Drone Spraying Regulations by State (FAA + Pesticide Licensing)
By Ag Drone Sprayers Editorial Team · Updated June 23, 2026
Spraying crops by drone for hire is regulated at two levels — federal (the FAA) and state (pesticide law). A legitimate operator clears both. Here’s exactly what that means, plus the licensing agency for every state.
The federal requirements (the same in every state)
- FAA Part 137 — an Agricultural Aircraft Operator certificate, required to dispense crop-protection products from any aircraft, including a drone.
- FAA Part 107 — a Remote Pilot certificate for commercial small-drone flight.
- Section 44807 exemption — required to fly drones over 55 lbs, which most agricultural spray drones are.
State pesticide licensing, by state
On top of the FAA rules, applying pesticides commercially requires a state license. Here’s the agency that issues it in each state — pick a state for operators and local detail.
| State | Commercial pesticide licensing agency |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Department of Agriculture |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Agriculture |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Agriculture |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Agriculture |
| California | California Department of Pesticide Regulation |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Agriculture |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Agriculture |
| Florida | Florida Department of Agriculture |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Agriculture |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Agriculture |
| Idaho | Idaho Department of Agriculture |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Agriculture |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Agriculture |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Agriculture |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Department of Agriculture |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Agriculture |
| Maine | Maine Department of Agriculture |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Agriculture |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Agriculture |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Agriculture |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Agriculture |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Agriculture |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Agriculture |
| Montana | Montana Department of Agriculture |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Agriculture |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Agriculture |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Agriculture |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Department of Agriculture |
| New York | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Agriculture |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Department of Agriculture |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Agriculture |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Department of Agriculture |
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Agriculture |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Agriculture |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Agriculture |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Agriculture |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Agriculture |
| Texas | Texas Department of Agriculture |
| Utah | Utah Department of Agriculture |
| Vermont | Vermont Department of Agriculture |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Agriculture |
| Washington | Washington Department of Agriculture |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Agriculture |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Agriculture |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Department of Agriculture |
Always confirm current requirements with your state agency and the FAA — rules change, and some states add their own drone-specific provisions.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a license to spray crops with a drone?
- Yes — two layers. Federally, the operator needs an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator certificate, an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate, and (for drones over 55 lbs) a Section 44807 exemption. Separately, applying pesticides commercially requires a license from your state's Department of Agriculture or equivalent.
- What is an FAA Part 137 certificate?
- FAA Part 137 is the Agricultural Aircraft Operator certificate required to dispense crop-protection products (fungicides, herbicides, fertilizer) from any aircraft, including a drone, for hire. It's the core credential that separates a licensed spray-drone operator from a hobbyist.