Texas Government Code Chapter 423 occupies the field of unmanned aircraft regulation. Cities and counties cannot adopt their own recreational drone ordinances, though limited municipal rules over takeoff and landing on public property remain.
Government Code Chapter 423, as amended in 2017 (HB 1424), reserves regulation of unmanned aircraft to the State of Texas. Section 423.009 explicitly preempts city, county, or special-district ordinances that purport to regulate the operation, ownership, or use of unmanned aircraft. The only authority left to local governments is to regulate takeoff and landing on city- or county-owned property and to enforce general trespass and reckless-conduct laws. State law also creates surveillance and 'no-fly' offenses around critical infrastructure, sports venues, and correctional facilities. Recreational pilots must still follow FAA rules including TRUST and Remote ID.
Unlawful surveillance or flight over critical infrastructure is a Class B misdemeanor escalating to Class A on second offense. Local rules beyond takeoff/landing are unenforceable.
See how Richmond's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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