Mississippi Recreational Drone State Restrictions

Under Miss. Code Section 97-29-61 (Peeping Tom statute) as amended, it is unlawful to use any drone or unmanned aircraft to photograph, film, or surveil another person on private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Miss. Code Section 97-29-63 prohibits drone use to capture images of critical infrastructure without authorization. Recreational pilots must also comply with FAA rules, including registration of drones over 0.55 pounds, flying below 400 feet, maintaining visual line of sight, and avoiding restricted airspace. State law preempts most local airspace regulation, though municipalities can regulate takeoff and landing on city property.

Privacy-related drone offenses under Miss. Code 97-29-61 are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and jail up to six months; critical infrastructure violations carry stiffer penalties.