Can You Shoot Down a Drone Hovering Over Your Property in Georgia? Here’s What the Law Says
ATLANTA, Ga. — As drone use continues to rise across Georgia, residents frustrated by buzzing devices hovering over their property are asking a growing question: can you legally shoot down a drone? The answer — according to both federal and state law — is a firm no.
Drones Are Classified as Aircraft
Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, drones are classified as aircraft, meaning shooting one down is a felony. Federal law prohibits damaging or destroying any aircraft, whether manned or unmanned.
Violating this statute could result in up to 25 years in prison and hefty fines.
The FAA warns that taking down a drone is not considered self-defense or property protection, even if the aircraft is flying above your home. Instead, such actions could trigger federal criminal charges under Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
What Georgia Law Says About Drones
In Georgia, state parks, historic sites, and certain local areas prohibit drone use altogether.
A few municipalities have enacted specific local ordinances:
- Augusta bans drone operation in populated areas without FAA authorization and city approval.
- Cherokee County restricts drones to designated flying zones.
- Stone Mountain Park prohibits all drone flights without written approval from the park’s CEO.
Meanwhile, a 2017 law (HB 481) prevents new local drone regulations, but communities with pre-existing ordinances may continue enforcing them.
What to Do If a Drone Flies Over Your Property
If a drone is flying too close for comfort, do not shoot it down or attempt to disable it.
Instead:
- Contact your local police department.
- Report illegal drone activity to the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office (Atlanta FSDO) at (404) 474-5100.
Officials can trace drone registration numbers and determine whether the flight violates airspace or privacy rules.
Flying Drones Legally in Georgia
For recreational users, Georgia follows federal FAA guidelines:
- Fly at or below 400 feet.
- Keep your drone within visual sight.
- Avoid flying near airports or manned aircraft.
- Never fly over crowds, stadiums, or emergency scenes.
Drone operators are also encouraged to use the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app, which shows restricted zones and flight conditions in real time.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites readers to share experiences or concerns about drone activity in their area. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for more on local laws and technology trends across the Southeast.
