Augusta-Richmond County, GA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 1-3-44
- Max penalty
- 60 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Commercial exemption
- No Sheriff permit for populated areas
- Weaponized drones
- Banned except for law enforcement
- Excluded cities
- Hephzibah and Blythe use own codes
Summary
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.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 1-3-44 of the county code, commercial UAS flights, those approved or authorized by the FAA through an airworthiness certificate, Certificate of Waiver Authorization, Section 333 exemption, or other FAA authorization, are carved out of the requirement that hobbyist and other operators get prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff before flying in a 'highly populated area' (any gathering of 100+ people). Commercial operators still cannot photograph private property without consent where privacy is expected, arm a drone with a weapon, or fly within FAA-restricted airport zones. The rule covers Richmond County outside Hephzibah and Blythe.
Violations & Fines
Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine; the county may also impound the drone under state and federal law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do commercial drone pilots need Sheriff approval in Augusta-Richmond County?
Can a commercial drone photograph private property here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia drone rules overview
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