If you’ve been out and about in New Jersey of late, chances are you’ve seen a drone flying overhead.

You’re taking a morning beach walk, and a pilot is manoeuvring their drone there taking visuals of the ocean. Or you were at a wedding last weekend where the video crew was using a drone for the footage.

Maybe you’ve spotted one at a construction site, scanning rooftops like a high-tech hawk. Or you were perturbed by the recent mystery drone sightings that dominated news headlines at the end of 2024.

Let’s look at the impact the drones are having in the state, and issues that have popped up along the way.

Why NJ is Seeing a Drone Boom, And Problems Arising

Right now, New Jersey is experiencing a drone boom. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports over 13,000 registered drones in New Jersey—and that’s just the official count. With consumer drone sales around the world expected to hit $4.4 billion in 2025, the Garden State is not being left behind.

That doesn’t mean things are all smooth though. 

Mysterious Drone Sightings Across New Jersey

As 2024 came to a close, there was plenty of furore and anxiety regarding the UAVs. Residents and officials reported numerous drone sightings over various parts of the state.  Residential areas, military installations, and critical infrastructure -they were all over. The sightings led to over 5,000 reports to the FBI, with approximately 100 warranting further investigation. 

In response to these unexplained activities, the FAA implemented temporary flight restrictions over several New Jersey regions. That lasted until January 17, 2025.White House Clarifies Drone Operations

On January 28, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that many of the drones observed over New Jersey were by hobbyists for recreational purposes, dispelling concerns about foreign or malicious activitie

Local Authorities Seek Enhanced Drone Detection

Despite federal assurances, local law enforcement agencies have expressed frustration over limited access to drone identification tools. The FAA’s Remote ID technology, designed to function like a digital license plate for drones, remains inaccessible to many local authorities, hindering timely responses to potential threats. ​

Regulatory Landscape for New Jersey Drones (H1) – 800 words

So what does the law say about all that drone activity?

Federal Drone Regulations Applicable in NJ

For starters, drone operators in New Jersey must comply with FAA regulations, including:​

Registration

First things first: You need to register your drone.

If it weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250g), it must be registered with the FAA. The cost? Just $5, but flying without registration could cost you up to $27,500 in civil penalties.

Operational Guidelines

  • Fly below 400 feet.
  • Follow airspace restrictions

  In NJ, drones are banned within 5 miles of airports unless you get special FAA permission. That includes Newark Liberty International Airport, Trenton-Mercer, and Atlantic City International.

  Do not fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.​ No one wants to see a rogue drone flying dangerously close to a New Jersey Transit train. If your drone causes an accident, expect federal charges and possible jail time.

  Avoid emergency response efforts, such as fires.

  • Part 107 license for commercial drone flights. Flying drones commercially in NJ requires passing the FAA Part 107 test. This means proving you understand airspace laws, weather patterns, and emergency procedures. Without it, even filming a paid real estate video is illegal.

Pass your exam with the Part 107 Preparatory Online Course from ABJ Academy.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

The FAA has occasionally imposed temporary flight restrictions over certain areas in New Jersey due to security concerns. For instance, in December 2024, the FAA issued TFRs over multiple New Jersey towns, including Camden, Elizabeth, and Jersey City, prohibiting drone operations below 400 feet within one nautical mile of specified airspace. 

State-Specific Drone Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has implemented specific laws governing drone usage:​

    • Endangering Life or Property: Operating a drone in a manner that endangers the life or property of another is classified as a disorderly persons offense. ​
    • Correctional Facilities:
      • Flying a drone over a correctional facility without permission is a fourth-degree crime.​
      • Using a drone to conduct surveillance of a correctional facility is a third-degree crime. ​
    • Interference with First Responders: It is illegal to operate a drone in a way that interferes with first responders actively engaged in their duties. ​
    • Under the Influence: Operating a drone under the influence of drugs or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is a disorderly persons offense. ​
    • State parks or wildlife areas:  The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) banned drone flights in all state-managed lands unless you have special approval.
  • Emergencies: If there’s a natural disaster, a crime scene, or a large public event, New Jersey law allows authorities to ground all drones. In 2023, police shut down drone activity in parts of Atlantic City after a security threat involving multiple unidentified drones.

