Can I use a drone to film a protest?

You can use a drone to film a protest as long as you have obtained a license, registered your drone, and are flying it in a permitted zone.

Check the FAA's map to avoid restricted/no-drone zones.

To act as a remote pilot for drones in accordance with the FAA regulations, a person must obtain a remote pilot certificate. Those interested must pass a test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Register your drone with the State. The drone must remain under 400 ft and be under 55 lbs. Before flying the drone, make sure that you know the status of the zone. For example, Flying in the Special Flight Rules Area around Washington, D.C. is prohibited. For more information, check out FAA's Free app B4UFLY, available on Apple Store and Google Play.