Travis County, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Certification
- FAA Part 107
- Airspace
- LAANC KAUS Class C
- Austin Parks
- Film permit $250-1,500
- State Privacy
- TX Gov §423.003
- Civil Damages
- Up to $10,000
Summary
Commercial drone operators need FAA Part 107 certification plus LAANC authorization for Austin-Bergstrom Class C airspace. Texas Gov Code Ch. 423 restricts aerial surveillance. Travis County and Austin require additional permits for operations on public property.
Sec. 423.009. REGULATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) In this section: (1) "Political subdivision" includes a county, a joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code, and a municipality. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a political subdivision may not adopt or enforce any ordinance, order, or other similar measure regarding the operation of an unmanned aircraft. (c) A political subdivision may adopt and enforce an ordinance, order, or other similar measure regarding: (1) the use of an unmanned aircraft during a special event; (2) the political subdivision's use of an unmanned aircraft; or (3) the use of an unmanned aircraft near a facility or infrastructure owned by the political subdivision.
Full Breakdown
Part 107 pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 ft AGL, and secure LAANC clearance to operate in KAUS Class C airspace. Waivers are required for night operations, operations over people, and BVLOS flight. Texas Government Code §423.003 criminalizes capturing images of private property via drone without consent (Class C misdemeanor); §423.004 creates a civil cause of action. Austin Parks and Recreation requires a film permit for commercial drone work in city parks ($250-1,500 per shoot). Travis County film coordinator (512-854-3180) handles county property permits. Downtown Austin helicopter corridor along I-35 requires extra coordination.
Violations & Fines
FAA: civil penalty up to $27,500 per violation. TX §423.003: Class C misdemeanor ($500) plus civil damages up to $10,000 under §423.006.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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