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.
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.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle recreational drones.
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