Drone Laws in South Carolina Explained (2023 Regulations)

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the drone laws in South Carolina, where we take flight into the legal landscape governing the skies.

In this article, we unravel the specific drone laws in South Carolina, empowering you to take to the skies with confidence in the Palmetto State.

Can You Fly a Drone in South Carolina?

Yes, you can fly a drone in South Carolina for either commercial or recreational use as long as you follow the rules set by the FAA and local governments. Read on to learn more about drone laws in South Carolina. 

Federal Drone Laws in South Carolina

Drone pilots in South Carolina must follow federal regulations set by the FAA, including Part 107 rules for agency pilots and recreational drone registration requirements. 

Commercial Drone Use 

Commercial drone operators fly drones for business use, including professional photography and videography, research, and more. To fly a drone commercially in South Carolina, you must:

• Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
• Register the drone with the FAA

Recreational Drone Flying

A recreational drone pilots use their drone as a hobby, not for any paid reason. Hobbyist drone flyers in South Carolina must:

• Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
• Follow CBO safety guidelines for drone operation, including flying under 400 feet
• Do not fly in restricted areas, including near airports or prisons

Government Employee Drone Operation

All government employees in South Carolina, including the fire department or police, must adhere to the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA). 

Note: This content is accurate up to the date it was last updated, and drone regulations in South Carolina can change over time. This is not meant to take the place of legal counsel.

State Drone Laws in South Carolina

Individual states can also create their own drone laws that apply within the state. According to the South Carolina General Assembly and South Carolina Department of Transportation, current state drone laws include:

• Act No. 184 states that drones cannot be used at local detention facilities and corrections. 

Local Drone Laws in South Carolina

In addition to the above, local municipalities in South Carolina may also have their own drone laws. We did not uncover any local drone laws in South Carolina, so be sure to check in your area before flying. 

Penalties for Violating Drone Laws in South Carolina

Breaking drone laws may result in serious penalties. While we did not identify many state or local drone laws in South Carolina, the local government will enforce the FAA rules and federal drone laws. Penalties for violating drone laws may include fines, drone confiscation, and even jail time. 

FAQs About Drone Laws in South Carolina