Georgia Preempts Most Local Recreational Drone Regulation

O.C.G.A. Title 6, Chapter 1, and amendments adopted under Act 444 (2017) provide that the state preempts most regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including takeoff, landing, airspace use, and operation. Local governments may regulate launch and landing on property they own (such as parks) and may enforce general nuisance, trespass, and privacy laws but cannot prohibit overflight or impose registration. Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 107 (commercial) and the recreational rules under 49 U.S.C. 44809 also apply, including remote ID requirements and the TRUST safety test.

Operating in violation of FAA rules can result in federal civil penalties; violating Georgia's specific drone-related criminal statutes (such as harassment via UAS) carries misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on conduct.