Drone Rules in Harris County, TX (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Harris County has no local drone ordinance. Recreational drone use in unincorporated areas follows FAA regulations and Texas Government Code Chapter 423, which restricts drone surveillance over private property. Texas preempts most local drone regulation.
Drones: Recreational Drones
Few RestrictionsTexas Government Code Sec. 423.002 (Lawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft)
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.
Park Drone Restrictions
Flying a drone or model aircraft in a Harris County park is banned outside specifically designated areas, and even there the aircraft must stay within the operator's line of sight unless the Park Superintendent authorizes otherwise in writing.
Drones Restricted In Harris County Parks
Significant RestrictionsHarris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 32, Subchapter 32A, Sec 24
A person may not operate a drone or model aircraft in a park except in a specifically designated area, and the drone or model aircraft must remain in the operator's line of sight, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Park Superintendent.
Drone Rules by City in Harris County
2 cities in Harris County have their own drone rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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