Gulf Shores, Alabama

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Baldwin County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$45 additional fee for short-term rentals, plus fee based on gross receipts per Fee Schedule A
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • yes - planning and zoning compliance review required

Official Sources

gulfshoresal.gov/780/Rental-License
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Gulf Shores, Alabama are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $45 additional fee for short-t).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Gulf Shores, Alabama?

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

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Gulf Shores?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $45 additional fee for short-t.

Where do these Gulf Shores short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Gulf Shores'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 Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, or Alabama authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.