Huntsville, Alabama

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Madison County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredTax: 9%Business License RequiredProcessing: 10 business days
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
9%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing Time10 business days

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT9%

Zoning Restrictions

  • Not permitted in most residential zoning districts; allowed in specific commercial/industrial zones as primary use or special exception

Official Sources

Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Huntsville, Alabama

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Huntsville, Alabama are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit. A lodging/occupancy tax of 9% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Huntsville, Alabama?

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

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Huntsville?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Huntsville?

Short-term rentals in Huntsville are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 9%.

Where do these Huntsville short-term rental rules come from?

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