New 2025 Iowa Land Laws Effective July 1
Own land, lease hunting ground, or work in rural Iowa real estate? New Iowa land laws take effect July 1, 2025. These changes impact how you use, access, finance, and manage land—especially if you farm, hunt, or invest.
At LandGuys, we work where policy meets the property line. That’s why we’ve reviewed these new laws to help you understand what’s changing and what to watch for in your land decisions.
#1 – Drone Flights Over Farmland Now Require Landowner Consent
Senate File 491 creates new privacy protections for Iowa landowners by restricting unauthorized drone flights over rural farmsteads. Operators of remotely piloted aircraft are now prohibited from flying within 400 feet of farm animals, equipment, or structures located on a farmstead, unless they have the landowner’s permission.
This law applies only to farmsteads located outside city limits. The property must be actively used for farming and generate at least $15,000 in annual revenue.
The law also covers imagery, audio, and data collected by drones. Landowners now have legal grounds to challenge unauthorized drone use. They can also ask the court for a temporary injunction to stop repeat violations.
This bill gives landowners more control over their airspace and digital property. It makes Iowa one of the most protective states for regulating drone activity over active farmland.
Why This Matters for You:
Drone flights are now subject to stricter rules when operating near active farmsteads in Iowa. That means real estate photographers, land managers, wildlife surveyors, and crop consultants must take extra care to stay compliant.
- Always get written permission from the landowner before launching a drone over farmland.
- This applies even if you’re only capturing video, images, or data for scouting, listings, or monitoring purposes.
- Violating this law can result in legal action, including court-ordered restrictions and possible penalties.
- This change underscores the growing importance of digital property rights in rural land use.
“I think overall this bill being passed is a great peace of mind for landowners, and especially our farmers. Technology is forever advancing. This provides added protection for your herd or your equipment on the farm from curious neighbors—allowing you to defend your farm and your belongings in the airspace above too.”
– Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Salesperson, LandGuys
Whether you’re filming a listing, checking crop health, or surveying deer movement, respect landowner boundaries—not just on the ground, but in the air too.
Read the full SF 491 bill here
#2 – New Iowa Law Excludes Discount Points and Some Closing Costs from Land Loan APR Calculations
Senate File 398 changes how Iowa classifies closing costs on land loans. Previously, certain fees were considered “finance charges” under Iowa’s consumer credit laws, which could raise the disclosed APR. Now, many of those charges—including discount points used to lower the interest rate—are excluded from finance charge calculations.
This change applies only to consumer loans secured by land that are originated by mortgage bankers licensed or registered under Iowa Code chapter 535B. Additionally, total points, fees, and APR must stay within limits set by federal regulations under 12 C.F.R. §1026.43(e).
As a result, APR disclosures on eligible land loans may appear more favorable, even though the actual dollar amounts may remain unchanged. This update could improve the competitiveness of land loan products in Iowa’s rural real estate market.
Why This Matters for You:
If you’re buying, investing in, or lending on land, this change can make loan APRs look better on paper, potentially making financing more attractive or easier to compare. It’s smart to review your loan terms and disclosures with your lender to understand how this update might affect your deals.
“Omitting certain closing costs and discount points from consumers’ finance charge calculations allows borrowers to more accurately compare products. This will ensure they can better evaluate pricing scenarios and choose what’s best for their financial picture when buying land.”
– David Little , Iowa Land Salesperson, LandGuys
Read SF 398 in full
#3 – Youth Deer Hunting Licenses Expand to All Seasons
Senate File 423 significantly expands how youth deer hunting licenses can be used in Iowa. These licenses are now valid across all established deer seasons, rather than being limited to a specific timeframe. Hunters may use the license and tag during any regular season, applying any legal method of take allowed for that season.
However, once the tag is filled, the license is no longer valid for future use. This change gives youth hunters greater flexibility, while still adhering to standard harvest limits.
The law also updates Iowa DNR’s deer depredation permit criteria. Landowners who suffer $1,000 or more in damage caused by deer—including loss to crops, horticultural products, trees, or nursery stock—can now apply for a depredation permit. This allows more affected landowners to seek relief in high-pressure areas.
Why This Matters for You:
If you manage hunting leases or farmland, this law provides youth hunters with greater flexibility to hunt during all deer seasons. This can help increase youth participation and better distribute hunting activity throughout the year.
The updated depredation permit criteria also gives landowners more tools to manage deer-related damage. That means more control over wildlife pressure on your property and better protection for crops and trees.
“I’m really encouraged by Iowa’s decision to expand youth deer hunting licenses to all seasons. Giving young hunters more flexibility to get out there, on their schedule and with legal methods for any season, is a great way to build confidence, skills, and a lifelong respect for the outdoors.”
– Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys
“Extracurricular activities and social commitments are at an all-time high. The importance of ample time to get kids in the field can only strengthen our youth participation in the outdoors and build Iowa’s hunting population for years to come.”
– David Little , Iowa Land Salesperson, LandGuys
“I am super excited for this law coming into place this year. Our youth is the future of our sport and this will most definitely create higher success rates for harvesting these young folks’ first deer to create memories that last a lifetime”
– Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Salesperson, LandGuys
View SF 423 legislation details
#4 – Expanded Hunting Access for Disabled Veterans in Iowa
House File 885 expands access for disabled veterans in Iowa. Qualifying residents can now use a deer hunting license and tag during any established season, using the legal method of take for that season. This license can be issued in addition to other deer licenses the hunter is eligible for.
To apply, veterans must provide documentation confirming Iowa residency and a service-connected disability, verified through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The law also increases the number of nonresident hunting licenses available to disabled veterans. Iowa will now reserve 125 wild turkey licenses and 75 deer licenses each year specifically for disabled nonresident veterans to take part in organized hunts across the state.
Why This Matters for You:
This law expands hunting opportunities for disabled veterans, giving them more flexibility and access. It also benefits outfitters and landowners who support veteran hunting programs by broadening participation and creating new partnership opportunities.
“I absolutely love what Iowa is doing with House File 885, this is a huge step forward in making the outdoors more accessible for our disabled veterans. These hunts aren’t just about deer or turkey, they’re about connection, healing, and giving back to those who’ve given so much.”
– Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys
Access HF 885 language here
What It Means for Landowners and Buyers
Whether you’re buying a farm, managing deer pressure on your property, or planning drone footage for a listing, these new laws will change how you operate. Iowa’s rural land policies continue to evolve—and staying informed is part of protecting your investment.
At LandGuys, we work at the intersection of land, law, and legacy. These aren’t just rule changes—they’re real-world shifts that affect the way you hunt, farm, lease, or buy.
Need help understanding how these changes apply to your property or next move? Contact your Iowa LandGuys team. We’ll talk through it with you, one field at a time.
LandGuys and its brokers are not licensed attorneys in Iowa and do not provide legal advice. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal counsel. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney or legal professional.
