Drone Laws in Ohio (2026)
A list of drone regulations and links for people flying drones in Ohio.
Ohio Drone Regulations
Ohio Drone RegulationsFederal Drone Laws in Ohio
These are drone laws that apply to every state in the U.S., including Ohio, and were created by the federal government.
To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in the state of Ohio (i.e. for work / business purposes) you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of Ohio (i.e. for fun / pleasure) you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). You are also required to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. One of those rules is that if your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250g), you’ll need to pay $5 to get it registered. There are additional rules when it comes to airspace and altitude, keeping your drone within line-of-sight while you’re flying, and more.
To fly a drone as a government employee in the state of Ohio (i.e., for a police or fire department) you may either operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only, and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel.
State Drone Laws in Ohio
These are drone laws that apply to the entire state of Ohio, and were created by the Ohio General Assembly.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio has two state-wide law concerning the use of drones in the state.
This law establishes regulations for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to enhance safety and privacy. Key provisions include:
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Prohibited Operations:
- Operating a UAV in a careless or reckless manner that endangers any person or property is prohibited. ​
- Operating a UAV in a manner that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs the operations or activities conducted by law enforcement or emergency services is prohibited. ​
- Using a UAV to photograph, record, or loiter over or near a critical facility—such as major utilities or a police station—with the purpose to further another criminal offense or to destroy or tamper with the facility is prohibited. ​
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Penalties:
- Violations can result in fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to six months, depending on the offense.
Limitations by Operator Type:
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Recreational Flyers:
- Must avoid careless or reckless operations that endanger others.
- Prohibited from flying near critical facilities with malicious intent.
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Commercial Flyers:
- Subject to the same restrictions as recreational users regarding reckless operation and critical facilities.
- Must comply with all applicable federal and state regulations.
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Public Safety Operators:
- Generally exempt from certain restrictions when performing official duties.
- Must operate UAVs in accordance with established protocols to ensure public safety.
This law creates the aerospace and aviation technology committee. One of the committee’s duties is to research and develop aviation technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
All drone pilots operating commercially in the state of Ohio are subject to the FAA’s Part 107 rules. Learn more about the FAA’s certification process to obtain a commercial drone license in this free guide.
Know something we don’t about drone laws in Ohio? Send us an email at support[at]uavcoach[dot]com. We do our best to keep this list up-to-date, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how municipal governments are responding, drone regulations in Ohio can change throughout the year, and changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.
Why fly a drone in Ohio? To get great shots like these!
Local Drone Laws in Ohio
These are drone laws that apply only to certain regions, cities, or counties within the state of Ohio, and were created by various authorities within the state.
City of Cleveland—Municipal Law // 2016
This city ordinance authorizes city police to enforce FAA laws with regards to drones.
City of Celina—Municipal Law // 2015
This city ordinance bans drones in airspace over city-owned property, including parks.
Cincinnati Parks—Park Board Rule // 2017
This rule bans drones in Cincinnati parks, except with the written permission of the park board and except within such areas as may be designated by the park board and except in compliance with any reasonable safety regulations set by the park board and made a condition of any consent.
This rule bans drones in any  Cleveland Metro Park, except when the operation is within an area designated by the park and must possess a current certificate of aircraft registration issued by the FAA for the UAS or is flying the UAS strictly for recreational use.
Butler County—Metro Parks // 2008Â
This rule bans drones in any Metro Park within Butler County, except when the operation is within an area designated by the park board or with a special permit issued by the Executive Director authorizing the operation.
Anderson Township Parks—Park District Rule // 2015Â
This township ordinace bans the use of drones in any park or facility owned by the township without written permission from the Executive Director.
Hamilton County—Great Parks Rule // 2015
This rule bans drones in any of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, except when the operator has obtained written permission from the Chief Executive Officer. Recreational drone pilots can submit a Private Drone Usage Application. Commercial drone pilots can submit a Commercial Drone Usage Application. More information about Hamilton County drone laws can be found on their website.
Flying drones and the use of other remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Toledo Metroparks. Drone use permits are issued for Westwinds Metropark.
Lorain County Metro Parks //2020
Flying drones and the use of other remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in Lorain Metroparks.
Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Ohio? Here you go:
