Suffolk requires no local commercial drone permit, because Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 preempts local drone regulation. Commercial operators must instead hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft federally.
Because Code of Virginia § 15.2-926.3 prohibits localities from regulating unmanned aircraft use, Suffolk imposes no commercial drone ordinance, permit, or fee. Anyone flying a drone for business, such as real estate photography, surveying, or inspections, must comply with FAA Part 107: hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, register the aircraft, keep it under 400 feet and within visual line of sight, and obtain FAA airspace authorization near Suffolk Executive Airport. The city may regulate only takeoff and landing on municipally owned land, consistent with Virginia Department of Aviation rules.
Suffolk sets no local penalties for commercial drone use. The FAA enforces Part 107; operating without a Remote Pilot Certificate or required airspace authorization can bring federal civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Suffolk's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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