New York Recreational Drone Rules — FAA Floor

New York has not enacted a unified state drone law. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates airspace under 14 CFR Part 107 (commercial) and 49 USC §44809 (recreational). Recreational operators flying drones under 0.55 pounds (250 grams) do not need to register; drones at or above that weight must be registered and display a Recreational ID. All recreational pilots must pass the FAA TRUST safety test. Localities fill state silence: New York City Local Law 67 of 2023 legalized drone takeoff and landing only at sites permitted by NYPD and the FAA, ending the de facto NYC ban. New York State Parks generally prohibits drone takeoff and landing except in designated zones, and the DEC prohibits drones in Forest Preserve wilderness areas under 6 NYCRR Part 190.

NYC Admin Code §10-126 violations: misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and 90 days jail. FAA violations: civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation. State Parks violations: park ranger citation, typically $50-$250.