Drone Laws in Tennessee

Your complete 2026 guide to flying drones legally in Tennessee.

Drone Laws in Tennessee: What You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Welcome to the definitive guide to drone laws in Tennessee for 2026. The Volunteer State, with its notable landscapes ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, offers incredible opportunities for drone pilots. However, before you launch your drone to capture impressive aerial footage or conduct commercial operations, You should understand the legal framework governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Tennessee. This guide is designed to provide both recreational and commercial pilots with the information they need to fly safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with all applicable laws.

Tennessee has a growing drone presence, and with it comes a set of laws designed to ensure public safety and privacy.We’ll cover where you can fly, what you can’t do, and the penalties for violating the rules. Our goal is to provide a clear, accessible resource for all drone pilots in Tennessee.

Federal Drone Laws That Apply in Tennessee

All drone pilots operating in Tennessee are subject to federal regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These rules form the foundation of safe and legal drone operation throughout the United States. It is crucial to understand and adhere to these federal requirements, as they apply in every state, including Tennessee. The FAA’s regulations are designed to ensure the safety of the national airspace for all users, both manned and unmanned.

Registration: All drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA. You can register your drone on the FAA DroneZone website. Registration is valid for three years and the registration number must be visible on the exterior of the drone.
Remote ID: As of September 16, 2023, all registered drones must be capable of broadcasting Remote ID information. This acts as a digital license plate for your drone, allowing authorities to identify it in flight. The only exception is for drones flown within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Recreational Flyers (44 USC 44809): If you are flying purely for fun, you must take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). You must also keep your drone within your visual line of sight, fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G), and obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) through LAANC or DroneZone.
Part 107 for Commercial Operations: For any drone flight that is not strictly for recreational purposes, such as for a business or in exchange for payment, pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA’s Part 107 knowledge test. This certificate allows for a wider range of operations, including flights over people and at night with the proper waivers and equipment.
General Flight Restrictions: All drone pilots must yield the right of way to manned aircraft. Flying over people, at night, or in restricted airspace is prohibited without specific authorization or waivers.

Tennessee-Specific Drone Laws

This section was last updated on March 17, 2026, to reflect the latest regulations.

In addition to federal regulations, Tennessee has enacted several state-level laws that directly impact drone operations. These statutes are primarily aimed at protecting the privacy of citizens, regulating government surveillance, and securing critical infrastructure. It is essential for all drone pilots in Tennessee to be familiar with these state-specific rules to avoid legal trouble.

Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (TN Code § 39-13-609)

This law, updated in March 2024, regulates the use of drones by law enforcement agencies for surveillance purposes. It establishes that using a drone to collect evidence or information constitutes a search and generally requires a warrant. However, there are several exceptions where a warrant is not required, such as to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack, to prevent imminent danger to life, or to search for a fugitive. Evidence collected in violation of this act is not admissible in court.

Surveillance by Unmanned Aircraft (TN Code § 39-13-903)

This statute makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture an image of an individual or privately owned real property with the intent to conduct surveillance. It also prohibits flying a drone over a correctional facility or an open-air event venue with more than 100 people without the owner’s consent.

Critical Infrastructure (TN Code § 39-13-903(a)(6))

It is a Class E felony to knowingly use a drone within 250 feet of a critical infrastructure facility to conduct surveillance or gather information without the operator’s written consent. Critical infrastructure facilities are defined to include:

Electrical power generation and transmission systems
Petroleum refineries and storage facilities
Chemical and rubber manufacturing facilities
Water and wastewater treatment facilities
Natural gas or propane storage, transmission, or distribution infrastructure
Railroad yards not open to the public
Communication service facilities

Drones and Hunting (TN Code § 70-4-108)

This law makes it illegal to use a drone to hunt, kill, or wound any wild animal, or to drive any wild animal from its natural habitat. It also prohibits using a drone to assist a hunter in the field.

Local and City Regulations

While Tennessee has state-level drone laws that provide a baseline for the entire state, it is also crucial to be aware of local ordinances that may be in place in specific cities and counties. These local rules can further restrict drone operations, particularly in parks and other public areas. Although there is a legal concept known as preemption, where state laws can prevent local governments from creating conflicting rules, the specifics can be complex. Therefore, the best practice is always to check with the local city or county government before you fly.

Nashville (Davidson County): The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation has the authority to regulate drone use in parks. It is generally prohibited to operate a drone in a Metro Park without a permit. Always check the specific park’s rules before flying.
Shelby County: The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office uses drones for law enforcement purposes and has reminded the public to be aware of all drone laws.

As a general rule, always check for local ordinances, especially when flying in or near cities, parks, and other public areas.

Where You Can and Can’t Fly in Tennessee

Understanding where you can and cannot fly your drone is essential for staying compliant. Here are some of the key areas to be aware of in Tennessee:

National Parks: The National Park Service has banned the use of drones in all national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
State Parks: Flying a drone in a Tennessee State Park is generally prohibited without a permit from the park manager. Each park may have its own specific rules, so it is crucial to check with the park directly before flying.
Airports and Controlled Airspace: You must have authorization to fly in controlled airspace, which surrounds most airports. You can obtain this authorization through the FAA’s LAANC system.
Military Installations: Flying a drone near a military base is restricted. Always maintain a safe distance from these facilities.
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 the TFR.
Wilderness Areas: Drones are generally not permitted in designated wilderness areas.

Penalties and Enforcement

Violating drone laws in Tennessee can result in significant penalties from both federal and state authorities.

Federal Penalties: The FAA can impose fines ranging from $1,771 to $36,770 per violation for unsafe drone operations. Criminal penalties, including imprisonment, are possible for actions that endanger aircraft.
State Penalties: As mentioned earlier, violating Tennessee’s state drone laws can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the offense.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Check the B4UFLY App: Before every flight, use the FAA’s B4UFLY app to check for airspace restrictions and other advisories.
Register Your Drone: If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, make sure it is registered with the FAA.
Get Certified: If you are flying for commercial purposes, obtain your Part 107 certificate. For recreational flying, complete the TRUST test.
Respect Privacy: Do not fly over private property without permission, and avoid capturing images or videos of people without their consent.
Check Local Rules: Always check for and comply with any local ordinances in the area where you are flying.
Maintain Visual Line of Sight: Keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times.

Helpful Resources

Drone Laws by State Directory

Neighboring State Drone Laws:

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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