Augusta-Richmond County, GA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Augusta-Richmond County Code § 1-3-44
- Trigger
- Gathering of 100+ people
- Requires
- Written authorization from the Sheriff
- Exempt site
- Mike Padgett Hwy / Horseshoe Rd field
- Penalty
- Up to 60 days jail, $1,000 fine
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County regulates drones countywide, including in parks. Flying in a highly populated area, any gathering of 100 or more people, requires written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff, except at the designated model-aircraft field.
Except for Commercial UAS Flights, Law Enforcement UAS Flights, and other flights expressly approved by FAA, no person shall launch or operate any Unmanned Aircraft System, including Model Aircraft, in a highly populated area within the limits of Richmond County, Georgia (excluding the cities of Hephzibah and Blythe), without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff. Exempted from the classification as a highly populated area is: (1) the existing model aircraft field located at the intersection of Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
The county's UAS/drone ordinance (Title 1, Chapter 3, Article 6) governs unmanned aircraft launched or operated anywhere within Richmond County, excluding Hephzibah and Blythe: a scope that reaches county and city parks. Section 1-3-44(e) bars launching or operating any UAS, including model aircraft, in a highly populated area, defined to include any open-air assembly of 100 or more people, without prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff. The model-aircraft field at Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road is expressly exempted from that classification, as are other Commission-approved fields.
Violations & Fines
Operating a UAS in a highly populated area without Sheriff authorization is a misdemeanor: up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The drone can also be impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in an Augusta-Richmond County park?
Is there a legal spot to fly model aircraft in Richmond County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia drone rules overview
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