Drone Use

You have control. Be safe, be legal! When you fly a drone, the responsibility is yours.

In the City of Orange Beach, remember:

  • Hobby drone use is not allowed except by a person on their own personal property or on property they have the express permission of a property owner to use. Hobby drone use is not allowed on the beach.
  • Commercial drone use requires a Drone Use Permit and a City of Orange Beach Business License.
  • All Drone Use Permit Applications require a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and proof of liability insurance.
  • Each permitted drone user's flight plan (including those used for special events and film productions) must be approved by the city with a minimum seven day notice.
  • Each Drone Use Permit Application requires the property owner's written consent to take off, land, and/or operate on the property. For condominium and townhome type properties, this consent can be from the property management company or property owners association.
  • Drone use connected to a Special Event Permit must include permission for drone use. 
  • Commercial or real estate entities that film with drones multiple times a year must receive permission annually with a fee added to their business license fee. Contact the Finance Department for business license information.

Municipal Code

Drone Use Application

Steps

  1. 1. About this Application
  2. 2. Applicant Information
  3. 3. Aircraft & Flight Information
  4. 4. Documents
  5. 5. Acknowledgements

  • About this Application

    2. For Commercial Use of Drones, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Activity in accordance with the City of Orange Beach Drone Ordinance.

    4. Required Documents

      Please be prepared to upload your photo ID, FAA Part 107 Airman Certificate, Proof of Insurance, Flightplan, and Property Owner's Written Consent.