Louisiana Drone Laws and Regulations [2023]

In this article, you will get an overview of drone laws in Louisiana. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations will allow you to operate drones safely and legally in Louisiana.

Louisiana Drone Laws Within The State

Drone laws in Louisiana pertain to a variety of issues such as – where and how you can fly them, who is eligible to operate, and what activities are allowed or prohibited.

House Bill 335 (2016) | Agricultural Drone Laws in Louisiana

According to this bill,

• Each person operating a UAS for agricultural commercial operation shall obtain a license from the department.
• Must complete an agricultural education and safety training course administered by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center before applying for a license.

House Bill 19 (2016)

This bill,

• Prohibits the use of UAS to conduct surveillance or collect evidence or information about, or electronically record a targeted facility without the prior written consent of the owner of the targeted facility.
• Prohibits the operations of a UAS over the grounds of a state or local jail, prison, or other correctional facilities.
• The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any person operating a UAS in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations or authorization.

Senate Bill 69 (2017)

Under this rule, State law supersedes and preempts any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of any political subdivision or other units of local government.

House Bill 635 (2016) | Louisiana Drone Laws Regarding Video Voyeurism

This law counts the act of video voyeurism as the unlawful use of a UAS. Video voyeurism pertains to observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping a person without their consent.

Senate Bill 73 (2016)

This law,

• Adds intentionally crossing a police cordon using a drone to the crime of obstructing an officer.
• Authorizes law enforcement personnel or fire department personnel to disable any drone that has the potential to the public or an officer’s safety.

Senate Bill 141 (2016)

This law,

• Specifies that surveillance by a UAS constitutes criminal trespass under certain circumstances.
• No person is allowed in or upon immovable property owned by another without express, legal, or implied authorization.

Senate Bill 183 (2015)

Allows the use of UAS for agricultural commercial operations subject to regulations and licensing requirements:

1. Applicants must submit a written application to the department as provided by the commissioner by rule.
2. Before applying for a license, each applicant must complete an agricultural education and safety training course administered by the Louisiana cooperative extension service and comply with any other licensing requirements established by the commissioner by rule.

The validity of licenses and registrations is for three years and may be renewed for additional three-year periods as per rules adopted by the commissioner.

City and County Drone Laws in Louisiana

Understanding and adhering to these laws is essential for the safe and responsible use of drones within a particular city, town, municipality, or county in Louisiana.

Audubon Nature Institute Parks Regulations

This rule prohibits the use of drones in all parks owned by the Audubon Nature Institute.

Note: Louisiana drone laws are subject to change. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. For more information on drone laws in Louisiana, visit the FAA’s website, the official websites of the respective departments, or consult an attorney.