Does St. Louis, MO have its own recreational drones ordinance?

No. St. Louis, MO does not appear to have a local recreational drones ordinance, federal law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from FAA Recreational Flyers.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Recreational exemption: Full exemption if uncompensated
Commercial threshold: Any compensation triggers licensing
Governing chapter: Ch. 15.190, adopted 2024
Commercial penalty: $100-$500 fine, drone impoundment

Summary

St. Louis exempts recreational and educational drone flying from its commercial-drone ordinance, so hobbyist pilots who receive no compensation aren't subject to the city's licensing, buffer-distance, or penalty rules.

This chapter shall not apply to individuals who operate model aircraft, drones, and other UAs for recreational or educational purposes for which no compensation is received.

Source: FAA Recreational FlyersView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

St. Louis Revised Code Chapter 15.190, adopted in 2024, regulates the commercial or for-profit operation of drones within city limits, requiring an FAA remote pilot certificate, a City business license, and compliance with distance rules near people, schools, jails, courthouses, emergency vehicles, and permitted public events. Section 15.190.050(3) carves out recreational flying entirely: anyone who operates a model aircraft, drone, or other unmanned aircraft for recreational or educational purposes and receives no compensation is exempt from the whole chapter, including its licensing requirement, buffer distances, and penalty provisions. Hobbyists remain subject only to FAA rules for recreational flyers.

Violations & Fines

Recreational flyers who comply are not fined. Anyone flying for compensation without a business license and FAA certificate faces a $100-$500 fine plus drone seizure and impoundment by police under § 15.190.060.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fly a drone recreationally in St. Louis?

No. St. Louis Revised Code § 15.190.050(3) exempts anyone operating a drone for recreational or educational purposes with no compensation from the city's licensing, distance, and permit rules: only FAA recreational-flyer rules apply.

What makes drone flying 'commercial' under St. Louis's ordinance?

Any operation tied to advertising, selling, or distributing goods or services. Receiving compensation of any kind moves you out of the recreational exemption and into the licensed, regulated category.

Sources & Official References

[1]St. Louis Revised Code § 15.190.050 - Exemption

Other rules in St. Louis

Event Drone RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Commercial DronesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri drone rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.