Local Ordinances Impacting NJ Drone Operators

Several municipalities in New Jersey have enacted additional drone regulations:​

  • Ventnor City:
    • Prohibits drones from launching or landing on all government and public buildings.​
    • Restricts drone flights below 400 feet over such structures.
    • Requires prior written permission from the Chief of Police for drone operations over city-run parks. ​
  • Wayne Township: Prohibits all drone operations in township parks outside of designated areas. ​
  • Long Beach Township:
    • Bans launching and landing of drones within the township.​
    • Restricts drone operations in any airspace within 400 feet of the ground and structures in the township.​
    • Allows recreational drone use only within the boundary of private residential property with the owner’s consent. ​
  • Borough of Franklin Lakes: Prohibits drones from flying below 400 feet over private property, streets, alleys, borough buildings, and over persons not directly involved in the operations. ​
  • Borough of Point Pleasant Beach:
    • Bans launching or landing drones from or upon any public property except in emergencies.
    • Restricts flying drones at less than 400 feet above ground level over public schools during school hours without written permission. ​
  • Borough of Allendale: Prohibits drones from flying in any airspace below 400 feet within the borough, including over residential or commercial zones, roads, government or public buildings, property, or parks. ​

Commercial Applications of Drones in New Jersey

Businesses across New Jersey are using drones to cut costs, boost efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

Real Estate

90% of home buyers say online visuals are key to their decision-making. That’s why real estate agents in NJ are using drones to capture breathtaking aerial shots of properties. A well-shot drone video can increase listing engagement by 403%.

By flying through properties, drones create immersive virtual tours, allowing potential buyers to explore homes remotely. This approach has gained traction, especially when in-person visits are limited.​

In commercial real estate, drones efficiently survey large plots, providing developers with accurate data for planning and development. This method reduces time and costs compared to traditional surveying techniques.​

Drones facilitate the inspection of hard-to-reach areas, such as roofs or tall structures, ensuring properties are well-maintained and identifying issues before they become significant problems.

Construction Industry

Forget traditional site inspections. In New Jersey, construction firms are using drones for: 

  • Tracking Progress – Get aerial views of a site to monitor progress and compare with plans. 
  • Surveying Land – Quickly create detailed maps and topographic models. 
  • Earthwork & Stockpiles – Measure excavation and materials like sand and gravel with precision. 

Farming Operations 

Farmers in NJ are using drones to improve crop yields. For instance, Centerton Nursery, a family-owned business, switched to drone spraying last year to cover its 2.4 million square feet of greenhouse and planting space.

They had been tracking drone technology for years, looking for a better alternative to hand sprayers and fuel-hungry blasters. When co-owner Donald Blew saw a drone flying through an orchard, he realized it could work between their greenhouses too.

They purchased a DJI Agras T40 for $40,000, including full training and FAA registration support.

The Benefits

  • Covers fields twice as fast as ground equipment.
  • Uses biological sprays, avoiding chemicals restricted by aerial application rules.
  • A 3D-mapped route ensures precision and avoids obstacles.
  • Certified for night flying, allowing work to continue during 18- to 20-hour days.

The transition has already improved efficiency, though some regulations still limit the types of sprays they can use.

Infrastructure inspections 

NJ has thousands of bridges, power lines, and towers that require regular inspections. Instead of risking human lives, companies now use drones to scan for structural damage in minutes instead of hours.

Some specific applications include:

some specific applications and recent developments.

  • Bridge Inspections: Traditionally, inspecting bridges required lane closures and put workers in hazardous situations. Now, drones can access hard-to-reach areas, capturing high-resolution images without disrupting traffic. For instance, engineering firms have integrated autonomous drones to inspect complex structures, reducing inspection time by half. 
  • Building Façade Assessments: Inspecting building exteriors, especially high-rises, can be risky and expensive. Drones offer a safer alternative by providing detailed visuals of façades, roofs, and other structural elements. This technology enhances safety and efficiency in building assessments.
  • Water Tank Evaluations: Maintaining water storage tanks is crucial for public health. The New Jersey Water Association utilizes drones to inspect exterior tank conditions, coatings, and hardware. This approach minimizes risks associated with manual inspections and provides comprehensive data for maintenance planning. ​
  • Wind Farm Maintenance: Drones are also enhancing safety and reducing downtime in wind farm operations. By inspecting turbines remotely, they eliminate the need for personnel to work at heights, ensuring a safer work environment. 

Related Reading: Grow Your Career with ABJ’s Drone Pro Flight And Software Training

Recreational Drone Activities in New Jersey

You don’t have to be a business owner to enjoy drones in New Jersey. Whether you want to race, capture stunning landscapes, or just fly for fun, NJ has plenty of drone-friendly spots.

Drone Photography and Videography in New Jersey

Want epic aerial shots? Head to the Jersey Shore.

From Cape May to Sandy Hook, drone pilots capture breathtaking sunrises, crashing waves, and iconic lighthouses. But remember—some towns ban drones over beaches during summer.

Nature lovers, NJ has the perfect drone locations for you.

State parks like Wharton State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap offer stunning landscapes. But make sure you check local laws—some parks have restrictions.

