Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Commercial Drone Law: Revised Code 4561.51

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: Ohio Revised Code 4561.51
Effective date: April 9, 2025
Commercial license: FAA Part 107 required
Responder interference: Up to fifth-degree felony
Critical-facility tampering: Third-degree felony

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Ohio Revised Code 4561.51, effective April 2025, makes it a state offense to fly a commercial drone in violation of FAA rules, and adds criminal penalties for interfering with emergency responders or targeting a critical facility.

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, no person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in the air space over this state if the operation is prohibited by either federal law or federal regulations, including any federal aviation administration regulations. ... (B) No person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in a manner that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs the operations or activities conducted by law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, or emergency medical services personnel while such personnel is on duty.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Commercial operators still need an FAA Part 107 certificate, Ohio does not license drones itself, but Revised Code 4561.51(A)(1) now writes federal compliance into state law: any operation the FAA prohibits is also unlawful over Ohio. Division (B) bars flying in a manner that disrupts on-duty law enforcement, firefighters, or EMS. Division (C) criminalizes recording or loitering over a critical facility to further a violent offense or to tamper with it. The statute took effect April 9, 2025 under House Bill 77. Under 4561.52, local governments may regulate only government-owned or hobby flights, not commercial airspace.

Violations & Penalties

Recklessly disrupting emergency responders is a fourth-degree misdemeanor; knowing violations rise to a first-degree misdemeanor, then a fifth-degree felony. Loitering over a critical facility to tamper is a third-degree felony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohio require its own commercial drone license?

No. Ohio issues no drone license. Commercial pilots need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, and Revised Code 4561.51 makes any FAA violation a state offense too.

Can Ohio cities ban commercial drone flights?

No. Under Revised Code 4561.52, municipalities, townships, and counties may regulate only government-owned drones and hobby flights over their own parks or public property, not commercial airspace.

Sources

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