Flower Mound, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone operations in Flower Mound are regulated by a combination of federal FAA regulations and Texas state law, with limited additional local restrictions. At the federal level, the FAA requires all recreational drone pilots to pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which is a free online aeronautical knowledge and safety exam. Drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA and display the registration number on the aircraft. Recreational flyers must follow the safety guidelines of a community-based organization recognized by the FAA, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Flower Mound lies within the lateral boundaries of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's Class B airspace, which is the most restrictive category of controlled airspace. This designation means that recreational drone pilots must obtain prior authorization before any flight within the town. Authorization is obtained through the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system, which is accessible through approved smartphone applications and provides near-real-time airspace authorization. The LAANC grid divides the area into zones with specific altitude ceilings based on proximity to DFW Airport runways and approach paths. Maximum authorized altitude varies by zone and may be as low as zero feet in areas directly beneath DFW approach corridors, effectively prohibiting all drone operations in those zones. Recreational flyers should check the LAANC grid for their specific intended flight location before planning any operation. At the state level, Texas Government Code Chapter 423 (the Texas Privacy Act) prohibits using drones to capture images of individuals or privately owned real property with the intent to conduct surveillance. This law is particularly relevant in Flower Mound's HOA-heavy residential communities where privacy concerns are elevated. Exceptions to the surveillance prohibition include law enforcement conducting official duties, scholarly research at accredited institutions, real estate marketing photography with property owner consent, professional land surveying by a licensed surveyor, utility and pipeline inspection, and oil and gas operations. Violations are criminal offenses with escalating penalties. At the local level, Flower Mound town parks prohibit drone launches and landings without prior written approval from the Parks and Recreation Department. Flying over crowds at public gatherings, over moving vehicles, and over emergency response scenes is prohibited by FAA rules regardless of airspace authorization. Night flights are permitted for recreational drones but require anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. The town does not have a comprehensive local drone ordinance beyond the park use restrictions.