Some top spots to consider for your New Jersey drone footage include: :​

  1. Wildwood: Expansive beaches and a lively boardwalk; Vibrant atmosphere provides ample opportunities for creative captures. ​
  2. Trenton: As the state capital, Trenton boasts historic architecture and scenic river views. Fly your drone over the Delaware River for some captivating images of the city’s skyline and surrounding nature. ​
  3. Newark: Urban landscape, with mix of modern and historic buildings. The city’s parks and proximity to waterways add variety to your shots. ​
  4. Atlantic City: Bustling casinos and iconic boardwalk, provide a vibrant backdrop. Contrast between the ocean and the city’s lights can be particularly striking. ​
  5. Long Beach Island: This 18-mile stretch is a haven for beach lovers. From serene shorelines to charming seaside towns, plenty of scenes perfect for drone visuals. ​
  6. Battleship New Jersey: Moored in Camden, a historic naval ship turned museum. Get aerial shots capture the grandeur of this vessel against the backdrop of the Delaware River.
  7. Sunset Beach: For the sunsets, of course. Located on the Cape May Peninsula,  the combination of the setting sun and the remnants of the SS Atlantus shipwreck makes for compelling imagery. ​

Related Reading: Drone Photography Ultimate Guide For Pro-Level Shots

Always check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and no-fly zones, especially near critical infrastructure like military bases and airports. Using apps like B4UFLY can help you stay informed about restricted areas.

Drone Racing in New Jersey

If you love speed and competition, you need to check out NJ’s FPV (First-Person View) racing scene. It offers experiences for both pilots and spectators. Some key events and groups include​:

MultiGP Drone Racing League

MultiGP is one of the largest professional drone racing leagues globally, which hosts frequent competitive gatherings and casual events. While their events span worldwide, New Jersey pilots can participate in regional chapters and races. 

Check out their events calendar for upcoming drone racing events in and around New Jersey/ 

Safety Third Racing – FPV Drone Racing and Building

Based in New Brunswick, Safety Third Racing is New Jersey’s sole Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) chartered club dedicated entirely to drone racing. It organizes events for seasoned pilots and newcomers including casual fun flies to structured races.

Meetups give you an opportunity to practice, compete, and share UAV knowledge and flying techniques. 

For events and how to join, visit their Meetup page. 

Aerial Drone Competition – Edison, NJ

On February 3, 2024, Edison hosted the “Game of Drones” competition, an event under the Aerial Drone Competition series. Tournament featured teams registered with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and featured various missions, including teamwork matches, piloting skills challenges, and autonomous flight tasks. 

Participants also had the chance to showcase their communication skills through logbook presentations and interviews.

South Jersey FPV Drone Meetups

For FPV drone enthusiasts in South Jersey, this community is for you. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or new to the scene, these gatherings provide a platform to connect, fly, and share experiences. One notable event, “Flyntines Fest,” to connect, fly, and celebrate the love of FPV. 

To stay updated on their latest  activities, check out their Facebook group: South Jersey FPV Drone Meetups 

Drone Zone New Jersey

Located in Flemington, Drone Zone New Jersey hosts challenging and unique drone racing opportunities. They’re set on evolving with the community, and support drone education, training, and repair services. 

Government and Emergency Services Utilizing Drones

Drones aren’t just for fun and profit. In New Jersey, they’re saving lives.

Firefighting Operations

Thermal camera drones have heat-sensing cameras that pinpoint hot spots, allowing crews to contain the fire 30% faster than traditional methods. They also enable crews to locate victims hidden by smoke. Heavy life drones can even be used to carry fire retardants.

In 2022, a coastal New Jersey fire department enhanced its search and rescue operations by acquiring an advanced thermal imaging drone. This drone, supplied by a subsidiary of Bantec, Inc., is specifically designed to improve emergency response efforts. Equipped with a high-resolution thermal camera and a long-range zoom lens, it enables firefighters to locate missing individuals even in dense smoke or low-visibility conditions.

One of its standout features is a 55-minute flight time, allowing for extended aerial searches without frequent recharging. Additionally, the drone can travel up to nine miles while maintaining a strong signal, ensuring consistent real-time data transmission. Its smart tracking technology allows it to lock onto and follow individuals, making rescues more precise and efficient.

Want to learn how to interpret thermal drone data? 

Check out our Drone Thermography Level 1 course.

Emergency Response Demonstrations

In April 2024, emergency responders in Atlantic City conducted a large-scale exercise to test the role of drones in firefighting and disaster response. The simulation, held at Bader Field, brought together the Atlantic City Fire Department, Atlantic City Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau. Aviation experts and organizations specializing in drone technology also participated.

