Tyler, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- FAA Part 107
- Required for business use
- City permit
- None required
- Critical infrastructure
- Restricted (Sec. 423.0045)
- Sports venues
- No low flights (Sec. 423.0046)
- Enforcement
- FAA and state law
Summary
Commercial drone operators in Tyler need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city issues no separate permit. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts capturing images of people or private property, and state no-fly rules protect critical infrastructure and sports venues.
A person commits an offense if the person: (1) captures an image in violation of Section 423.003; and (2) possesses, discloses, displays, distributes, or otherwise uses that image. ... An offense under this section for the possession of an image is a Class C misdemeanor. An offense under this section for the disclosure, display, distribution, or other use of an image is a Class B misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Flying a drone for any business purpose in Tyler requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, a registered aircraft, and compliance with FAA operating rules; the city issues no additional commercial drone license. Texas Government Code Sec. 423.004 makes it an offense to possess or distribute a surveillance image captured illegally, and Sec. 423.0045 and 423.0046 bar low flights over critical infrastructure and sports venues. The Fifth Circuit upheld Chapter 423 against a constitutional challenge in 2023, so these provisions are enforceable. Commercial work over city parks or public events should be coordinated with the Parks Department.
Violations & Fines
Operating commercially without a Part 107 certificate exposes a pilot to FAA civil penalties. Distributing an unlawfully captured surveillance image is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Government Code Sec. 423.004.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city license to fly a drone commercially in Tyler?
Can I fly over a stadium or power plant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tyler
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tyler to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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