Summary: The FAA “No Drone Zone” sign can only be used in areas where drone flights are legally restricted by federal law, such as near airports, during Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), or over military and defense facilities.
Businesses outside these zones should avoid posting the sign, as it may create confusion or liability. Instead, facilities can deter unwanted drone activity through education, detection systems, and coordination with law enforcement. The sign is an awareness tool—not a blanket legal restriction.
With drones becoming more common in our airspace, many businesses and facility operators are looking for ways to protect their property—and signage is often the first place they turn.
The FAA’s “No Drone Zone” sign is a familiar one, but what many don’t realize is that it can’t legally be used just anywhere. Before you print and post it on your fence line, here’s what you need to know.
The FAA created the “No Drone Zone” sign to raise awareness about areas where drones are legally prohibited. The sign is intended as an educational tool, not a law enforcement mechanism. It helps alert the public that drone operations in the area are restricted by federal regulations.
The FAA’s website provides a downloadable sign template with a customizable section to specify which regulation applies.
You can use the FAA “No Drone Zone” sign only if drone operations are restricted in your area by federal law or local regulation. That includes places like:
In short, your business or facility must fall under a federally designated restricted airspace to use the sign appropriately.
If your facility doesn’t fall within any federally restricted airspace, posting the “No Drone Zone” sign can create confusion or give a false impression of legal authority. It may even create liability concerns if the signage implies a restriction that doesn’t exist.
It’s also worth noting that state or local laws may apply in your area—but the FAA sign is specifically tied to federal airspace restrictions, not local ordinances.
If your business wants to deter drone activity or raise awareness about airspace sensitivity, here are a few legal and effective alternatives:
The FAA “No Drone Zone” sign is a helpful tool—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Use it only when your airspace is federally restricted. Otherwise, there are better options to signal that your facility takes airspace security seriously.
If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies as a no-fly zone—or you’re exploring airspace awareness tools—AeroDefense is here to help.
What does the FAA “No Drone Zone” sign mean?
The FAA “No Drone Zone” sign is an educational tool indicating that drone operations in the area are restricted by federal law or regulation. It’s meant to raise awareness, not to grant new enforcement authority.
Can any business post a “No Drone Zone” sign?
No. You can only post the official FAA No Drone Sign if your location falls within federally restricted airspace, such as near airports, during Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), or over military or defense facilities.
What happens if a business posts the sign without authorization?
Posting the sign in unrestricted airspace may mislead the public or imply legal authority that doesn’t exist, creating potential liability or confusion. Always verify your airspace status before using the FAA sign.
How can I legally discourage drones over my business?
You can use custom signage (without FAA branding) that communicates privacy or safety concerns, educate staff to report drone activity, or deploy a drone detection system like AeroDefense’s AirWarden to monitor nearby airspace.