Drone Rules in Austin, TX (2026)
5 verified drone rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Austin allows recreational drone flight under FAA rules with park-specific bans. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs ($5/3 years), complete the TRUST test, fly below 400 feet AGL, and maintain visual line of sight. Austin Parks & Recreation prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including Zilker, Lady Bird Lake, and the Greenbelt, without a permit.
Austin Recreational Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsTexas Government Code Sec. 423.003 (Offense: Illegal Use of Unmanned Aircraft to Capture Image)
Sec. 423.003. OFFENSE: ILLEGAL USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TO CAPTURE IMAGE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person uses an unmanned aircraft to capture an image of an individual or privately owned real property in this state with the intent to conduct surveillance on the individual or property captured in the image. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (c) It is a de...
Commercial Drones
Commercial drone operations in Austin require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport require LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) approval through the FAA. Commercial operators must also comply with Texas Government Code Chapter 423 which restricts drone image capture over private property with limited exceptions for real estate photography, oil and gas operations, and utility inspections. Austin does not require a separate local commercial drone permit.
Austin Commercial Drone Operations & Permits
Some RestrictionsFAA 14 CFR Part 107 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems; §107.205 Waivers; Remote Pilot Certificate Requirements
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 that is less than 55 pounds, you can...
Park Drone Restrictions
Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) prohibits drone operation in city parks without a film/event permit under Austin City Code §8-1. Zilker Park, Town Lake, and Lady Bird Lake all post no-drone rules. ABIA Class C airspace covers most of South Austin requiring LAANC, and Texas Govt Code §423 adds statewide overlays.
Austin Park Drone Restrictions (PARD)
Some RestrictionsAirport Proximity Rules
FAA Part 107 controls drone flights near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Pilots must request near-real-time LAANC authorization for flights in controlled Class C airspace surrounding AUS. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 adds state-level no-fly zones around critical infrastructure.
Drone Airport Proximity Rules: AUS LAANC Authorization
Heavy RestrictionsEvent Drone Restrictions
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and stadium TFRs ban drone flights over large Austin events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits, and University of Texas football. Austin Code 14-8 and Texas Penal Code 423.0045 add local trespass and reckless-endangerment exposure.
Drone Event Restrictions: TFRs Over SXSW, ACL, UT Stadium
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Drone Rules in Travis County →