Fort Worth, Texas Drone Laws

Overview

Fort Worth is located in Texas. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Texas regulates drones under Government Code Chapter 423 (Unmanned Aircraft). § 423.002 defines lawful uses; § 423.003 criminalizes non-consensual image capture; § 423.004 criminalizes disclosure of unlawfully captured drone images; § 423.0045 prohibits flights over correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, sports venues during events, and within 400 ft of covered officials. Fort Worth shares the KDFW Class B airspace with Dallas and is home to Fort Worth Meacham International (KFTW), Alliance Airport (KAFW), and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (KNFW), creating one of the most complex urban airspace environments in Texas.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Texas Gov't Code § 423.003: Unlawful to capture images of individuals or private property without consent — Class C misdemeanor
• Texas Gov't Code § 423.004: Unlawful disclosure/distribution of captured drone images — Class C misdemeanor
• Texas Gov't Code § 423.0045: Prohibited to fly over correctional facilities, chemical plants, refineries, power infrastructure, water treatment plants, and sports venues during events
• Texas Penal Code § 42.072: Stalking via drone is a state criminal offense
• KDFW Class B airspace covers the entire DFW metro — LAANC authorization required for virtually all drone operations within Fort Worth city limits
• KFTW Class D airspace — surface to 2,700 ft MSL within ~4.1 NM; LAANC required
• KAFW Class D airspace — surface to 3,200 ft MSL; LAANC required
• KNFW (NAS JRB Fort Worth) — active military airspace; civilian drone flights strictly prohibited
• FAA Part 107: Max 400 ft AGL, yield to manned aircraft
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Code: Drones prohibited in state parks without written TPWD permit

Permits & Registration

Commercial (Part 107): FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required; no separate Texas state permit. Recreational: FAA registration at registerdrone.faa.gov ($5 fee, valid 3 years). Almost all of Fort Worth falls within KDFW Class B or KFTW/KAFW Class D airspace — LAANC authorization through Aloft, AirMap, or FAA DroneZone is mandatory before any flight. Fort Worth Parks & Community Services requires a Special Event/Photography Permit for drone operations in city parks; contact (817) 392-5700.

Official Statute Links

• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.423.htm
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.42.htm
• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/
• https://www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/rules/

Local Ordinances

Fort Worth regulates drone operations through park permit requirements and the general provisions of its City Code. The Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department requires permits for filming, photography, and special events in city parks, which includes drone operations. Fort Worth Cultural District (Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum) and Sundance Square present dense urban airspace challenges. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (Carswell AFB) creates significant military restricted airspace on the west side of the city.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• All Fort Worth city parks: drone operations require Special Event or Photography Permit from Parks & Community Services Department
• Fort Worth Botanic Garden: No drone flights without written permit from Botanic Garden management
• Log Cabin Village and cultural institutions: Drone flights require advance written authorization
• Sundance Square (downtown core): No drone flights — falls under KDFW Class B surface area; dense pedestrian environment
• NAS JRB Fort Worth (Carswell Field): Absolutely prohibited — active military installation with P-49 restricted airspace; federal penalties apply
• Alliance Airport (KAFW) perimeter: No drone flights within KAFW Class D without LAANC authorization
• AT&T Stadium (Arlington, adjacent): TFRs issued during Cowboys games and major events under 14 CFR 91.145; affects Fort Worth area
• Lockheed Martin plant (west Fort Worth): Critical infrastructure under § 423.0045; drone flights prohibited
• Trinity Trails / Trinity River corridor: Drone permit required; proximity to KFTW approach path
• Private property: Texas trespass laws strictly enforced

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department — Special Events: (817) 392-5700, fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Benbrook Lake recreation area (Corps of Engineers) — open water areas away from KDFW flight paths; verify airspace ceiling via LAANC
• Cleburne State Park (~45 mi S) — with TPWD written permit; well outside Class B
• Mineral Wells State Park (~50 mi W) — with TPWD written permit; excellent open terrain
• Private ranch land in Parker County (west of Fort Worth, beyond KNFW restricted area) — with landowner permission
• Lake Granbury area (Hood County, ~35 mi SW) — outside KDFW Class B outer ring; verify airspace

Areas to Avoid

• KDFW Class B airspace — covers entire DFW metro; most of Fort Worth is within Class B; LAANC required
• KFTW Class D airspace — surface to 2,700 ft MSL within ~4.1 NM; LAANC required
• KAFW Class D airspace — surface to 3,200 ft MSL; LAANC required
• KNFW P-49 restricted airspace — NAS JRB Fort Worth; absolutely prohibited
• Lockheed Martin plant — critical infrastructure, prohibited
• Sundance Square / downtown Fort Worth — KDFW Class B surface area
• AT&T Stadium area (Arlington) — TFRs during Cowboys games
• All city parks without permit

Weather Considerations

Fort Worth shares Dallas's climate — humid subtropical at ~670 ft MSL. Spring (March–May) is the peak severe weather season with supercell thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes — Fort Worth is in the Texas Tornado Alley corridor. Summer is extremely hot (95–105°F with heat index). Afternoon convective storms are common May–September. Strong southerly winds are frequent spring through fall. Monitor NWS Fort Worth (weather.gov/fwd).

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October–November (mild 60–75°F, minimal storms, excellent visibility). GOOD: December–February (cold but stable; watch for ice storms). CAUTION: March–April (tornado and hail season). AVOID: May–September afternoons (extreme heat, active convection). Pre-dawn/early morning flights recommended in summer. Check NWS Fort Worth for tornado watches before any outdoor operations in spring.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Texas state regulations
• ✓ Fort Worth local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety