Live Oak, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone operations (real estate photography, inspection, surveying, videography, delivery) in Live Oak require the pilot to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Part 107 rules include maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level, maximum speed of 100 mph, visual line of sight operation unless a waiver is granted, daylight or civil twilight operation (or waiver for night), and no flight over people or moving vehicles without compliance with the 2021 operations over people rule. Live Oak is close to Randolph Air Force Base, which means much of the city lies within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization or a formal ATC approval before flight. Commercial pilots should plan flights using B4UFLY or Aloft and check NOTAMs for temporary flight restrictions. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone imaging over private property; commercial operators capturing such images need written consent or must fall within a statutory exception (land survey, infrastructure inspection, property owner consent). Violation of 423 is a criminal offense. Insurance for commercial operations is strongly recommended and may be required by clients. Operators should consult Live Oak City Hall before capturing images of city property or hosting drone events.