The scenario involved a boat fire in a marina that led to an oil spill, posing risks to the surrounding waterways and public safety. Drones were deployed to monitor the fire, track the spread of the oil, and provide real-time data to an emergency response command center. They were also used to scan for liquid hydrocarbons in the water and deliver public address warnings to civilians in the affected area. Additionally, responders used drones for incident surveillance and environmental monitoring throughout the operation.

This exercise was part of an ongoing series of emergency management drills in New Jersey, focused on integrating drone technology into disaster response efforts. Since 2017, similar exercises have tested drones for tasks such as disaster recovery, flood mapping, critical infrastructure inspection, and medical supply transport.

Officials emphasized that these exercises help refine response protocols and improve coordination between agencies. Scott K. Evans, Atlantic City’s Fire Chief, highlighted the importance of training and planning to ensure that drones enhance public safety while working alongside traditional emergency response methods.

The U.S. Coast Guard also used this opportunity to evaluate how manned aircraft, such as helicopters, could safely operate alongside drones during real-world emergencies. Meanwhile, AeroDefense, a New Jersey-based company, provided its “AirWarden” technology to detect and manage authorized and unauthorized drones in the airspace, ensuring safe flight operations.

Downed Drones Now Treated as Potential Hazmat Incidents

In December 2024, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety issued safety guidelines urging fire crews to take extra precautions when responding to drone crashes. These recommendations came as reports of mysterious drone sightings surged across the state and the Philadelphia suburbs, raising public concern.

According to Larry Fox, deputy chief of the Mount Laurel Fire Department, his team received the alert on December 12 through the fire safety division’s threat task force. While there haven’t been any major drone crashes in the state, the guidance is clear: firefighters should not approach a downed drone directly.

What Fire Crews Are Advised to Do

Instead of rushing in, fire crews are instructed to:

  • Wear full protective gear (PPE) before responding.
  • Set up a safety perimeter of at least 300 feet around the crash site.
  • Immediately notify specialized teams, including local police, hazmat crews, the bomb squad, and even the FBI if necessary.
  • Use air monitoring tools to check for hazardous materials.

Officials are playing it safe because no one knows exactly what some of these drones might be carrying.

While New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has reassured residents that there’s no clear threat to public safety, he’s still pushing for federal involvement to understand what’s going on. 

For fire departments like Fox’s in Burlington County, these new guidelines are a first. Responding to a drone crash is nothing like putting out a fire. It’s a mix of hazmat safety, bomb squad caution, and high-tech mystery.

Even though most downed drones turn out to be hobby or toy drones, the state isn’t taking any chances. Firefighters are now trained to assume the worst and proceed with extreme caution.

Law Enforcement

High-speed chases are dangerous. That’s why police departments also now deploy drones to track suspects without risking lives. In dangerous situations, such as hostage crises or armed standoffs, drones offer a safe way to assess threats without putting officers at risk.

Drones also play a big role in surveillance and crime prevention. They monitor large crowds during events, preventing potential security threats before they happen. Police use them to gather evidence from crime scenes, capturing photos and videos from above. In drug investigations, drones help track illegal activities without alerting suspects, making undercover operations more effective.

In May 2024, the Ocean City Police Department launched its drone program. Within the first month, these drones proved invaluable. They assisted in locating a missing man, found a woman needing medical help, detected a capsized boat, and even helped thwart a group of suspected car thieves.

Search and Rescue Teams.

Based on the Jersey Shore, the U.S.A.R. Drone Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to search and rescue missions using drones. Their advanced equipment allows them to reach difficult terrains, ensuring quicker response times. For instance, they successfully located a lost dog in New Jersey’s woods after a six-hour search.

Search and rescue teams can use drones in many ways to improve efficiency and safety, such as:

  1. Finding Missing Persons – Drones with cameras and thermal imaging scan massive areas in minutes. Forests, mountains, open water? No problem. Whether it’s a lost hiker, stranded boater, or missing child, drones cover more area, faster, than ground teams alone.
  2. Disaster Response – After floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, drones assess damage, locate survivors, and identify the safest paths for rescue teams. They provide real-time aerial views, helping responders navigate debris-filled areas without putting themselves in danger.
  3. Delivering Emergency Supplies – When roads are impassable, or reaching someone is too risky, send a drone. Medical kits, food, even communication devices can be dropped where they’re needed most.
  4. Monitoring Search Areas – No more wasted time with duplicated efforts. Drones track where you’ve been, mark new risks like rising floodwaters, and keep search teams moving efficiently.
  5. Night and Low-Visibility Searches – Nightfall, fog, smoke—these don’t stop drones. With infrared and night-vision cameras, they work when human eyes fail.

The New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for instance has incorporated drones into its emergency services. With over 1,500 members across 25 squadrons, they utilize drones for various missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and aerial imagery. This integration allows for more efficient operations, especially in areas challenging for ground teams to access