Part 137 and State Pesticide Licences: What You Need Before Drone Application
A plain-English overview of the approvals usually involved when drones apply pesticides, herbicides or larvicides.
FAA Part 107 and Part 137
All commercial drone flights need a Part 107 remote pilot. Dispensing products from a drone is an agricultural aircraft operation, so operators generally also need a Part 137 certificate, and heavier spray drones commonly operate under an FAA exemption.
State pesticide licences
Most states require a commercial pesticide applicator licence in the right category (for example aerial, aquatic, right-of-way or public health pest control). Some states add drone-specific rules. Check your state pesticide regulatory agency.
Product labels and sensitive areas
Products must be used according to their label, which may restrict aerial use, buffer zones and application rates. Applications near water, endangered species habitat or homes may need extra approvals or notifications.
What this directory does
We record the licences providers tell us about and check them for verified listings. We do not interpret Part 137 or state pesticide law. Always confirm requirements with the FAA and your state agency.
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