Overview
Texas allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. Texas Property Code § 49.01 specifically addresses drone trespass. Property rights are strongly protected. No state drone license required, but property law is strict.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Texas. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Texas Property Code § 49.01: Trespass by drone — unauthorized flight over private property is civil/criminal trespass
- Texas Penal Code § 21.08: Indecent exposure — drone surveillance for voyeurism or indecent purposes is criminal
- Texas Water Code § 49.452: No unauthorized flight over water impoundments, reservoirs, or water storage facilities
- Dallas airspace: Class B airspace (DFW) requires LAANC authorization
- Houston airspace: Class B airspace (IAH, HOU) requires LAANC authorization
- San Antonio airspace: Class C airspace (SAT) — check LAANC/B4UFLY for authorization
- Federal restricted airspace: No flight near military installations (Fort Hood, Randolph AFB, Fort Worth NAS, Ellington Field)
- Texas Penal Code § 42.01: Disorderly conduct — drone operations disrupting public order or peace are criminal
- Texas Penal Code § 21.04: Indecency with a child — drone surveillance of minors for sexual purposes is felony
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 31.003: No drone flight in wildlife management areas, state parks, or public hunting lands without permit
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 64.001-64.015: Trespass on public lands — unauthorized drone flight in state wildlife management areas is criminal
- Texas Natural Resources Code § 26.001-26.365: Water feature access — no drone flight interfering with water rights holders or water management
- Texas Forest Service: National Forests in Texas (Sam Houston, Angelina) — Special Use Permit required for any drone operations
- Texas Government Code § 411.202: No drone interference with peace officers or law enforcement operations
- Texas Labor Code § 402-405: Construction site safety — commercial drone operations require coordination with OSHA-level compliance
- Texas Health and Safety Code § 165.001+: No drone flight over hospitals, emergency medical facilities, or disaster areas
- Texas Education Code § 11.161: No drone flight over school property, grounds, or during school-related events without superintendent approval
- Texas Penal Code § 38.171: Harassment by drone surveillance — repeated drone surveillance intended to harass is criminal offense
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov, pass TRUST test. No Texas state permit required.
Recreational Flying in Texas
Recreational drone pilots in Texas must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Texas
Commercial drone operations in Texas require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Texas must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/NR/pdf/NR.26.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.165.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/pdf/PE.38.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PW/pdf/PW.64.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PW/pdf/PW.31.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/pdf/PE.21.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/pdf/PE.42.pdf
- https://txforestservice.tamu.edu/
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LA/pdf/LA.402.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/pdf/ED.11.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/pdf/PR.49.pdf
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/where_can_i_fly/airspace_restrictions/b4ufly/
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/pdf/GV.411.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/WA/pdf/WA.49.pdf