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Drone Authority
Aerial landscape representing California drone airspaceSTATE · CALIFORNIA

Drone laws by state

California drone laws

Federal FAA rules apply across California. There is no broad statewide preemption, so cities, counties, and the state park system can and do set their own drone rules. California also has a notable civil privacy statute aimed at drone surveillance.

All statesLocal rules may apply

The federal rules apply everywhere

No matter the state, the FAA owns the airspace. Start here, then add California's rules on top.

  • Register drones 250 g or heavier (and any commercial drone) at FAADroneZone.
  • Broadcast Remote ID if your drone must be registered.
  • Stay at or below 400 ft AGL and within visual line of sight.
  • Get LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
  • No takeoff/landing in national parks, over critical infrastructure, or in TFRs.

What's specific to California

  • California Civil Code § 1708.8 (the 'anti-paparazzi' law) creates civil liability for using a drone to capture images of someone engaged in a private/personal activity without consent.

  • No statewide preemption we could verify, so individual cities and counties may have their own drone ordinances (parks, launch sites, events). Check local rules in addition to federal rules.

  • California State Parks generally allow drones except where a District Superintendent has posted an order prohibiting them; many popular units are posted, so check the specific park.

Local preemption: Local rules may apply

There is no statewide preemption, so individual cities and counties may set their own drone rules on top of federal rules.

Official source

Always confirm against the primary source; state laws change and rules differ by locality and by park.

California drone-law source

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License rules are federal and the same in every state. Answer two questions to find out what you need.

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Rules current as of June 2026; verify with the FAA (faa.gov/uas) and your state before flying. Educational, not legal advice.