Yes, in the U.S., you definitely need the Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, so have to pay a couple of hundred bucks and pass the test. I think there are some inexpensive insurance options here though.
I've been pondering stepping up my drone hobby into trying to make some income from it. I know there is lots of info around on what it takes to do that, but I'd love to hear from people who are actually doing it (in particular people who have gone from a hobby to a business or side business), or...