Welcome to your complete guide to drone laws in South Carolina.

Navigating the world of drone laws can be complex, with rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forming the foundation, layered with specific state and local ordinances.

Federal Drone Laws That Apply in South Carolina

It is important to remember that all drone pilots operating in South Carolina are subject to federal regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These rules provide a baseline for safe and responsible drone operation throughout the United States.

Registration and Remote ID

• Registration: Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA. You can register your drone through the FAA DroneZone website. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. Your registration number must be clearly marked on the exterior of your drone.
• Remote ID: As of September 16, 2023, most drones are required to broadcast Remote ID information. This acts as a digital license plate for your drone, allowing authorities to identify it in flight. You can learn more about Remote ID requirements on the FAA’s website.

Flying for Fun (Recreational Flying)

Recreational drone pilots in South Carolina must follow these FAA guidelines:

• Fly for enjoyment only.
• Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST): Before your first flight, you must pass this free online test and carry proof of completion with you.
• Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
• Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
• Keep your drone within your visual line of sight.
• Get authorization to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) through LAANC or DroneZone.
• Never interfere with manned aircraft.

Flying for Work (Commercial Operations)

To operate a drone for commercial purposes in South Carolina, you must follow the FAA’s Part 107 rules:

• Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate: This requires passing the FAA’s Part 107 knowledge test.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Register your drone with the FAA.
• Fly at or below 400 feet.
• Keep your drone within your visual line of sight.
• Obtain authorization for flights in controlled airspace.

For more detailed information on federal drone regulations, visit the official FAA website at https://www.faa.gov/uas.

South Carolina-Specific Drone Laws

In addition to federal regulations, South Carolina has its own set of laws governing drone use within the state. The most significant piece of legislation is the South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act (H.4679), which establishes clear guidelines and penalties for drone operators. [1]

Key Provisions of the South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act

The act outlines several key restrictions and requirements for drone operation in South Carolina:

• Critical Infrastructure: It is illegal to fly a drone over or within 1,000 feet of critical infrastructure without express written consent. This includes facilities such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and chemical plants.
• Correctional Facilities: Drones are prohibited from flying over or within 1,500 feet of any state or county correctional facility without explicit authorization from the South Carolina Department of Corrections or the respective county facility. This is further reinforced by Act 184 (Section 24-1-300), which prohibits flying a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of any Department of Corrections facility. [2]
• Military Installations: Flying a drone over or within 1,500 feet of any military installation is forbidden without express written consent from the Department of Defense or the installation itself.
• Airports: Operating a drone within five miles of an airport requires prior authorization from the FAA.
• Privacy: The act makes it unlawful to use a drone to conduct surveillance or record an individual in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without their consent. It is also illegal to use a drone to stalk, harass, or intimidate someone.
• Contraband and Weaponization: It is a felony to use a drone to transport or deliver contraband into a correctional facility. Weaponizing a drone or using it to threaten or harm another person is also a felony offense.
• Interference with Public Safety: Obstructing, disabling, or interfering with a drone operated by law enforcement or other public safety officials is illegal.

Penalties for Violations

The South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act establishes a tiered penalty system for violations:

• Misdemeanors: Violations such as flying too close to critical infrastructure or invading someone’s privacy are considered misdemeanors. Penalties range from a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail for a first offense, to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in jail for a third or subsequent offense.
• Felonies: More serious offenses, such as delivering contraband to a correctional facility or weaponizing a drone, are felonies. Penalties for these crimes can be as high as a $25,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison.

Local and City Regulations

While the South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act provides a statewide framework, several cities and towns have enacted their own local ordinances that further regulate drone use. It is crucial to check for local rules before flying in a specific area. Here are some notable local regulations:

City of Charleston

The City of Charleston has some of the most comprehensive local drone ordinances in the state. In addition to mirroring many federal regulations, Charleston’s city code includes the following unique restrictions:

• Drones are prohibited from operating within a quarter-mile of school property during school hours, hospitals, parks, recreation facilities, sporting events, road races, outdoor festivals, fireworks displays, stadiums, and public gatherings of more than 50 people.
• It is also illegal to fly a drone over moving vehicles, highways, bridges, or busy streets.
• Drones equipped with cameras must maintain a distance of at least 200 feet from any person, vehicle, building, or structure.
• The name and address of the drone owner or operator must be affixed to the exterior of the aircraft.

Town of Mount Pleasant

The Town of Mount Pleasant specifically prohibits the operation of drones at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.

Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island requires that anyone launching or landing a drone within the town limits must be a certified Part 107 remote pilot with an FAA-registered drone.

the South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act does not include a preemption clause, which means that local municipalities are free to enact their own drone ordinances. Therefore, You should research the specific rules and regulations of the city or county you plan to fly in.

Where You Can and Can’t Fly in South Carolina

Understanding where you are and are not allowed to fly your drone is one of the most critical aspects of being a responsible pilot. In South Carolina, a combination of federal, state, and local rules dictates permissible flying locations.

General No-Fly Zones

• National Parks: The National Park Service has banned the use of drones in all national parks, including Congaree National Park in South Carolina.
• Military Installations: As stated in the South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act, flying a drone over or near military bases is strictly prohibited without permission.
• Airports: Federal law prohibits flying a drone within five miles of an airport without proper authorization.
• Stadiums and Sporting Events: The FAA implements Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over stadiums during major sporting events. It is illegal to fly a drone within a TFR.
• Critical Infrastructure: As previously mentioned, flying a drone near critical infrastructure like power plants and water treatment facilities is illegal in South Carolina.

State and Local Restrictions

• State Parks: The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism does not have a statewide policy on drone use, so regulations can vary from park to park. It is always best to check with the specific park you plan to visit before flying.
• City of Charleston: As detailed in the local ordinances section, Charleston has numerous no-fly zones, including parks, schools, and large public gatherings.
• Mount Pleasant: Drone flying is prohibited at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.

Popular Flying Locations

While there are many restrictions, South Carolina also offers beautiful locations for drone pilots to capture notable aerial imagery. Some popular spots for drone enthusiasts include:

• Coastal Areas: The beaches and coastal regions of South Carolina can be great for flying, but be mindful of local ordinances in cities like Myrtle Beach and be respectful of private property.
• Rural Areas: The vast rural and agricultural landscapes of the state offer plenty of open space for flying, away from the congestion and restrictions of urban areas.

Always use the B4UFLY app to check for any airspace restrictions or advisories before you fly.

Penalties and Enforcement

Both federal and state authorities have the power to enforce drone laws in South Carolina, and the penalties for violations can be severe.

State-Level Penalties

The South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act establishes a clear penalty structure for violations of state drone laws:

• Misdemeanors: For offenses such as flying too close to critical infrastructure or invading privacy, penalties can range from a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail for a first offense, to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in jail for a third or subsequent offense.
• Felonies: Serious crimes like delivering contraband to a correctional facility or weaponizing a drone are considered felonies. These offenses carry penalties of up to a $25,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison.

Federal Penalties

The FAA can impose significant fines for violations of federal drone regulations. These fines can range from $1,771 to $36,770 per violation. In cases where a drone endangers a manned aircraft, criminal penalties, including imprisonment, may also be pursued.

Tips for Staying Compliant

With a complex web of federal, state, and local regulations to navigate, it can be challenging to ensure you are always flying your drone legally. Here are some tips to help you stay compliant in South Carolina:

• Check the B4UFLY App: Before every flight, use the FAA’s B4UFLY app to check for any airspace restrictions or advisories in your area.
• Register Your Drone: If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, make sure it is registered with the FAA and that the registration number is clearly marked on the drone.
• Get Certified: If you are flying for recreational purposes, you must have your TRUST certificate with you. For commercial operations, you must have your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Respect Privacy: Be mindful of others’ privacy. Avoid flying over private property without permission, and do not use your drone to record or photograph people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
• Research Local Ordinances: Before flying in a new location, take the time to research any local drone ordinances that may be in effect.
• Maintain Visual Line of Sight: Always keep your drone within your visual line of sight. This is a key safety requirement from the FAA.

Helpful Resources

• FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone.faa.gov
• B4UFLY App: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly
• South Carolina Legislature: https://www.scstatehouse.gov
• Drone Launch Academy Part 107 Course: https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-exam-study-course/

References

[1] South Carolina Legislature – H.4679: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4679.htm
[2] Pilot Institute – Drone Laws in South Carolina: https://pilotinstitute.com/drones/states/south-carolina/

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Disclaimer: Drone laws are constantly evolving. While we strive to keep this guide updated, you should always verify local ordinances and check the FAA B4UFLY app before flying. This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Sources: FAA UAS | NCSL State Drone Law Landscape | FAA Remote ID | FAA Part 107