Odessa, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Odessa Code § 8-1-1
- Max fine
- $2,000 per violation
- Altitude floor
- 1,000 feet, except takeoff/landing
- Governing authority
- FAA controls navigable airspace, per federal law
- Drone-specific ordinance
- None: general aircraft code applies
Summary
Odessa has no drone-specific ordinance. Its 1964 aircraft code broadly defines "aircraft" to include any flying contrivance and bars flight under 1,000 feet, but the FAA's exclusive authority over navigable airspace controls real-world recreational drone operations.
No person shall operate any aircraft over or within the city in violation of any valid air traffic or other rule or regulation established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Other than to abide by Federal Aviation Administration regulations or instructions, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate any aircraft over the city at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet except while in the act of taking off or landing.
Full Breakdown
Section 8-1-1 of Odessa's Code of Ordinances defines "aircraft" as any airplane, balloon, glider, or "any contrivance now known or hereafter invented, used or designed for navigation of or flight in the air": language broad enough to sweep in a recreational drone. The section requires compliance with FAA air traffic rules and separately bars flying below 1,000 feet except while taking off or landing. In practice, the FAA's 49 U.S.C. § 44809 exception for recreational flyers and its exclusive control of navigable airspace override any conflicting local altitude floor, so drone operators answer to FAA Part 107/44809 rules, not this city minimum-altitude line. Violating the section carries up to a $2,000 fine.
Violations & Fines
Operating any flying device in violation of FAA rules, flying below 1,000 feet except on takeoff/landing, or acrobatic flying: misdemeanor, fine up to $2,000 per Ordinance 2010-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Odessa have a drone ordinance?
Can Odessa enforce its 1,000-foot minimum altitude rule against my drone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Odessa to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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