Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Dauphin Island, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Dauphin Island, AL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (under 180 days) are permitted subject to STR Overlay District rules (STROD1, STROD2, STROD3) which mandate minimum stays of 2 or 3 nights. Operators must post emergency contact info, maximum occupancy, and the 'Good Neighbor Policy' inside units and display property manager contact info on the exterior. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (under 180 days) are permitted subject to STR Overlay District rules (STROD1, STROD2, STROD3) which mandate minimum stays of 2 or 3 nights. Operators must post emergency contact info, maximum occupancy, and the 'Good Neighbor Policy' inside units and display property manager contact info on the exterior.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Dauphin Island. 1) Submit an annual Rental Business License application for each property and pay the required fee (e.g., $135 for receipts under $50k). 2) Remit local lodging taxes via My Alabama Taxes. 3) Submit a completed Safety Inspection Checklist performed by a certified professional (required every three years starting in 2026).

1) Submit an annual Rental Business License application for each property and pay the required fee (e.g., $135 for receipts under $50k). 2) Remit local lodging taxes via My Alabama Taxes. 3) Submit a completed Safety Inspection Checklist performed by a certified professional (required every three years starting in 2026).

Vrbo is permitted in Dauphin Island, AL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Dauphin Island are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Dauphin Island. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.