Drone Laws
in Tennessee (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Tennessee State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

Tennessee State Parks Policy

  • Drone operations in Tennessee State Parks are subject to the same rules governing the use of aircraft. This means that the operations, launching, or landing of drones in State Parks is prohibited unless written permission from the Park Manager has been granted.
  • Landing areas designated in special regulations are exempt from this rule. In the case of water surfaces designated as landing areas, drones may not operate within 500 feet of bathing beaches, boat docks, piers, ramps, or within one mile of water controlled structures.

Ref Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

 

Senate Bill 1892

  • Classifies the conduct of unlawful surveillance of persons or property using a drone as a Class C misdemeanor.
  • Classifies the criminal act of possession, distribution, or capturing of images without any prior consent as a Class B misdemeanor.

Ref Senate Bill 1892 

 

Senate Bill 2106

Prohibits drone operations within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facilities to conduct surveillance or to unlawfully gather evidence or collect information.

Ref Senate Bill 2106

 

House Bill 153

Prohibits drone operations over firework displays and open-air events without the owner’s prior consent. This applies to events that have the potential to accommodate more than 100 persons.

Ref House Bill 153

 

Senate Bill 1777

Prohibits private entities from using drones to conduct video surveillance of private citizens lawfully engage in hunting and fishing activities without their consent.

Ref Senate Bill 1777

 

House Bill 2376

Permits drone operations on behalf of public and private higher education institutions. This amends Section 39-13-902(a)(1).

Ref House Bill 2376
 

House Bill 153

Prohibits drone operations over firework displays and open-air events without the owner’s prior consent. This applies to events that have the potential to accommodate more than 100 persons.

Ref House Bill 153

 

Senate Bill 796

Authorizes the use of drones by law enforcement agencies with official search warrant in situations where swift action is vital to thwart imminent danger to life or to counteract high-risk terror attacks.

Ref Senate Bill 796

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

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

 

Davidson County

Prohibits the use of any drones or flying machines in Davidson County parks.

Ref Code of Ordinances Sec 13.24.400

 

City of Nashville

Drone flight is not allowed in Nashville Metro Parks except in three designated areas: Warner Park, Peeler Park, and Cane Ridge. A permit is necessary to fly drones in these designated areas.

Ref Nashville Parks and Recreation

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