Yes, flying drones over private property in Costa Rica is legal but tightly controlled by aviation and data protection laws. The Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) enforces strict rules, requiring permits for commercial use, respecting privacy under the Ley de Protección de la Persona Frente al Tratamiento de sus Datos Personales, and prohibiting flights over private land without prior consent. Recent 2026 amendments to Reglamento de Aeronaves Pilotadas a Distancia (RAPD) further restrict altitudes and proximity to residential areas.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Costa Rica
- Permit Requirements: Commercial drone operations mandate a DGAC-issued permit, while recreational use must comply with RAPD 2026 restrictions, including no-fly zones near private residences unless explicit authorization is granted.
- Privacy Protections: Capturing images or data over private property without consent violates Ley 8968, risking fines up to 100 base salaries (salarios base) for unauthorized surveillance.
- Altitude and Proximity Limits: Drones must not exceed 120 meters (394 feet) in altitude or fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of private structures unless the owner consents in writing, per RAPD 2026 Article 12.
Violations may trigger enforcement by the DGAC or the Agencia de Protección de Datos de los Habitantes (PRODHAB), with penalties ranging from warnings to equipment confiscation. Foreign operators must also register drones weighing over 250 grams with the DGAC prior to flight.