Dauphin Island, Alabama

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Mobile County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/10/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$125-$225 plus $10 issuance fee (depending on gross receipts)
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay2-3 nights depending on overlay district
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT7% (Town) + 4% (State) + 2% (Mobile County) = 13% total

Zoning Restrictions

  • yes - STR Overlay Districts (STROD1, STROD2, STROD3)

Official Sources

townofdauphinisland.org/rentallicenses
Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 10, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Dauphin Island, Alabama

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Dauphin Island, Alabama are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $125-$225 plus $10 issuance fe). A lodging/occupancy tax of 7% (Town) + 4% (Stat applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Dauphin Island, Alabama?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Dauphin Island, Alabama.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Dauphin Island?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $125-$225 plus $10 issuance fe.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Dauphin Island?

Short-term rentals in Dauphin Island are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 7% (Town) + 4% (Stat.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Dauphin Island?

Yes — Dauphin Island sets a minimum stay of 2 nights.

Where do these Dauphin Island short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Dauphin Island's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Dauphin Island, Mobile County, or Alabama authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.