Commercial Drones: Cedar Park vs Round Rock
How do commercial drones rules compare between Cedar Park, TX and Round Rock, TX?
Cedar Park and Round Rock have similar restriction levels.
Cedar Park, TX
Williamson County
Commercial drone work in Cedar Park requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and, if the operation is over a city-permitted special event or within 5,000 ft of one, a city permit from the Parks and Recreation Director under Code Art. 8.11.
View full Cedar Park rules →Round Rock, TX
Williamson County
Texas Government Code Chapter 423 preempts local commercial drone rules and FAA Part 107 governs commercial flight nationwide. Texas cities cannot require their own drone permits or fees for Part 107 operators delivering or surveying.
View full Round Rock rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Park | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Federal certificate required | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | - |
| State image-capture law | Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 423 | - |
| Local permit trigger | Flying over a permitted special event (Art. 8.11) | - |
| Permit issuer | Director of Parks and Recreation | - |
| Buffer around events | 5,000 ft | - |
| State statute | - | TX Gov't Code Ch. 423 |
| Federal rule | - | FAA 14 CFR Part 107 |
| Local permits required | - | Preempted |
| Pilot certificate | - | Required by FAA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Park FAQ
I'm a real estate photographer — do I need a Cedar Park business license to fly drones?
Cedar Park has no separate drone-business license. You need an FAA Part 107 certificate, and if any shoot is at or within 5,000 ft of a permitted special event, you also need an Art. 8.11 permit from Parks and Recreation.
What does the Texas state law restrict?
Texas Government Code Chapter 423 makes it an offense to capture an image of an individual or privately-owned real property with a drone with intent to conduct surveillance, subject to enumerated exceptions for commercial uses.
Round Rock FAQ
Do I need a Texas state license to fly commercially?
No separate state license. You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas does not duplicate that requirement, but you must avoid state-law no-fly zones around prisons, sports venues, and critical infrastructure.
Can my city charge me a permit fee for drone deliveries?
Generally no. Section 423.009 preempts local drone permitting schemes. Cities can only regulate takeoff and landing on public land and enforce general trespass or noise rules.
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