Ohio’s New Drone Law (HB 77): What Hobbyists, Drone Professionals, and First Responders Should Know
New Drone Law, New Responsibilities
On April 9 2025, Ohio’s House Bill 77 officially took effect, adding state-level penalties for unsafe or reckless drone use.
Here’s a quick look at the fines:
Reckless or unsafe flying that endangers people or property → up to $500 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
Interfering with emergency response operations → misdemeanor, with repeat violations escalating to a felony.
Flying near or tampering with “critical facilities” → 1st-degree misdemeanor up to a 3rd-degree felony, depending on intent.
Most pilots who fly safely will never encounter these penalties — but awareness keeps everyone safer.
Understanding the Basics of HB 77
HB 77 defines drones under Ohio law and gives local governments authority to regulate flights over parks or public property.
It addresses three key issues:
Unsafe operations that put people or property at risk.
Disruption of emergency responders.
Intentional interference with or loitering near critical facilities such as police stations, prisons, hospitals with helipads, power plants, and military sites.
Hobbyists and Recreational Flyers
If you fly for fun — whether it’s filming landscapes or racing drones — HB 77 adds accountability without removing freedom.
Drone Hobbyists
Consider:
Staying clear of critical facilities and active emergency scenes.
Following the FAA TRUST safety guidelines: learn more about what FAA TRUST is here.
Using the B4UFLY app before every flight.
Keeping your drone within line-of-sight and respecting privacy.
Tip: Many Ohio drone enthusiasts are high-school students, STEM clubs, and local hobby groups. First responders or experienced pilots can make a big impact by visiting these programs to talk about safe, legal flying.
👉 Stay updated! Join our Drone Training Newsletter for free flight tips, regulation updates, and local class announcements.
Drone Professionals & Part 107 Operators
Commercial pilots — from real-estate videographers to construction mappers — should take this law as an opportunity to refine operations.
Professional Drone Operators
Consider including these updates in your SOP (standard operating procedures):
Add a quick HB 77 reference to your pre-flight checklist.
Note if any job site borders a critical facility and confirm your flight intent is clearly commercial.
Share a short HB 77 overview with clients to build trust.
Maintain Remote ID and flight-log compliance without over-documenting every mission.
Demonstrating HB 77 awareness can set your business apart and reduce risk for your clients.
Want to become a professional? Explore FAA Part 107 Prep & Hands-On Courses to sharpen your professional edge.
First Responders and Public Safety Agencies
Ohio’s first responders have two roles — operating drones safely and sometimes enforcing HB 77 when others don’t.
Operating Under Ohio HB 77
Departments can:
Review and update SOP manuals to include HB 77 references.
Include quick checks for nearby critical facilities before missions.
Coordinate with other units so multiple drones don’t overlap in the same area.
Consider documenting key missions (training, incidents, or public demos) to show accountability.
Engage schools, STEM clubs, and local drone hobby groups to promote awareness and trust.
(Coordination simply means talking with others so two teams aren’t flying in the same spot unintentionally.)
First Responders: Education is key
Enforcing Ohio HB 77
Rather than rushing to cite violations, officers can:
Educate first — many hobbyists simply don’t know the new rules.
Observe and record only when safety or interference becomes an issue.
Consult with FAA or state partners for complex cases.
Use discretion — enforcement can begin with conversation and community education.
Community engagement goes a long way. Hosting a “Drone Safety Day” or visiting a local high-school tech club can prevent future issues and strengthen community trust.
👉 Subscribe to our First Responder Newsletter for training resources, grant alerts, and outreach ideas.
Why Ohio HB 77 Matters
Hobbyists: Learn the limits and enjoy safer flying.
Professionals: Build client confidence with documented compliance.
First Responders: Operate responsibly while helping others understand the rules.
Communities: Shared knowledge leads to safer skies.
Take Flight Responsibly
V1DroneMedia offers:
FAA Part 107 Exam Prep – for pilots ready to go pro.
Hands-On Flight Training – real-world flying confidence.
First Responders Basic and Advanced Drone Training Courses – foundational hands-on and regulatory drone training, and tactical and search-and-rescue scenarios for agencies.
✈️ Join our general public Drone Training Newsletter
🚓 Subscribe to our First Responder Newsletter