New Orleans, Louisiana Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Louisiana has enacted drone-specific criminal statutes. La. R.S. § 14:283.1 prohibits the unauthorized use of a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or private property without consent — a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a $500 fine. La. R.S. § 14:63 covers criminal trespass and applies to drone intrusions over private property. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prohibit drones in state parks and wildlife management areas without authorization. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107; recreational flyers must register and follow TRUST requirements.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• La. R.S. § 14:283.1 — Unauthorized use of drone for surveillance without consent: misdemeanor, up to 6 months imprisonment and/or $500 fine
• La. R.S. § 14:63 — Criminal trespass: drone flights over private property without permission may constitute trespass
• LDWF/DNR: drone flight prohibited in Louisiana State Parks and wildlife management areas without prior authorization
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• 14 CFR § 91.130 — Class C authorization required before flying near Louis Armstrong International (KMSY)

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational flyers must register drones over 0.55 lbs and pass TRUST test. Louisiana State Parks permit required for drone operations — contact Louisiana State Parks (888-677-1400). LAANC authorization available for KMSY Class C and KNEW Class D airspace via FAA DroneZone or approved apps. Contact NOPD or City of New Orleans for specific event TFR coordination.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=98365
• https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78367
• https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

Local Ordinances

New Orleans has no comprehensive standalone municipal drone ordinance, but city policy and state law govern drone use in parks and public spaces. The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) manages city parks and has adopted policies prohibiting drone operations without advance authorization. The French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the historic core are high-density areas subject to special event TFRs. The Mississippi River corridor has additional federal restrictions as a navigable waterway.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• NORDC (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission) parks: drone operations prohibited without prior written authorization
• French Quarter / Vieux Carré: no drone operations in the historic district due to high pedestrian density and proximity to KNEW Class D
• Jackson Square: NPS-managed area — 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibition on drones without special use permit
• City Park: contact NORDC for advance authorization — (504) 658-3200
• Audubon Park: contact Audubon Nature Institute for authorization
• Mississippi River: USCG navigational rules and federal maritime restrictions may limit drone operations over active waterway
• Private property: La. R.S. § 14:63 trespass and La. R.S. § 14:283.1 privacy laws enforced citywide
• Special event TFRs: Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Sugar Bowl, and other major events trigger FAA TFRs over the French Quarter/downtown corridor

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC), (504) 658-3200, nordc.org

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

• Rural St. Tammany Parish (~35 mi north across Lake Pontchartrain — verify outside KMSY Class C and private property rights)
• Rural St. Charles Parish (~25 mi west — verify outside Class C and property access)
• Honey Island Swamp area (Pearl River WMA — verify LDWF authorization before flying)
• Fontainebleau State Park (~45 mi north — requires Louisiana State Parks permit

Areas to Avoid

• Louis Armstrong International (KMSY) Class C — covers most of New Orleans metro area
• New Orleans Lakefront (KNEW) Class D — covers Lakeview, Mid-City, Gentilly to 2,600 ft MSL
• French Quarter / Vieux Carré — city prohibition plus proximity to Class D; special event TFRs frequent
• Jackson Square — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibition
• Mardi Gras World / Port of New Orleans — federal port security restrictions
• Lake Pontchartrain causeway/bridge areas — no-fly near active navigation structures
• All NORDC parks — city policy prohibition without authorization

Weather Considerations

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–September) are extremely hot and humid with almost daily afternoon thunderstorms; heat index routinely 100–110°F. Hurricane season (June–November) can ground operations for days. Winters are mild and generally the best season for flying. Fog is common in fall and winter mornings along the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. Check NWS New Orleans (weather.gov/lix).

Seasonal Tips

BEST: November–February — mild temperatures, lowest thunderstorm frequency, clear skies, manageable humidity. AVOID: June–September — daily convective activity, extreme heat, hurricane risk. Spring (March–May) is flyable but watch for severe weather. Watch for special event TFRs year-round: Mardi Gras (Jan–Feb), Jazz Fest (April–May), Sugar Bowl (January), and Saints game-day TFRs.

Compliance Checklist

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