11/17/2025
⚠️ DON'T BREAK FEDERAL LAW OR IT'LL COST YOU!
Using drone photos or video to promote your own business or someone else's business without an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is ILLEGAL under United States federal law. This is true even if the photos or video are for yourself and your own business. Any drone operation that supports a business is considered a commercial activity even if no payment is involved. EXAMPLE: A photo taken of your office building or worksite progress to post on social media can be considered "in furtherance of a business" and can be subject to federal penalties without proper certification. Operating without the required certification can lead to civil fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars for EACH violation.
IN MORE SERIOUS OR REPEATED CASES the FAA can pursue criminal penalties that can include fines up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars and possible prison time of up to three years.
👉 If you use or hire someone to capture drone photos or video for your business and that person is not certified under Part 107 BOTH YOU AND THE OPERATOR can be subject to enforcement. The FAA has a record of issuing very large penalties and does not take unauthorized commercial drone flights lightly.
In short using drone imagery for furtherance of a business, even your own business, without proper FAA certification can result in severe financial and legal consequences.
EXAMPLES OF COMMERCIAL USE OF DRONES:
REAL ESTATE MARKETING:
-Drone photos/videos used to promote a home, building, or land for sale or rent.
-Posts on Zillow, MLS, a realtor’s website, or social media to attract buyers or bring attention to your business or listing.
BUSINESS ADVERTISING OR PROMOTION:
-Drone footage used in ads, promos, or branding videos for a company. Even if it's a simple photo or quick video clip.
-Posts on the company website, YouTube channel, Instagram, or Facebook.
CONTENT THAT GENERATES REVENUE:
-Drone clips included in monetized YouTube videos or social media pages.
-Drone footage sold as stock video or images.
CLIENT:
-Taking drone photos or videos for a paying client (real estate, construction, events, inspections, etc.).
-Even if you only deliver files and never post them yourself.
CONSTRUCTION, MAPPING, ZONING OR INSPECTIONS (BUSINESS, TOWN & CITY):
-Images or video used for surveying, progress tracking, analysis, or reporting.
TOURISM OR HOSPITALITY PROMOTION:
-Drone footage used to promote a hotel/resort, attraction, city, or region.
-Shared on social media or used in commercials.
EVENT PROMOTION:
-Drone videos or photos used to market concerts, festivals, weddings, or sports events.
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS:
-Posting drone work on your website or social media, when the purpose is to attract clients or promote your drone services.
SELLING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES:
-Drone footage of photos used in product ads, service demos, or brand storytelling to increase sales or awareness of business.
ANY SITUATION WHERE THE FOOTAGE SUPPORTS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES:
-Using drone imagery in presentations, investor pitches, business proposals, or corporate reports. These images and videos MUST be taken by a Part 107 certified remote pilot.
DON'T RISK IT! Know the law before you fly and certainly understand the consequences you could face for ignoring federal guidelines. The FAA does not hand out warnings, even for first time offences. Bottom line, it's cheaper to get certified or hire someone who is to ensure you're following the law!
QUESTIONS? Feel free to reach out and I'll be happy to answer them!
