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.
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.
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.
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