Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lauderdale County, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lauderdale County, AL, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed in specific zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-B, B-3, SD, PUD, and B-2 above the first floor) and are limited to four bedrooms for stays under 30 days. Operators must designate a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond within 30 minutes, maintain a guest register for three years, and include the permit number in all advertisements. Special events like weddings or concerts are prohibited, and food service for sale is not allowed. 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.

STRs are allowed in specific zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-B, B-3, SD, PUD, and B-2 above the first floor) and are limited to four bedrooms for stays under 30 days. Operators must designate a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond within 30 minutes, maintain a guest register for three years, and include the permit number in all advertisements. Special events like weddings or concerts are prohibited, and food service for sale is not allowed.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lauderdale County. 1. Submit a completed STR application to the City of Florence Building Department along with a deed proving ownership, proof of insurance, and a guest agreement. 2. Obtain approval from the Lauderdale County Health Department if on a septic system and pass inspections by the Florence Fire Marshal and Building Department. 3. Apply for and obtain a business license from the Office of the City Clerk and pay all applicable fees.

1. Submit a completed STR application to the City of Florence Building Department along with a deed proving ownership, proof of insurance, and a guest agreement. 2. Obtain approval from the Lauderdale County Health Department if on a septic system and pass inspections by the Florence Fire Marshal and Building Department. 3. Apply for and obtain a business license from the Office of the City Clerk and pay all applicable fees.

Vrbo is permitted in Lauderdale County, 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 Lauderdale County 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 Lauderdale County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.