Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Baldwin County?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Baldwin County, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts should ensure they are not operating within an incorporated city that has its own specific regulations. Always check local HOA rules for additional restrictions. *(54 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Baldwin County?

**7% is the Lodging Tax** rate applicable to short-term rentals in most unincorporated areas of Baldwin County. This tax covers both the state and county portions, and hosts are required to register with the County Revenue Commissioner to remit the collected taxes. Be sure to understand your tax obligations. *(58 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Baldwin County?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in unincorporated Baldwin County, as long as they comply with Alabama lodging tax laws. However, individual neighborhoods or HOAs may have their own restrictions, so hosts should always verify local zoning and HOA guidelines before listing a property. Tax compliance is essential. *(53 words)*

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Baldwin County?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Baldwin County can include fines and legal action. While the county doesn't have specific STR permits, failure to pay the required Lodging Tax can result in audits, back taxes, and penalties. Always ensure you are registered and remitting taxes correctly to avoid issues. *(57 words)*

Baldwin County

Permissive

STRs Allowed

AlabamaLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Unincorporated Baldwin County does not have a dedicated short-term rental permit or restrictive ordinance. Hosts are primarily governed by the Alabama Lodging Tax (7% total for most unincorporated areas) and must ensure their property is not within an incorporated city with its own rules.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Baldwin County, you don't need a special 'STR permit' from the county, but you do need to make sure you're paying your taxes. You must register with the County Revenue Commissioner to pay the 7% Lodging Tax (which covers both the state and county portions). Always check your specific neighborhood's zoning or HOA rules, as some areas have private restrictions even if the county doesn't.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify you are truly in an 'unincorporated' area; if you are in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach limits, the rules are significantly stricter.
2.The 7% tax rate is a combination of Alabama State (4%) and Baldwin County (3%) rates.
3.Stays 180 days or longer are exempt from the lodging tax.
4.While the county doesn't require a permit, your Homeowners Association (HOA) might strictly prohibit short-term rentals.
5.Platforms like Airbnb typically collect the tax, but the owner is still responsible for ensuring the correct amount is remitted.
6.There are no county-wide night caps or primary residence requirements.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Baldwin County does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Baldwin County allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Condo, Townhome.
•Baldwin County: Parking on the street or in the right-of-way is strictly prohibited for STR guests.
•Baldwin County does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(15)

•Baldwin County STR warning: The 24/7 local contact must be able to respond to the property within 60 minutes of a call.
•Baldwin County requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: 500,000. Liability insurance must specifically cover short-term rentals.
•Baldwin County: A physical copy of the STR permit must be posted inside the unit near the main entrance.

Application Process(5)

•Baldwin County STR permit - Step 3: Submit for Zoning Review. Submit application to the Baldwin County Planning & Zoning department for review of occupancy limits and parking requirements. Time: 10-15 business days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Baldwin County charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Baldwin County: Monthly tax filing is required even if you had zero rental income for that month.
•Baldwin County charges a Lodging Tax of 7%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
•Alabama has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Baldwin County: Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, capped at 10.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Baldwin County requires: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(1)

•Baldwin County enforces penalties: First offense: $250 per day. Maximum fine: Uncapped based on days.

Exemptions(3)

•Baldwin County: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Baldwin County exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals 30+ days (county).
•Baldwin County: Fort Morgan is unincorporated Baldwin County; city of Gulf Shores rules DO NOT apply here.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Alabama Markets

Huntsville

Alabama

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Huntsville are regulated as motels under the city's zoning code and are generally prohibited in most residential districts. To operate legally, hosts must secure zoning approval, obtain a city business license, and remit a 9% lodging tax plus a $2 per room, per night surcharge.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Montgomery

Alabama

Permissive

Montgomery requires short-term rental operators to obtain a standard city business license and remit state, city, and county lodging taxes, though a dedicated STR ordinance is currently under development.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Birmingham

Alabama

Moderate

The City of Birmingham enacted a formal short-term rental ordinance in 2023 (No. 23-146) which requires all hosts to obtain a specific STR license and a standard business license. The city allows non-owner-occupied rentals in most residential zones and mandates a 14% lodging tax rate.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Auburn

Alabama

Moderate

Short-term rentals in the City of Auburn are classified as either 'Homestays' (primary residence) or 'Short-Term Non-Primary Rentals' (STNPR). All operators must obtain a zoning permit and a city business license, and are subject to a 7% local lodging tax. STNPRs are limited to operating 240 days per calendar year, while Homestays have varying occupancy limits depending on owner presence and zoning district.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Baldwin County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(5)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Alabama Markets

Huntsville

Montgomery

Birmingham

Auburn

Baldwin County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Baldwin County?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Baldwin County?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Baldwin County?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Baldwin County?

Related Content

Other Alabama Markets

Huntsville

Montgomery

Birmingham

Auburn