Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Commercial Drone Operations Under FAA Part 107

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Federal rule: FAA Part 107
State statutes: R.S. 14:283.3, 14:337
Pilot certificate: Required
Critical infrastructure: Surveillance prohibited
Local airspace rules: Preempted

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

Commercial drone use in Louisiana requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. La. R.S. 14:283.3 and 14:337 add statewide criminal penalties for surveillance over critical infrastructure or private property, regardless of any local ordinance.

§337. Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system A.(1) Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system is any of the following: (a) The intentional use of an unmanned aircraft system to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence or collect information about, or photographically or electronically record a targeted facility without the prior written consent of the owner of the targeted facility.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Federal law preempts airspace operation, so commercial pilots flying for any business purpose must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register the aircraft with the FAA, follow Part 107 limits (400 feet AGL, daylight or anti-collision-lit night operations, visual line of sight), and obtain waivers for operations over people or beyond visual line of sight. Louisiana adds two state crimes: R.S. 14:337 prohibits surveillance of critical infrastructure such as petrochemical, electric, water, and pipeline facilities, and R.S. 14:283.3 prohibits drone capture of images on private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Local governments cannot impose airspace restrictions but may regulate ground-based takeoff/landing from public property.

Violations & Penalties

Operating commercially without Part 107 certification, violating critical-infrastructure surveillance under R.S. 14:337, or breaching privacy under R.S. 14:283.3 can trigger FAA civil penalties and Louisiana criminal fines and imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FAA license to fly drones commercially in Louisiana?

Yes. Any drone flight in furtherance of a business, including paid photography or real estate marketing, requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and aircraft registration.

Can Louisiana cities require local drone permits for commercial work?

Cities cannot regulate airspace or require permits for flight itself, but they may regulate takeoff and landing on city-owned property and require business licenses for drone service providers.

Sources

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