Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in California
California allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. State-specific restrictions most often show up through privacy law, emergency-scene interference rules, park and wildlife-land restrictions, and permit requirements for state property or sensitive sites.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude for Part 107 flight
- 14 CFR 107.19: Remote Pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS)
- California Penal Code § 402: Prohibition on interfering with emergency operations — cannot fly drone to scene of emergency or interfere with emergency response
- California Penal Code § 646.9: Stalking — surveillance via drone can constitute stalking if intended to harass or threaten
- Class B airspace: Major airports (LAX, SFO, etc.) require ATC clearance — use LAANC
- California Penal Code § 647(j): Invasion of privacy via drone surveillance (photographing/recording without consent in private areas)
- California Penal Code § 148: Obstruction of peace officers — cannot interfere with law enforcement via drone operations
- California State Parks: Launching, landing, or operating drones may be restricted or prohibited depending on park-unit rules, and commercial filming needs separate approval
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife lands: Operating a drone on department lands generally requires authorization or a special use permit
- Wildlife disturbance: Avoid low flights, nest disturbance, and any drone operation that harasses wildlife
- State property filming: Drone filming on state-owned property requires additional California Film Commission UAS review and permit materials
- Utility sites, water facilities, and other sensitive infrastructure: Do not interfere with operations and obtain owner or operator authorization where required
- Construction and industrial job sites: Coordinate with employer safety rules and California workplace-safety obligations before flight
- National Forests in California: Commercial drone operations on National Forest System lands generally require special use authorization, and Wilderness areas have stricter limits
Permits & Licensing
Commercial (Part 107): Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov, pass TRUST test. No California state drone license required.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No blanket statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified, but California requires insurance documentation for filming on State owned or operated property and specific UAS coverage for drone permits.
Public property / permit situations
California Film Commission permit materials require general liability coverage and, for UAS use, specific drone coverage when filming on state property.
Practical takeaway
Local permits can add another layer: for example, Oakland requires drone insurance for filming on City property. Check the property owner and film office rules before scheduling work.
Official Resources
Federal resources: FAA UAS LAANC FAA DroneZone