Tennessee Commercial Drone Operations Statewide Rules

Commercial unmanned aircraft operations in Tennessee require FAA Remote Pilot Certification under 14 CFR Part 107, with operations limited to daylight, line-of-sight, and below 400 feet AGL absent waivers. Tenn. Code Ann. Sections 39-13-902 through 39-13-905 establish state-level prohibitions on capturing images for surveillance without consent and create civil remedies for affected property owners. Section 70-4-302 prohibits using drones to harass or interfere with hunters and anglers. Commercial pilots must maintain general liability coverage as required by clients and FAA waivers and may not conduct operations over correctional facilities or critical infrastructure.

FAA violations bring federal civil penalties; state privacy violations carry misdemeanor charges and civil damages including injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.