Mississippi Drone Laws and Regulations [2023]

In this article, you will get an overview of Mississippi drone laws and regulations.

As the use of drones continues to expand in both personal and commercial applications, it’s essential to stay informed about the rules and regulations governing their operation in the state of Mississippi.

Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to fly your drone safely and legally in Mississippi.

Mississippi State Drone Laws

These drones (UAV) laws apply in the entire state of Mississippi.

States’ Drone Laws in Mississippi

This UAV law prohibits launching or landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from or on MDWFP-Owned Wildlife Management Areas.

MNRRA Drone Regulation

According to this regulation,

• The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) authorizes drone use only on the land they own in fee title.
• MNRRA cannot give permission for the land they do not own.
• The NPS drone restrictions are limited at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to lands owned by the NPS. These lands are called out above at Coldwater Spring and 9 islands along the River.
• Drone use on Non-NPS owned lands in other portions of the MNRRA Administrative Boundary is subject to regulations in place by the land owner and the FAA.

Senate Bill 2022 (2015)

According to this law, any person who looks through a window, hole, or opening, or otherwise views by means of any instrumentality, including, drones into the interior of any area in which the occupant has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with the intent to invade the privacy of a person or persons inside and without the consent or knowledge of every person present, shall be guilty of a felony.

Senate Bill 2262: Mississippi UAS Act of 2021

According to this act,

• A political subdivision may not create or implement an ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy that governs the ownership or operation of non-recreational unmanned aircraft systems or otherwise regulate such ownership or operation unless expressly authorized by statute.
• Any ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy of any county or municipality of this state regulating the ownership or operation of non-recreational unmanned aircraft shall be deemed preempted and shall be null, void, and of no force or effect.
• A public agency can operate an unmanned aircraft system only in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Prohibits a person to purposefully or knowingly sabotage, damage, or intend to sabotage or damage a UAS operated by a law enforcement, emergency service or fire department, or any other public agency, including an unmanned aircraft system, operated on behalf of the agency.

House Bill 259: Drone Prohibition Act (2022)

This bill prohibits any person from using a drone to capture unauthorized images.

City and County Drone Laws in Mississippi

Local drone laws in Mississippi refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

The University of Mississippi Drones Policy (2021)

Under this policy, all UAS flights must be conducted in accordance with any FAA regulations applicable to the operation as well as the following University guidelines:

• Permits UAS use for educational/research and business purposes only.
• The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Request Form application must be completed for permission to fly the UAS over University property. This must be done at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed date/time of the flight.
• All UAS operations on or above University property must comply with FAA regulations and local, state, and federal laws regarding the use of UAS.
• All drone operators must perform pre-flight and post-flight checks and check for TFRs or NOTAMS.
• Prohibits UAS use for hobby or recreational use on the Oxford campus.
• Prohibits UAS interference with any educational activity on campus.
• Prohibits using UAS to monitor or record residential halls, medical facilities, or the interiors or exteriors of campus daycare facilities, or where minors may be present.
• Prohibits the use of UAS to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information that may be found in offices, computers, or laboratories.

Note: Mississippi 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 flying laws in Mississippi, visit the FAA’s website or the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.