Can you fly a drone near a prison, police station or hospital?

Stay away from prisons and jails. Many states make it a crime to fly over or near a correctional facility, and using a drone to deliver anything to an inmate is a crime everywhere. Hospitals aren't banned by federal law, but helipads mean medical helicopters flying low, and you must not interfere with them. Flying near a police station is generally legal under FAA rules, but some states protect certain government sites, so check before you fly.

Prisons, police and hospitals — Many states treat prisons and jails as critical infrastructure, contraband drops are a crime everywhere, and hospital helipads mean low-flying medical helicopters.

Prisons and jails

There's no single federal rule that puts every prison in a no-fly zone, but the risks stack up fast:

State critical infrastructure laws. Florida lists state correctional institutions, contractor-run prisons, juvenile detention facilities and county jails as critical infrastructure. Knowingly flying over one, or close enough to disturb it, is a third-degree felony unless an exception applies, such as government work or the facility's written consent. Other states have similar laws, with different lists and penalties.
Contraband. Drones are used to drop phones and drugs into prisons, and states and the federal government prosecute it. Providing contraband to a federal prisoner is a federal crime, whatever the delivery method.
Security response. Prison staff and police treat any drone over a facility as a threat. Expect to be found; Remote ID makes that easier.

If you're photographing a historic prison that's now a museum, ask the site first. Active facilities are off-limits.

Hospitals

Helipads. Medical helicopters land at hospitals day and night, often with little warning. Part 107 bans interfering with traffic at any airport, heliport or seaplane base, and every drone must give way to manned aircraft. See drones and manned aircraft.
Controlled airspace. Hospital heliports don't usually create controlled airspace, but many hospitals sit near airports that do. Check for LAANC requirements.
Privacy. Filming patients through windows or at entrances can break state privacy laws. See drone privacy laws.
Property rules. Hospitals control their grounds and can bar takeoffs there.

For construction progress or a hospital marketing shoot, work with the facility, fly under Part 107, and plan around helicopter activity.

Police stations

Flying near a police station isn't prohibited by the FAA, and most state infrastructure laws don't list them. Still:

Some local governments limit takeoff from city property.
Hovering over a station, filming officers' cars or staff parking, or following officers can lead to questions, and in some states to harassment or interference charges.
Never fly near an active police scene. Police helicopters and drones may be working low, and interfering with law enforcement can bring FAA civil penalties up to $20,000.