Missouri Drone Laws [2023]

Specific regulations have been implemented in the state of Missouri to govern the use of drones. These laws are put in place to safeguard the privacy of citizens and uphold the rights of drone operators.

It is imperative for drone pilots in Missouri to familiarize themselves with these laws.

To get a comprehensive summary of USA drone laws – click here.

Missouri State Drone Laws

These laws apply to the entire state of Missouri.

Section 217.850: Use of Unmanned Aircraft Over a Correctional Center

According to this law, if someone intentionally:

• Operates a drone within a vertical distance of 400 feet over a correctional center’s secure perimeter fence; or
• Permits a drone to interact with a correctional facility, including any person or object on the premises of or within the facility.

Section 577.800: Use of Drones Over an Open-Air Facility

A person commits an offense if someone deliberately:

• Operates a drone within a vertical distance of 400 feet from the ground and within the property line of an open-air facility; or
• Uses an unmanned aircraft (drone) to deliver a gun, knife, weapon, or other dangerous article or a controlled substance to a person within an open-air facility.

City and County Drone Laws in Missouri

City and County drone laws in Missouri refer to local ordinances and regulations that are enacted by counties, cities, or towns.

Drone Laws in the City of Columbia, Missouri (2018)

This prohibits operating UAS or model airplanes from a location in a park, except in areas set apart for such use or designated by a special permit issued by the Director.

Jackson County (2022)

This regulation,

• Prohibits operating drones and other radio/remote-controlled devices except in areas designated for such operation by the Director.
• Forbids operating drones within the physical boundary of any park that is under the jurisdiction of Jackson County, Missouri, without first obtaining the proper operating permit issued by the Director.
• Prohibits operating drones with a sound level of over 98 decibels from a distance of 50 or more feet.

St. Louis Forest Park

To fly a drone in Forest Park, you need to apply for a City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit to BPS Secretary Cherise Jones, Room 305, City Hall. You must submit a copy of your pilot’s license, drone specs, and a certificate of insurance for $1,000,000 along with your application.

City of St. Charles Drones Regulation (2017)

It shall be unlawful for any person to:

• Knowingly operate a UAS (drone) directly over the private property of someone else without the property owner’s consent, if such operations of the UAS:
• Enters into the air space of the private property; and
• Interferes substantially with the property owner’s use and enjoyment of their property; or
• Operate a UAS weighing more than 55 pounds [twenty-five kilograms] unless expressly permitted by Federal or State law.

St. Charles County Parks & Recreation UAS Policy (2017)

This ordinance,

• Prohibits using UAS within county parks, preserved areas, or parks in reserve.
• To operate the UAS within designated areas the operators must apply for a Parks and Recreation Department special use permit.
• Prohibits commercial UAS operations.

St. Louis County Parks, MO Drone Policy (2019)

According to St. Louis County parks’ Drones and Other Aerial Activities Department Policy, the use of drones is permitted at Buder park and a portion of Antire valley.

The City Of Eureka, Missouri (2017)

According to this ordinance, it shall be unlawful to

• Operate an Unmanned Aircraft System for surveillance within the City limits.
• Operate an Unmanned Aircraft System over or adjacent to any City sponsored event or athletic event, bicycle race, City swimming pool, fireworks display, parade, or emergency scene such as a fire, motor vehicle accident, or crime scene.

Randolph County Commission Missouri Drone Laws (2019)

• This ordinance restricts recklessly operating a drone to create a substantial risk of serious physical injury or damage to the property of someone.
• A person who operates an Unmanned Aircraft without first filing notice, may be punished by a fine, not to exceed $100.
• This ordinance does not apply to an unmanned Aircraft operated by a government or any public agency for government-related purposes in compliance with all federal laws and regulations and operated in compliance with County policies.

Note: Missouri 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 Missouri, visit the FAA’s website or the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.