Galveston, Texas Drone Laws

City overview

Overview

Galveston is located in Texas. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Texas drone law is governed by Tex. Gov't Code § 423, the Texas Privacy Act for Unmanned Aircraft. Chapter 423 defines lawful and unlawful drone surveillance and creates both criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized image capture of individuals or private property. Tex. Gov't Code § 423.003 prohibits capturing images of private property without consent. Tex. Gov't Code § 423.0045 restricts drone operations over correctional facilities, sports venues, critical infrastructure, military installations, and detention facilities. Texas broadly preempts local drone ordinances under § 423.0045, limiting municipalities to regulating their own property. Galveston is a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico with Scholes International Airport (KGLS) creating Class D airspace. Galveston Island State Park prohibits drone operations under Texas State Parks rules. The Gulf of Mexico offshore waters are federal jurisdiction (FAA). Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Tex. Gov't Code § 423.003 — Texas Privacy Act: prohibits capturing images of private property without consent; criminal offense
• Tex. Gov't Code § 423.0045 — Prohibited operations: drones over critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, military installations, sports venues; Class A or B misdemeanor
• Tex. Gov't Code § 423.0045(b) — Texas broadly preempts local drone ordinances; municipalities limited to regulating city-owned property
• Galveston Island State Park — Texas State Parks/TPWD: drone operations prohibited without special use permit
• Port of Galveston — federal maritime security zone: drone operations over port facilities and cruise terminal are prohibited under maritime security regulations
• Scholes International Airport (KGLS) — Class D airspace: LAANC authorization required
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Galveston Island State Park permit: contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-8900 or tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks. Port of Galveston maritime security zone: contact Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston at (713) 671-5100 before any drone operations near port facilities — unauthorized flights near cruise terminals or cargo facilities are a federal security violation. LAANC authorization for KGLS available via FAA DroneZone. City of Galveston commercial filming permit: contact (409) 797-3510.

Official Statute Links

• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.423.htm
• https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• East Beach (eastern end of Galveston Island) — public beach outside KGLS Class D surface area (verify LAANC); one of the more accessible public beach drone areas on the island
• Bolivar Peninsula (across Galveston Bay by ferry) — outside KGLS Class D; open Gulf-facing beaches; verify private vs. public land access
• West Galveston Island beyond KGLS Class D (10+ mi west) — verify with B4UFLY; away from port and airport

Areas to Avoid

• Port of Galveston — federal maritime security zones: absolutely do not fly over cruise terminals, cargo facilities, or vessel traffic
• Scholes International Airport (KGLS) Class D — covers most of the island: LAANC required
• Galveston Island State Park — TPWD: permit required
• Private hotel/resort properties on Seawall — Tex. § 423.003 privacy law
• UTMB and hospital campus — security and privacy restrictions

Weather Considerations

Galveston has a humid subtropical climate on a barrier island exposed to the full Gulf of Mexico. Gulf moisture produces high humidity year-round and frequent afternoon sea breeze thunderstorms May through September. Hurricane season (June 1–November 30) is a very serious threat — Galveston was devastated by the 1900 hurricane and remains vulnerable. Norther cold fronts sweep the coast October through April bringing strong north winds. Tropical storms can make the island inaccessible. Fog is common in fall and winter when Gulf moisture meets cool continental air. Salt air is extremely corrosive to drone components. Check NWS Houston/Galveston (weather.gov/hgx).

Seasonal Tips

BEST: March–May — mild Gulf breezes, low humidity, excellent coastal light before summer heat. September–October (outside active hurricane threats) can offer dramatic storm light and fewer crowds. AVOID: June–October hurricane season during active storm threats — evacuate promptly. AVOID: afternoon thunderstorm window June–September (noon–6 PM). Rinse drone with fresh water and dry thoroughly after every coastal flight to prevent salt corrosion.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Texas state regulations
• ✓ Galveston local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety

Plan nearby flights

Related Resources & Guides

Use these pages to move from Galveston rules to statewide law, nearby airport restrictions, and the federal preflight checks that still apply before launch.