Harris County, TX Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Ch. 32, Subchapter 32A, Sec 24
- Rule
- Drones only in designated park areas
- Line-of-sight
- Required at all times
- Exception
- Written Park Superintendent authorization
- Penalty
- Class C misdemeanor, Sec 32
- Scope
- All Harris County precinct parks
Summary
Flying a drone or model aircraft in a Harris County park is banned outside specifically designated areas, and even there the aircraft must stay within the operator's line of sight unless the Park Superintendent authorizes otherwise in writing.
A person may not operate a drone or model aircraft in a park except in a specifically designated area, and the drone or model aircraft must remain in the operator's line of sight, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Park Superintendent.
Full Breakdown
" The restriction has two parts that must both be satisfied: the flight has to occur in an area the county has specifically designated for drone or model-aircraft use, and the aircraft has to stay where the operator can see it directly, not merely within radio range. The only way around either limit is prior written authorization from the Park Superintendent for the precinct where the park is located; there is no general exception for hobbyists, photographers, or commercial operators. Section 2 makes the Park Superintendent for each precinct, the Harris County Sheriff, the Harris County Constables, and their deputies responsible for enforcing this rule alongside every other Subchapter 32A provision.
Because the rule sits inside the county's park rules rather than a general county drone ordinance, it applies only to property "owned, operated, or maintained by the County" for park purposes and has no bearing on drone flights over private land or non-park public rights-of-way in unincorporated Harris County, which remain governed by FAA rules rather than county ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone outside a designated area, or beyond the operator's line of sight without the Park Superintendent's written authorization, violates Section 24 and is a Class C misdemeanor under Section 32, Offenses, citing Texas Local Government Code Section 320.0455. The Superintendent or a deputy may also remove the operator from the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone at a Harris County park?
Is there a designated drone zone at every park?
What happens if I fly a drone where it's not allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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