Harris County, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- County Ordinance
- None
- State Law
- TX Gov Code Ch. 423
- FAA Registration
- Required over 0.55 lbs
- Airport Zones
- IAH and HOU airspace restrictions
Summary
Harris County has no local drone ordinance. Recreational drone use in unincorporated areas follows FAA regulations and Texas Government Code Chapter 423, which restricts drone surveillance over private property. Texas preempts most local drone regulation.
Sec. 423.002. NONAPPLICABILITY. (a) It is lawful to capture an image using an unmanned aircraft in this state:(1) for the purpose of professional or scholarly research and development or for another academic purpose by a person acting on behalf of an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.
Full Breakdown
Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts the use of drones to capture images of private property without consent and preempts most local drone regulation. Recreational drone pilots must follow FAA rules including registration for drones over 0.55 lbs, flying below 400 feet AGL, maintaining visual line of sight, and avoiding restricted airspace near George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU) airports. Harris County has not enacted any additional drone ordinance. Much of Harris County falls within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization through the FAA DroneZone system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in unincorporated Harris County?
Can my neighbor fly a drone over my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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