Rental License
All property owners that engage in the rental of their property in the city’s corporate limits or police jurisdiction are required to complete and submit a business license application. However, the owner of no more than one (1) rental or lease unit intended for long term occupation by a single family shall be exempt from the payment of an annual license and the requirement of licensing under Article I of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances with respect to such single unit during any period in which such single unit is leased or rented under written agreement for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more.
All fields on the application are required. Once a completed application is received it will then be submitted for approval or denial. Below is a link to a checklist. Please review for additional processing requirements. In addition to the business license, please be aware that there is lodging tax associated with short term vacation rentals (refer to lodging tax section below).
Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.
Online 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.
- Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
• Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
• Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
• Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
• Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate
Physical Application Process
- Fill out the Business License Application for Rental Property.
- Make sure all required materials are in order from the specific Rental Property License Checklist.
- Submit completed General Business License Application with checklist materials to:
City of Gulf Shores Revenue
1905 W 1st St
PO Box 4089
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Fax: (251) 968-1470 - Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
• Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
• Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
• Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
• Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate
Documents and Materials Required
- Business License Application for Rental Property
- Copy of driver's license
- Copy of lease agreement (Long term rentals only)
- All items/requirements from the Rental License Checklist below.
Rental License Checklist
Fees
- Based on Gross Receipts, Fee Schedule A
- Rental Fee - $45 (Short term rentals only)
Additional Requirements
- Designation and maintenance of local emergency contact by Licensee
- Rental safety inspection required every 3 years
- Lodging Tax collection/remittance
Additional Documents
- Business License Petition for Refund
- Important Telephone Numbers
- Local Emergency Contact Information Form
- MAT Filing Instructions
- Property Management Addition/Deletion Form
- Taxpayer Information Change Form
- Taxpayer Management Company
- Taxpayer Self Remitter
Additional Information
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-2: Business Definition
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-17: License shall be location specific
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-19: Unlawful to do business without a license
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-41: Designation and Maintenance of Local Emergency Contact
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-43: Safety Inspection Required...
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-44: Licensing of dwelling unit for vacation rental
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-45: Additional fee for dwelling unit licensed for vacation rental