Drone Rules in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Recreational Drones

Recreational drone use in Maricopa County is governed primarily by FAA regulations, not county ordinances. FAA requires recreational drone pilots to pass the TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test). Drones must be flown below 400 feet AGL, within visual line of sight, and not over people. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of private property. No specific county drone ordinance exists for unincorporated areas.

Drones: Recreational Drones

Few Restrictions

49 USC §44809 (FAA)

What are the Rules for Recreational Flyers? The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft ( USC 44809 ) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone and our airspace safe: Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment). Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-reco...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Commercial Drones

Commercial drone operations in Maricopa County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) prohibits drone surveillance of private property. No specific county ordinance governs commercial drones in unincorporated areas. Near Phoenix Sky Harbor and other airports, airspace restrictions and LAANC authorization apply.

Drones: Commercial Drones

Some Restrictions

14 CFR Part 107 (FAA)

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps. Step 1: Learn the Rules Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules. 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems If you are not sure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended ope...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Airport Proximity Rules

Drone flights near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports require FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval. Maricopa County defers to federal airspace rules under 14 CFR Part 107 with no separate county permit.

FAA Controls Airspace Around Sky Harbor

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Event Drone Restrictions

FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions automatically apply to drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and other large venues during major events. Maricopa County follows federal stadium TFR rules under 14 CFR Section 91.145 and Notice 1 9 8 7 1.