law enfocement

      1. Cara

        They have scanner apps because they leave before the law gets here. Then come back after they leave! I am tired of these perverted individuals stalking&harassing me!!!

    2. Cara

      Try dealing with these idiots harassing,hovering,every night for 4years! They come on my property,peek in windows. I call the sheriff and these sick individuals take off(scanner apps) so when the law does show up,there’s nothing here& I get MY sanity questioned!!! The sad part? I retired 4yrs ago& this is what I have had to deal with when I should be relaxed& happy. I have anxiety,depression& it triggers my PTSD. I have NO IDEA who these perverts are. Probably some sort of sex offenders. They trespass on my property & my 90 yr old neighbors too. I think that there’s not enough being done to protect MY RIGHT TO PRIVACY! DRONES SUCK

    3. Cara

      Try dealing with this for 4 years!!! I have NO IDEA who these sick perverts are. I retired 4yrs ago& I can’t even enjoy my retirement! My 90 yr old neighbor owns a large amount of land& he doesn’t want them around either! They think that they’re entitled to fly at night on my property,peeking in windows. I am so sick of dealing with this. I call the sheriff& they take off(scanner apps)only to return after the law leaves! This leads to the law questioning MY sanity because there’s nothing here when the sheriff arrives!!! These sick individuals do NOT follow any drone laws either! This has caused anxiety,depression& triggers my PTSD. Drone laws only work with law abiding citizens& these perverts do NOT follow any of them!

  3. Rob

    I am a recreational drone pilot. Can I fly in a state park in Ohio over the water and my boat etc.?
    I am finding out that the laws are really trying to squeeze drone use out in my area.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Rob, some parks have restrictions against drone flights. We have listed those we are aware of above. You should check with the specific park to see what restrictions they have.

  4. Jennifer

    My experience with drones isn’t going so well. I have a neighbor that only uses it at night which I believe is illegal? I reside in Medina county, Brunswick Ohio do you happen to know if flying at night is illegal for a suburban neighborhood. Thanks.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Night flights require specific authorization from the FAA. Generally, commercial operators could get the required authorization, but we are not aware of hobbyist flyers authorized to fly at night.

      1. Jordan

        This is incorrect after the FAA’s 2021 rules revision. Hobbyist flyers can fly in unrestricted airspace at night, provided their drown is equipped with an anti-collision light that satisfies FAA requirements.

        Restricted airspace still requires a Part 107 license, and hobbyists cannot obtain a LAANC easily for night flying in restricted airspace.

  5. Betty

    I am an amateur drone pilot. I have 4 small drones, less than 2 lbs each. Would it still be necessary to notify the FAA, if my recreational flying is kept in my suburban neighborhood?? (Milford, Ohio) Nowhere near any commercial or private airports. I follow the safety rules listed here. Would I be breaking any laws?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Check that the airspace is not restricted.You should be ok.

  6. Newlyn Baker

    Do police need search warrant first before flying drone and taking photos of private land in Ohio

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Newlyn, this depends on a lot of factors. You can get your best answer from a local attorney.

Leave a Comment

16 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Ohio”

  1. You say that “Drone Insurance is required for commercial drone operations” on several of your pages. Is that an FAA requirement for Part 107 pilots or is that a state or city law/ordinance? Please site what law/ordinance requires drone insurance and the coverage amounts. I noticed this for the state of Ohio and also for the city of San Diego in California. If this is not a federal requirement, please list the states and cities where it is required.

    Reply
    • Don, thank you. Drone insurance is not required by the FAA. It is recommended, since in our experience most commercial clients will require drone service operators carry liability insurance. We have clarified by changing this to say “not required, but recommended”

      Reply
  2. I have a drone that stalks me every single day weather permitting. I have hundreds of videos and photos from the last several months. It’s causing me severe depression, anxiety, and losing focus at work. It has been hard for me to bring this up in fear of no one believing me. I need help. This is consuming my life!

    Reply
      • They have scanner apps because they leave before the law gets here. Then come back after they leave! I am tired of these perverted individuals stalking&harassing me!!!

        Reply
    • Try dealing with these idiots harassing,hovering,every night for 4years! They come on my property,peek in windows. I call the sheriff and these sick individuals take off(scanner apps) so when the law does show up,there’s nothing here& I get MY sanity questioned!!! The sad part? I retired 4yrs ago& this is what I have had to deal with when I should be relaxed& happy. I have anxiety,depression& it triggers my PTSD. I have NO IDEA who these perverts are. Probably some sort of sex offenders. They trespass on my property & my 90 yr old neighbors too. I think that there’s not enough being done to protect MY RIGHT TO PRIVACY! DRONES SUCK

      Reply
    • Try dealing with this for 4 years!!! I have NO IDEA who these sick perverts are. I retired 4yrs ago& I can’t even enjoy my retirement! My 90 yr old neighbor owns a large amount of land& he doesn’t want them around either! They think that they’re entitled to fly at night on my property,peeking in windows. I am so sick of dealing with this. I call the sheriff& they take off(scanner apps)only to return after the law leaves! This leads to the law questioning MY sanity because there’s nothing here when the sheriff arrives!!! These sick individuals do NOT follow any drone laws either! This has caused anxiety,depression& triggers my PTSD. Drone laws only work with law abiding citizens& these perverts do NOT follow any of them!

      Reply
  3. I am a recreational drone pilot. Can I fly in a state park in Ohio over the water and my boat etc.?
    I am finding out that the laws are really trying to squeeze drone use out in my area.

    Reply
    • Rob, some parks have restrictions against drone flights. We have listed those we are aware of above. You should check with the specific park to see what restrictions they have.

      Reply
  4. My experience with drones isn’t going so well. I have a neighbor that only uses it at night which I believe is illegal? I reside in Medina county, Brunswick Ohio do you happen to know if flying at night is illegal for a suburban neighborhood. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Night flights require specific authorization from the FAA. Generally, commercial operators could get the required authorization, but we are not aware of hobbyist flyers authorized to fly at night.

      Reply
      • This is incorrect after the FAA’s 2021 rules revision. Hobbyist flyers can fly in unrestricted airspace at night, provided their drown is equipped with an anti-collision light that satisfies FAA requirements.

        Restricted airspace still requires a Part 107 license, and hobbyists cannot obtain a LAANC easily for night flying in restricted airspace.

        Reply
  5. I am an amateur drone pilot. I have 4 small drones, less than 2 lbs each. Would it still be necessary to notify the FAA, if my recreational flying is kept in my suburban neighborhood?? (Milford, Ohio) Nowhere near any commercial or private airports. I follow the safety rules listed here. Would I be breaking any laws?

    Reply

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