State drone laws · MI
Drone Laws in Michigan (2026)
What federal rules require, what Michigan adds on top, whether local governments can set their own drone rules, and the penalties if you get it wrong.
Last verified August 2026
State drone law changes every year
Quick answer: can I fly a drone in Michigan?
Yes. You can fly a drone in Michigan as long as you follow the federal FAA rules. Because Michigan preempts local drone ordinances, you generally only have to satisfy federal rules plus state law — not a patchwork of city rules.
Federal rules apply everywhere in Michigan
The FAA controls the airspace above every square foot of the United States. No state or city can authorize a flight the FAA prohibits, and no state law removes your federal obligations. These are the rules that apply in Michigan exactly as they do in every other state.
- Register any drone at or above 250 g. Recreational pilots must register a drone that weighs 250 grams or more at takeoff. Registration lasts three years and the number must be marked on the outside of the aircraft.
- Pass the TRUST test and carry proof. Every recreational flyer must complete the free TRUST test once and be able to show the completion certificate along with proof of registration.
- Broadcast Remote ID. Any drone that requires registration must broadcast Remote ID, either built into the aircraft or through an add-on broadcast module.
- Stay under 400 feet, in sight, away from other aircraft. Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, keep the drone within visual line of sight, and never interfere with manned aircraft or emergency response.
- Get authorization in controlled airspace. Class B, C, D and surface-level E airspace requires prior authorization, which recreational flyers obtain instantly through a LAANC-approved app.
Our pillar guides cover each of these in depth: FAA drone registration, where you can fly, Remote ID and the TRUST test. If you fly for any kind of compensation, you need a Part 107 certificate instead of recreational privileges.
Skip the paperwork — we file your FAA registration for you
Complete the form in a few minutes and get your certificate by email within 24 hours.
Michigan state drone laws
Statewide preemption of local drone rules
Michigan reserves the regulation of unmanned aircraft to the state, so local governments cannot adopt their own drone ordinances. We do not have other verified Michigan-specific drone statutes to report on this page.
Preemption status in Michigan
Statewide preemption — local drone ordinances are not allowed
Drone regulation is reserved to the state legislature. Cities and counties cannot create their own drone ordinances, so you do not have to research every municipality you fly in. Local governments can still set rules for property they own, such as whether you may launch from a city park, and they can enforce general laws on trespass, harassment and reckless conduct.
Preemption is about who writes the rules, not about the airspace itself. Even in a preemption state, a city can decide you may not launch from its park, a private landowner can ask you to leave their property, and the FAA still controls the airspace above both.
Notable restrictions in Michigan
- National parks in Michigan prohibit launching, landing and operating drones under National Park Service policy — see our national parks guide.
- State parks, wildlife refuges and municipal parks frequently require a permit or ban drones outright. Check the specific park before you drive there.
- Stadiums and large sporting events are covered by a federal three nautical mile temporary flight restriction while the event is in progress.
- Wildfires, police activity and disaster response create temporary flight restrictions that can appear with no notice. Check a TFR-aware app on the day you fly.
Airspace and land permission are two different questions. You can have LAANC authorization for the airspace and still be trespassing on the ground. Both have to check out.
Penalties
Two layers of penalties can apply to the same flight: federal enforcement by the FAA and state or local charges brought by Michigan authorities.
Federal. Flying an unregistered drone that requires registration can carry civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and three years in prison. Remote ID has made it far easier for authorities to identify an aircraft in flight. Our penalties guide explains how enforcement actually works in practice.
Michigan. Without a verified drone-specific statute we cannot quote a state penalty schedule. In practice, prosecutors use general offenses — trespass, harassment, voyeurism, reckless endangerment or criminal mischief — and those carry the ordinary misdemeanor or felony penalties for the offense charged. Local ordinance violations are usually infractions with fines.
Register your drone before you fly in Michigan
Registration is the one requirement that applies no matter which state you are in. We handle the FAA paperwork for you and deliver your certificate by email within 24 hours, with a safety summary you can keep with your gear.
Drone Register is a private service and is not affiliated with the FAA, the Michigan Legislature or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. Last verified August 2026.