Fort Worth, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Authority
- FAA: 14 CFR Part 107 / 49 USC 44809
- TRUST Test
- Required for all recreational drone pilots
- Altitude Limit
- 400 feet AGL maximum
- Restricted Airspace
- NAS JRB Fort Worth (Carswell Field) nearby
- City Parks
- Restrictions on drone use in parks
Summary
Recreational drone use in Fort Worth is primarily governed by FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 107 and the Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC 44809). Fort Worth does not have a standalone municipal drone ordinance but restricts drone operations in city parks and near city facilities. Recreational pilots must follow the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) requirement, fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and avoid flying over people and moving vehicles. Fort Worth is near restricted airspace including NAS JRB Fort Worth (Carswell Field).
Sec. 423.003. OFFENSE: ILLEGAL USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TO CAPTURE IMAGE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person uses an unmanned aircraft to capture an image of an individual or privately owned real property in this state with the intent to conduct surveillance on the individual or property captured in the image.(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person destroyed the image:(1) as soon as the person had knowledge that the image was captured in violation of this section; and(2) without disclosing, displaying, or distributing the image to a third party.
Full Breakdown
Recreational drone use in Fort Worth follows FAA regulations under the Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC §44809). Drones must be registered with the FAA if over 0.55 lbs. Operators must fly below 400 feet, maintain visual line of sight, and avoid airports, stadiums, and emergency response areas. Texas may impose additional local restrictions on park use and public property. Fort Worth parks may prohibit or restrict drone launches. Night flying requires anti-collision lights. The TRUST test is required for all recreational flyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in Fort Worth parks?
Do I need authorization near the Fort Worth military base?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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