Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
14 CFR Part 107 sets nationwide commercial UAS standards including Remote Pilot Certification, a 400-foot altitude limit, and waivers for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations; since 2021, night flights are allowed with anti-collision lighting and updated pilot training. Public Utilities Code 21401 confirms state sovereignty over the airspace above California subject to federal supremacy. Civil Code 1708.8 applies its drone privacy protections to commercial operators identically to recreational ones. Local governments cannot regulate flight paths, altitudes, or pilot certification; their authority is limited to takeoff and landing on public property and noise nuisance enforcement.
FAA civil penalties for Part 107 violations reach $32,666 per occurrence with possible certificate suspension. Operating without a Remote Pilot Certificate may result in cease-and-desist orders and additional civil penalties. California privacy and trespass damages may also apply.
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