Shreveport's Relaxed Approach to Drone Rules: What's Allowed

If you live in Shreveport or are thinking about moving there, drone rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Shreveport has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of drone rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Commercial Drones

Shreveport has no commercial drone ordinance and cannot adopt one. Louisiana claims exclusive jurisdiction over unmanned aircraft and preempts every local drone rule, leaving FAA Part 107 and state criminal law as the operative framework.

Key details: Local ordinance: None; preempted by state law. Preemption statute: La. R.S. 2:2. Federal rule: FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. Facility surveillance: Crime under La. R.S. 14:337. Agricultural drones: LDAF license, La. R.S. 3:41 et seq..

FAA enforces Part 107 civilly. State surveillance offenses under La. R.S. 14:337 carry fines, jail, and forfeiture of the aircraft.

The rules around commercial drones in Shreveport lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Recreational Drones

Recreational drone flying in Shreveport is governed by FAA rules, not a city ordinance, because Louisiana preempts local drone regulation. The one live local rule is that model aircraft may fly in city parks only where the recreation director designates.

Key details: City drone ordinance: None; state preempts. Park flying: Only where director designates. Landing in a park: Director's permission required. FAA registration: Aircraft over 250 grams. General penalty: Up to $1,000 or 60 days.

Park rule breaches fall under the general penalty: up to $1,000 fine, up to 60 days, each day a separate offense. FAA handles airspace violations.

The rules around recreational drones in Shreveport lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Shreveport gives residents more room on drone rules. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Shreveport's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.