It is strictly regulated.
Flying drones over private property in Mexico is legal but tightly controlled by the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) under NOM-107-SCT3-2019. Operators must secure No Objection Letters (NOLs) from property owners and comply with altitude, privacy, and restricted zones. Violations risk fines up to MXN 1.2 million or criminal charges under Ley de Aeronáutica Civil. Recent 2026 amendments tighten enforcement for unauthorized surveillance.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Mexico
- No Objection Letter (NOL) Mandate: Operators must obtain written consent from property owners before flying over private land, per NOM-107-SCT3-2019. NOLs are submitted to AFAC for approval.
- Altitude and Distance Restrictions: Drones may not exceed 120 meters (394 ft) AGL or fly within 9.26 km of airports, military zones, or critical infrastructure. Overflight of private property is prohibited if it interferes with owners’ rights.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Capturing images or data over private property without consent violates Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales. Drone footage may be subject to INEGI geospatial regulations if used commercially.