Texas And FAA Govern Commercial Drone Operations

Commercial drone operations in Texas are dual-regulated. The FAA's 14 CFR Part 107 requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, registration, Remote ID, and adherence to airspace rules including LAANC authorizations near airports. On top of federal rules, Texas Government Code Chapter 423 preempts most local regulation while creating state offenses for unlawful surveillance, flight over correctional facilities, and operations near critical infrastructure. Section 423.009 prevents cities from imposing their own permitting schemes on commercial drone work. Cities retain limited authority to manage takeoff and landing on city-owned land and to enforce trespass, noise, and reckless-conduct laws of general applicability.

FAA violations include civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation. Texas surveillance offenses are Class B/A misdemeanors and capital-infrastructure offenses can be state-jail felonies.