Drone Rules in Augusta-Richmond County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Augusta-Richmond County regulates recreational drone flights under Code § 1-3-44, requiring Sheriff authorization to fly in highly populated areas, banning weaponized drones, and capping model aircraft at 55 pounds, with misdemeanor penalties for violations.
Augusta-Richmond County Recreational Drone Rules
Significant RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 1, § 1-3-44
(4)Model Aircraft. Aircraft (to include helicopters and drones) that are:(i)flown strictly for hobby or recreational use (non-commercial);...(iv)limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified...(e)...no person shall launch or operate any Unmanned Aircraft System, including Model Aircraft, in a highly populated area within the limits of Richmond County, Georgia (excluding the citi...
Commercial Drones
Augusta-Richmond County exempts FAA-authorized commercial drone flights from the sheriff's highly-populated-area permit rule, but still bans weaponized drones, restricts privacy-invading photography, and enforces airport no-fly zones under a misdemeanor penalty scheme.
Augusta-Richmond County Commercial Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 1, § 1-3-44(e)
Except for Commercial UAS Flights, Law Enforcement UAS Flights, and other flights expressly approved by FAA, no person shall launch or operate any Unmanned Aircraft System, including Model Aircraft, in a highly populated area within the limits of Richmond County, Georgia (excluding the cities of Hephzibah and Blythe), without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff.
Park Drone Restrictions
Augusta-Richmond County regulates drones countywide, including in parks. Flying in a highly populated area, any gathering of 100 or more people, requires written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff, except at the designated model-aircraft field.
Drones in Augusta-Richmond County Parks
Significant RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 1, Ch. 3, § 1-3-44(e)
Except for Commercial UAS Flights, Law Enforcement UAS Flights, and other flights expressly approved by FAA, no person shall launch or operate any Unmanned Aircraft System, including Model Aircraft, in a highly populated area within the limits of Richmond County, Georgia (excluding the cities of Hephzibah and Blythe), without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff. Exempte...
Airport Proximity Rules
Augusta-Richmond County ties its drone law directly to FAA airspace rules near airports: anyone flying a UAS within five miles of an airport in Richmond County must comply with FAA regulations, on top of countywide bans on privacy-invading flights, weaponized drones, and unauthorized flights over crowds.
Augusta-Richmond County Drone Airport Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 1, Ch. 3, Art. 6, § 1-3-44(d)
Subject to any regulations of FAA, the Governing Authority of Augusta, Georgia hereby adopts regulations governing the launching and operation of certain unmanned aircraft systems and model aircraft within (and above) the geographical bounds of Richmond County, Georgia, excluding the cities of Hephzibah and Blythe. ... (d)UAS flights near airports restricted. Flights of UAS within five (5) mile...
Event Drone Restrictions
Augusta-Richmond County bans launching or operating drones over highly populated areas, events or assemblies of 100 or more people, without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff, under a countywide ordinance excluding Hephzibah and Blythe.
Augusta-Richmond County Drone Rules at Large Events
Significant RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 1, Ch. 3, § 1-3-44(e)
Except for Commercial UAS Flights, Law Enforcement UAS Flights, and other flights expressly approved by FAA, no person shall launch or operate any Unmanned Aircraft System, including Model Aircraft, in a highly populated area within the limits of Richmond County, Georgia (excluding the cities of Hephzibah and Blythe), without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff.
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