Are Drone Photos Legal for Real Estate? FAA Part 107, Explained
Hiring a hobbyist to shoot your listing can put you at legal risk. Here is what Part 107 means and why it matters in Dayton.
Published July 23, 2026 · Dayton Drone Works
Drone real estate photography is completely legal in Ohio — but only when it is done right. The rules are federal, they are enforced, and using an uncertified pilot to market a property can create real liability for an agent or brokerage.
What is FAA Part 107?
Any drone flight for commercial purposes — including photos used to sell a home — must be flown by a pilot holding an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Earning it requires passing an aeronautical knowledge exam and staying current on the regulations. A neighbor with a hobby drone does not meet that bar, no matter how nice their footage looks.
Airspace matters in Dayton
The Dayton area is more regulated than most. Flights near the Dayton International Airport, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and several smaller fields fall in controlled airspace that requires prior FAA authorization through the LAANC system. A licensed operator checks and secures that before ever launching.
The risks of cutting corners
- Fines: the FAA can penalize illegal commercial flights.
- Liability: an uninsured, uncertified flight that causes damage or injury lands on whoever hired it.
- Listing delays: footage from an unauthorized flight can create disclosure and insurance problems.
How to protect yourself
Always confirm your drone provider is Part 107 certified and carries liability insurance. A professional operator handles the certification, the airspace authorization, and the insurance so your marketing is clean from the start.
Work with a licensed, insured pilot
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