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 Ohio
Ohio follows federal FAA rules, but Ohio Revised Code §§ 4561.51-.52 plus privacy and stalking laws add state restrictions. Ohio state parks, nature preserves, and some local public-property rules can also limit where drones may launch, land, or operate.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Ohio Revised Code § 4561.51: Drone operations may not violate FAA rules, disrupt law enforcement, fire, or EMS activity, or be used to photograph, record, or loiter near critical facilities for criminal purposes
- Ohio Revised Code § 4561.52: Municipalities, counties, and park districts may regulate hobby or recreational drone use in or above parks and other public property they own
- Ohio Revised Code § 2907.08: Voyeurism can apply to nonconsensual recording or photographing in private settings
- Ohio Revised Code § 2903.211: Menacing by stalking can apply to repeated surveillance or threatening drone conduct
- Ohio state parks rule: State parks generally prohibit unmanned aerial craft without permission or a designated airfield or landing zone
- Ohio state nature preserves rule: State nature preserves and natural areas prohibit launch, landing, or operation of unmanned aerial craft
- Columbus airspace: Class B airspace (CMH) requires LAANC authorization
- Cleveland airspace: Class B airspace (CLE) requires LAANC authorization
- Wayne National Forest: Commercial drone operations on National Forest System lands generally require special use authorization
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov