Dallas, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalties
- FAA registration for drones >0.55 lbs ($5/3 years)
- Setbacks
- 400 ft AGL maximum altitude outside controlled airspace
- Drones Prohibited City
- Drones prohibited in city parks without permit
- Laanc Required Near
- LAANC near DFW, Love Field, and Addison
- Legal Reference
- Texas Gov Code 423 limits aerial surveillance
- Trust Certificate Must
- TRUST certificate is carried during flight
Summary
Dallas permits recreational drone flight under federal FAA rules with park restrictions. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL within line of sight. Dallas Park & Recreation prohibits drone takeoff or landing in city parks without a permit. Texas Code Ch. 423 limits aerial photography of private property.
Sec. 423.002. NONAPPLICABILITY. (a) It is lawful to capture an image using an unmanned aircraft in this state:(1) for the purpose of professional or scholarly research and development or for another academic purpose by a person acting on behalf of an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, including a person who:(A) is a professor, employee, or student of the institution; or(B) is under contract with or otherwise acting under the direction or on behalf of the institution;(2) in airspace designated as a test site or range authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for the purpose of integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace;(3) as part of an ope...
Full Breakdown
Dallas recreational drone flight is regulated primarily by the FAA under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which preempts state and local control of navigable airspace but allows cities to control takeoff and landing on local property. Dallas Park & Recreation Department rules prohibit launching, landing, or operating model aircraft, drones, or UAS in city parks, including White Rock Lake, Klyde Warren, and Reverchon, without a written permit. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pay the $5 three-year fee, complete the free TRUST test, fly within visual line of sight only, stay below 400 feet AGL, yield to manned aircraft, and avoid stadiums (AT&T Stadium in Arlington, American Airlines Center) and TFRs. With DFW, Love Field, and Addison nearby, most of Dallas requires LAANC authorization.
Violations & Fines
Dallas park rule violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Texas Government Code 423.003 image-capture violations are Class C misdemeanors ($500). FAA penalties go up to $27,500 civil and federal criminal exposure with possible drone seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my drone in Dallas?
Where can I fly recreationally in Dallas?
Do I need a permit to fly recreationally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recreational Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle recreational drones.