Augusta-Richmond County, GA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Augusta-Richmond County Code § 1-3-44
- Highly populated areas
- Requires Sheriff's written authorization
- Weight limit
- 55 pounds unless certified otherwise
- Penalty
- Up to 60 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Excluded areas
- Hephzibah and Blythe not covered
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County regulates recreational drone flights under Code § 1-3-44, requiring Sheriff authorization to fly in highly populated areas, banning weaponized drones, and capping model aircraft at 55 pounds, with misdemeanor penalties for violations.
(4)Model Aircraft. Aircraft (to include helicopters and drones) that are:(i)flown strictly for hobby or recreational use (non-commercial);...(iv)limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified...(e)...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.
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
Augusta-Richmond County Code § 1-3-44 defines 'Model Aircraft' as hobby or recreational unmanned aircraft flown within visual line of sight under community-based safety guidelines and capped at 55 pounds. Flying in a 'highly populated area', any event with 100+ people or open-air gathering of 100+, requires prior written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff, except at the county's approved model aircraft field near Mike Padgett Highway and Horseshoe Road. Weaponizing any drone is expressly prohibited, and operators near airports must follow FAA five-mile restrictions. The ordinance covers all of Richmond County except the separately incorporated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.
Violations & Fines
Violating the drone ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine; the Sheriff's Office may also impound any drone flown in violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a recreational drone anywhere in Augusta-Richmond County?
Does this ordinance apply in Hephzibah or Blythe?
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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