Dallas Park and Recreation Board rules prohibit launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft from city park land without permission. The FAA preempts airspace itself, so Dallas regulates only ground-based takeoff and landing inside parks under Park Board policy.
Federal aviation law in 49 U.S.C. Section 40103 reserves airspace regulation to the FAA, so Dallas cannot ban drones flying overhead. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department, acting under City Code Chapter 32A and Park Board rules, instead controls takeoff and landing on city-owned parkland. Recreational pilots must launch elsewhere unless they hold a special-use permit, and commercial Part 107 operators must coordinate with Park Department permitting. Reunion District, Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake, and Fair Park have their own posted restrictions. Operators must still register with the FAA, mark drones with their registration number, and fly under the recreational exception in 49 U.S.C. Section 44809. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 also limits surveillance drone use over private property.
Unauthorized drone launches from Dallas parkland are Park Board violations enforced by citation, equipment seizure, and Class C misdemeanor charges under Code Chapter 32A with fines up to $500. FAA enforcement adds federal civil penalties.
Dallas, TX
Dallas sits inside controlled Class B and Class D airspace around DFW International and Dallas Love Field. Drone pilots must obtain Low Altitude Authorizatio...
Dallas, TX
Texas Government Code Chapter 423.009(b) preempts municipalities from adopting ordinances regulating unmanned aircraft operations, making any such local ordi...
See how Dallas's park drone restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.