Gulf Shores Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Rental License

Renewal: Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

Application Process

For an easy, step-by-step business license application process visit our City of Gulf Shores Online Licensing and Permitting Portal. Find the Rental License Application in the Licensing section of the portal. Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all materials necessary from the Rental Property License Checklist. Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.

Tax Obligations

Filing: Lodgings tax returns and remittances are due on or before the 20th day of the month for the previous month’s rentals. However, you may request quarterly filing status if you have a tax liability of less than $2,400 for the preceding calendar year. You may request biannual filing if you have a tax liability of less than $1,200 for the preceding calendar year. You may request annual filing status if the tax liability for the entire preceding calendar year is less than $600.

Safety

• Rental safety inspection required every 3 years

Compliance Checklist

1. Meet the safety requirements
   • Rental safety inspection required every 3 years
2. Apply for the permit
   • Based on Gross Receipts, Fee Schedule A; Rental Fee - $45 (Short-term rentals only)
   • How to apply: For an easy, step-by-step business license application process visit our City of Gulf Shores Online Licensing and Permitting Portal. Find the Rental License Application in the Licensing section of the portal. Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all materials necessary from the Rental Property License Checklist. Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.
3. Register for tax
   • City Lodging Tax: register with City
   • BALDWIN COUNTY LODG DIST: register with Baldwin County
4. Collect and remit tax
   • Filing schedule: Lodgings tax returns and remittances are due on or before the 20th day of the month for the previous month’s rentals. However, you may request quarterly filing status if you have a tax liability of less than $2,400 for the preceding calendar year. You may request biannual filing if you have a tax liability of less than $1,200 for the preceding calendar year. You may request annual filing status if the tax liability for the entire preceding calendar year is less than $600.
5. Renew your permit
   • Renewal period: Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run a short-term rental in Gulf Shores?

Yes.

Permit: Rental License

How to apply: For an easy, step-by-step business license application process visit our City of Gulf Shores Online Licensing and Permitting Portal. Find the Rental License Application in the Licensing section of the portal. Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all materials necessary from the Rental Property License Checklist. Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Gulf Shores?

Initial fee (Rental License): Based on Gross Receipts, Fee Schedule A; Rental Fee - $45 (Short-term rentals only)

Renewal period (Rental License): Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Gulf Shores?

City Lodging Tax: 10% (Corporate Limits) / 5% (Police Jurisdiction)

BALDWIN COUNTY LODG DIST: 2%

Filing schedule: Lodgings tax returns and remittances are due on or before the 20th day of the month for the previous month’s rentals. However, you may request quarterly filing status if you have a tax liability of less than $2,400 for the preceding calendar year. You may request biannual filing if you have a tax liability of less than $1,200 for the preceding calendar year. You may request annual filing status if the tax liability for the entire preceding calendar year is less than $600.