Gulf Shores, Alabama Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Gulf Shores Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
The City of Gulf Shores regulates vacation rentals. They defined vacation rentals as any lease, sublease, rental, or other licensing of the use of a dwelling unit by an owner or lessee for any period of fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.Business License Requirements
You must apply for a Rental License in the City of Gulf Shores to operate a vacation rental. You can find more information here.Building and Housing Standards
The City of Gulf Shores has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Rental Safety Ordinance for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Vacation rentals are required to pay lodging tax. Lodging Tax total is 13% Corporate Limits, 9.5% Police Jurisdiction- 4% - State of Alabama
- 2% - Baldwin County
- 7% - City - Corporate Limits/3.5% - City - Police Jurisdiction
Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Gulf Shores for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating4.7
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Competition
4.2 -
Real Estate Cost
6.1 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
2.6 -
Rental Rates
6.6
Gulf Shores, Alabama Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 15,014
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- June through Aug.
- County
- Baldwin
- Airports
- Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF)
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Want to learn more about Gulf Shores?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Gulf Shores rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Gulf Shores rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Gulf Shores.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Gulf Shores guests.
Interested in other Alabama cities?
Check out the Alabama short term rental regulations directory
What makes Gulf Shores a great place to invest?
- Stunning Beaches: Sink your toes into the soft, sugar-white sands of Gulf Shores' pristine beaches, stretching over 32 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, or building sandcastles, these beaches offer an idyllic setting for relaxation and fun in the sun.
- Gulf State Park: With over 6,500 acres of diverse ecosystems, Gulf State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Explore the park's picturesque hiking and biking trails, marvel at the diverse flora and fauna, or take a leisurely stroll on the park's famous pier – the longest on the Gulf of Mexico!
- Adventure Awaits: Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Gulf Shores offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, and even dolphin cruises. The area also boasts world-class golf courses, perfect for players of all skill levels.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Gulf Shores, where fresh seafood meets Southern hospitality. Savor delectable dishes like shrimp and grits, gumbo, or oysters at local hotspots, and don't forget to try a slice of the famous key lime pie!
- University of South Alabama: Just a short drive away, the University of South Alabama offers a vibrant campus atmosphere, top-notch academic programs, and a thriving arts scene. Catch a performance at the university's performing arts center or cheer on the South Alabama Jaguars at a sporting event.
Gulf Shores Nearby Cities
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16 miles away
- Rating: 5.9
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25 miles away
- Rating: 4.9
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Gulf Shores?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Gulf Shores has increased 5% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $334, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$478,505
5% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$334
-13% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,021
0% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Gulf Shores
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Gulf Shores, Alabama
Common terms for Gulf Shores short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Gulf Shores has a description approximately 2,317 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 4,587 listings in Gulf Shores, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Gulf Shore, Balcony, Gulf, Pool, View, Sleep, Lagoon, Sleeper, and Flat screen.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Gulf Shores?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Gulf Shores involve going to the Beach, Outlet Shopping, Swimming, the Zoo, and Water Parks. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Beach
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Outlet Shopping
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Swimming
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Zoo
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Water Parks
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Jet Skiing
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Theme Parks
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Sailing
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Boating
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Parasailing
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Adventure Activities
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Cycling
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Gulf Shores, including Gulf Shores Beach, The Wharf, Gulf State Park, Hangout Music Fest, and Adventure Island. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Gulf Shores Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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The Wharf
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Gulf State Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Hangout Music Fest
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Adventure Island
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Waterville USA
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Gulf Shores Public Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Gulf Shores Golf Club
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Orange Beach Golf Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Orange Beach Beaches
Included on nearly all listings
What’s the weather like in Gulf Shores, Alabama?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 76°, while the average low is about 61°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 54 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Gulf Shores are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
47° Low 64° High
Spring
March through May
60° Low 75° High
Summer
June through August
74° Low 88° High
Fall
September through November
62° Low 78° High
Cities Near Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is located in Baldwin County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
