Milwaukee, Wisconsin Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Wisconsin has significant drone-specific statutes. Wis. Stat. § 942.10 prohibits use of a surveillance device — including drones — to observe individuals in private without consent, making violations a Class I felony. Wis. Stat. § 943.13 establishes criminal trespass via drone. Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone use in all state parks, natural areas, and wildlife areas without a permit. Milwaukee sits within KMKE Class C airspace, requiring ATC authorization for operations near the airport.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Wis. Stat. § 942.10: Use of drone for surveillance without consent is a Class I felony
• Wis. Stat. § 943.13: Criminal trespass via drone over private property
• Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone use in state parks and natural areas without a permit
• KMKE (Milwaukee Mitchell International) Class C airspace — ATC authorization required
• KMWC (Lawrence J. Timmerman) Class D airspace to the northwest
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: FAA drone registration required for UAS over 0.55 lbs. Wisconsin state park and natural area flights: DNR special use permit required — contact Wisconsin DNR at dnr.wisconsin.gov. LAANC authorization required for KMKE Class C and KMWC Class D airspace — use DroneZone or approved apps.

Official Statute Links

• https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/942/10
• https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/943/13
• https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Milwaukee does not have a comprehensive standalone drone ordinance but prohibits drone operations in city parks without Parks Department approval. The lakefront area along Lake Michigan presents unique considerations with restricted areas around marinas and public beaches. American Family Field (Brewers MLB) generates FAA TFRs on game days. Milwaukee's KMKE Class C airspace begins at the surface near the airport and extends at varying floor altitudes across much of the county.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Milwaukee County Parks: Drone operations prohibited without prior written approval from Milwaukee County Parks
• American Family Field (Brewers MLB): FAA TFR in effect on all game days
• Fiserv Forum and surrounding arena district: High-density area, avoid during events
• Milwaukee Lakefront (Bradford Beach, McKinley Marina): Marine and public event conflicts — get Parks approval
• Discovery World and Milwaukee Art Museum campus: Restricted flight area near waterfront
• General Mitchell International approach corridors: Exercise extreme caution
• Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee campuses: Campus policies prohibit unauthorized drones
• Private property: Wis. Stat. § 943.13 criminal trespass applies

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Milwaukee County Parks, Recreation and Culture, (414) 257-6100, county.milwaukee.gov/parks

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

• Kettle Moraine State Forest (southern unit) — DNR permit required; fly in designated open areas only
• Rural agricultural areas in Ozaukee County north of metro (outside Class C floor — verify on sectional chart)
• Washington County farmland north of Germantown (check KMWC Class D and KMKE Class C floors)
• Bong State Recreation Area (Kenosha County) — DNR permit required; large open space

Areas to Avoid

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (KMKE) — Class C airspace, surface to 4,100 ft MSL within 5 nm
• Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (KMWC) — Class D airspace, surface to 2,900 ft MSL
• American Family Field — FAA TFR on Brewers game days
• Milwaukee Lakefront parks and beaches — written permit required from Milwaukee County Parks
• Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee campuses — campus policy prohibitions
• Downtown Milwaukee core (East Town, Third Ward) — dense urban area under Class C
• General Mitchell Airport approach and departure corridors — active commercial traffic

Weather Considerations

Milwaukee has a humid continental climate strongly moderated by Lake Michigan. Lake-effect snow occurs November through March. Spring severe weather includes strong thunderstorms. Summer brings afternoon convective storms and lake fog. Lake Michigan sea breezes can create sudden wind shifts along the lakefront. Check NWS Milwaukee (weather.gov/mkx) before flying near the lake.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October (stable air, minimal lake fog, post-storm season) and late May–early June. AVOID: November–March (lake-effect snow, icing conditions, reduced battery performance in extreme cold); July–August afternoons when convective storms develop. Lake shore flying: Check for onshore fog and sudden wind shifts year-round.

Compliance Checklist

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