Calvert County, MD Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 82 of the Calvert County Code governs all park property managed by the county's Department of Parks and Recreation, covering unincorporated Calvert County outside the self-governing towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. " Section 82-2-101A(26) then places that device on the same unlawful-conduct list as open fires, weapons and generators: nobody may operate one within or above park property unless the Director of Parks and Recreation gives express written authorization in advance. There is no blanket exemption for recreational flying, photography, or short flights; the Director's written sign-off is the only route to a lawful flight over county parkland, campgrounds, athletic fields or beaches such as Breezy Point or Kings Landing Park.

Enforcement runs through Department officials and law enforcement officers who patrol park property. Under § 82-1-104, a person cited for violating any Chapter 82 provision, including the drone rule, owes a $50 civil penalty per day of violation, payable to the county within 30 days or collectible as a civil debt; the Director can also bar the violator from Department rentals, activities or programs. A person ordered off the property who refuses to leave, or who returns before being authorized back, can instead be charged with a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months of imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.