District of Columbia, DC Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Drone operations in DC are governed by federal airspace rules that are far stricter than any local ordinance. The 15-nautical-mile Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport covers essentially all of the District of Columbia plus parts of Maryland and Virginia. Within the FRZ, all unmanned aircraft (drone) operations are prohibited to hobbyists under 14 CFR 99.7 and the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) NOTAM FDC 1/1155, unless the operator holds a specific FAA waiver, which is almost never granted for recreational flight. The SFRA extends to 30 nautical miles but requires flight plans and transponders beyond 15 NM. The National Defense Authorization Act and 18 USC 32 impose criminal penalties for interference with civil aircraft in the FRZ. Recreational flyers within DC face FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation and criminal referral. The US Secret Service and Capitol Police enforce counter-drone authority around the White House, Capitol, and Naval Observatory under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Even with FAA authorization, DC National Park Service property (including the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and monumental core) prohibits drone takeoff, landing, and operation under 36 CFR 1.5. Department of Parks and Recreation parks and DC Public Schools property also prohibit drone use. The practical rule: do not fly a drone anywhere in DC.