Drone Rules in Houston, TX (2026)
5 verified drone rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Houston permits recreational drones subject to FAA rules and limited park bans. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5/3 years), complete the TRUST test, fly below 400 feet AGL, and keep line of sight. Houston Parks & Recreation prohibits drones in most city parks without a permit, and Memorial Park has strict no-fly zones.
Houston Recreational Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Government Code § 423.002
Sec. 423.002. NONAPPLICABILITY. (a) It is lawful to capture an image using an unmanned aircraft in this state:(1) for the purpose of professional or scholarly research and development or for another academic purpose by a person acting on behalf of an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.
Commercial Drones
Commercial drone operations in Houston require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas does not add state-level commercial licensing requirements. Texas Government Code Ch. 423 restricts drone surveillance, particularly over critical infrastructure like petrochemical facilities.
Houston Commercial Drone Regulations
Some RestrictionsPark Drone Restrictions
Houston Parks and Recreation Department prohibits drone operation in city parks without a special-use permit under the Houston Parks Ordinance. Memorial Park, Hermann Park, and Buffalo Bayou Park all post no-drone rules. Texas state law (Govt Code §423) supplements with restrictions over critical infrastructure and crowds.
Houston Park Drone Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAirport Proximity Rules
Drone flights near IAH and HOU airports require FAA LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. Houston cannot regulate airspace itself but enforces takeoff and landing on city property.
Houston Airport Drone LAANC Authorization Required
Heavy RestrictionsEvent Drone Restrictions
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions ban drones over NRG Stadium, Toyota Center, and Minute Maid Park during major events. The 3-mile no-drone zone applies one hour before through after events.
Houston Stadium Event Drone TFR Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Drone Rules in Harris County →