Drone Surveillance Laws by State
Whether the state creates a civil cause of action for drone surveillance, whether overflight is trespass per se, and whether notice or permission is required to fly over private property.
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Civil Action | Trespass per Se | Notice Required |
|---|---|---|
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | No | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No |
| Yes | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No |
| No | No | No |
FAA Part 107 (14 CFR §107) preempts state regulation of airspace and operational matters, but states retain authority over privacy, trespass, and harassment. The US Supreme Court's United States v. Causby (1946) navigable airspace doctrine remains relevant. Many state statutes mirror or expand Florida's Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (2013). Federal law enforcement use of drones is governed by separate Fourth Amendment principles.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.