Franklin, TN Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Drone operations in and around Franklin are layered federal-state-local. (1) Federal: The FAA controls U.S. airspace. Commercial operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). Recreational flyers operate under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. § 44809) — fly within visual line of sight, below 400 feet AGL, away from other aircraft, register any drone over 0.55 lbs, broadcast Remote ID, and pass the TRUST safety test. Franklin lies south of Nashville and parts of the area fall within or under the Class B airspace of Nashville International Airport (BNA); LAANC authorization (or a manual FAA waiver) is required to fly in controlled airspace. (2) State: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-609 (Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act, enacted 2014) prohibits a law enforcement agency from using a drone to gather evidence or information without a warrant, except in narrow exceptions (high risk of a terrorist attack, search for a fugitive, missing-person searches, imminent danger to life) — and any data collected must be deleted within a defined retention period unless directly relevant. Citizens aggrieved by a violation have civil standing to sue. TCA 39-13-903 prohibits intentional surveillance of individuals or their property and the capture/distribution of such images (Class C misdemeanor). TCA 39-13-905 prohibits flying within 250 feet of critical infrastructure (petroleum refineries, electrical transmission systems, chemical manufacturing, water treatment, railroad yards) without written consent. TCA 70-4-302 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to surveil hunters or fishermen without consent. Open-air events with 100+ attendees: TCA 39-13-905 also restricts drone imaging without owner consent. (3) Local: Franklin does NOT impose a city-wide drone ordinance regulating airspace (it cannot — federal preemption). The City may regulate take-off and landing on city-owned property (parks and public facilities) through Title 11 (Municipal Offenses) and parks rules. The Tennessee State Parks system requires written manager approval before flights. Always consult the FAA B4UFLY app before flying in Franklin given the proximity to BNA's Class B airspace. (4) Private property: Operators should obtain landowner permission to launch or recover from private property. (5) Reckless or property-damaging flight can trigger state criminal charges and FAA enforcement.