Drone Laws
in Texas (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 Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

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

Texas Parks and Wildlife Policy

Allows drone flight without a permit on only two State Parks – the San Angelo State Park, and Martin Dies Jr. All other State Parks will require a filming permit issues by park authorities.

Ref Texas Parks and Wildlife Policy

 

House Bill 1481 (2015)

Prohibits the flight of drones over critical infrastructure facilities below 400 feet above ground level. Violation of this rule is considered a Class B misdemeanor.

Ref House Bill 1481 (2015)


Critical Facilities

Critical facilities include—but are not limited to—power plants, hospitals, military installations, water
treatment plants, oil and gas facilities, and courthouses, etc.

 

House Bill 1424 (2017)

Declares the operations of drones over certain sports venues, critical infrastructures, and correctional and detention facilities without permission to be a criminal offense.

Ref House Bill 1424 (2017)

 

House Bill 912 (2013)

  • Identifies lawful uses of drones.
  • Makes it illegal to capture, use, possess, or distribute images of individual and property without their consent.

Ref House Bill 912 (2013)

 

Senate Bill 840 (2017)

  • Identifies circumstances where capturing images using a drone are considered lawful. These include scholarly research and development by an institution of higher education, operations of an insurance company in connection with the underwriting of an insurance policy, among others/
  • Allows for capturing images by drone of property or persons within 25 miles of the US border for the sole purpose of ensuring border security

Ref Senate Bill 840 (2017)

 

House Bill 1643 (2017)

Prohibits local governments from controlling UAS regulations except during special events such as festivals and other legal gatherings.

Ref House Bill 1643 (2017)

 

Texas Administrative Code 65.152

Prohibits the use of drones to count, hunt, photography, capture, relocate, or take wildlife and exotic animals. Exceptions apply to drone pilots who have an official Aerial Management Permit (AMP) or a written landowner authorization.

Ref Texas Administrative Code 65.152

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

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

 

Harris County

Allows drone flight in only three Harris County parks:

  • George Bush Park (Houston)
  • Dyess Park (Cypress)
  • Schiveley RC Flying Field (Houston)

Ref Harris County Park Rules