Drone Rules in Brownsville, TX (2026)
2 verified drone rules for Brownsville, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Brownsville sets no recreational drone rules and cannot, because Texas Government Code section 423.009 preempts municipal drone regulation. Hobby pilots follow the FAA recreational exception, TRUST certification, and the state surveillance and no-fly provisions in Chapter 423.
Recreational drone rules come from the FAA and the state
Few RestrictionsTex. Gov't Code § 423.009(c) (Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft by Political Subdivision)
A political subdivision may adopt and enforce an ordinance, order, or other similar measure regarding: (1) the use of an unmanned aircraft during a special event; (2) the political subdivision's use of an unmanned aircraft; or (3) the use of an unmanned aircraft near a facility or infrastructure owned by the political subdivision
Commercial Drones
Brownsville has no drone ordinance, and Texas Government Code section 423.009 bars the city from adopting one. Commercial operators answer to FAA Part 107 and to Texas Government Code Chapter 423, which the Fifth Circuit upheld in full.
State law bars a Brownsville commercial drone ordinance
Few RestrictionsTex. Gov't Code § 423.009(b), (d) (Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft by Political Subdivision)
Except as provided by Subsection (c), a political subdivision may not adopt or enforce any ordinance, order, or other similar measure regarding the operation of an unmanned aircraft. ... An ordinance, order, or other similar measure that violates Subsection (b) is void and unenforceable.
Looking for Cameron County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brownsville city rules.
Drone Rules in Cameron County →