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Foley, AL

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STR Regulations for Foley, Alabama

Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Foley, Alabama. The City of Foley requires operators to obtain both a business license and a short-term rental permit for each unit. All applications and renewals are submitted online through the City’s Citizenserve portal, and at least one Fire Inspection is required before licenses and permits are issued.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Foley?

Foley hosts earn a median $26,052/year with $177 ADR and 57% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $35,298+ per year.

See the full Foley market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Foley, AL

  • Create an account on the City of Foley’s Citizenserve portal (if you do not already have one).
  • Apply for a City of Foley Business License covering your short-term rentals.
  • Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit for each individual rental property in Foley.
  • Upload a driver’s license for at least one owner/partner.
  • Await City approval and Fire Inspector scheduling.
  • Pay for and receive your business license and permit(s) once approved.

Step-by-step application workflow (City of Foley)

  • Go to the Citizenserve portal.
  • Log in (or register if you do not have an account).
  • Services → Business Licenses → Apply online.
  • Apply for the business license; select the exact short-term rental categories.
  • Do not select “home-based business” unless you live in Foley and operate from your home.
  • Enter your total gross revenue for all short-term rentals in Foley for the prior year.
  • Upload a driver’s license for at least one owner/partner; sign and submit the application.
  • Submit a separate permit application for each short-term rental property.
  • Provide the name of the person responsible for each unit (this information is shared with Police/Fire for emergencies).
  • If you have more than one property, select “SAVE & ADD ANOTHER” at the bottom of the permit page.
  • Wait for City approval; a Fire Inspector will conduct an inspection.
  • Once approved and paid, the City will issue the business license and each permit.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • City of Foley Business License (one license covers all short-term rental activities within the city).
  • Short-Term Rental Permit (one permit per rental unit).
  • At least one owner/partner’s driver’s license (uploaded in the business license application).
  • Fire Inspection is required prior to issuance.
  • Safety requirements are listed on the Citizenserve portal under “Submittal requirements” on the Business License page; they can also be emailed upon request.
  • Applications must be completed online via Citizenserve; manual or paper submissions are not described in the source.

Specific Regulations for STRs in Foley, AL

  • A business license is required for the business operations.
  • A permit is required for each short-term rental property.
  • A driver’s license for at least one owner/partner is required.
  • Fire inspection is required before issuance of licenses/permits.
  • Responsible party contact information is required for each unit and is shared with Police/Fire for emergency purposes.
  • Applications must be submitted via Citizenserve.
  • No city-specific zoning, occupancy caps, or separate tax remittance procedures are provided in the source materials.

County and State Notes

  • Baldwin County-specific STR requirements are not provided in the source documents; confirm directly with county authorities as needed.
  • Alabama state-level rules beyond local licensing (e.g., sales/lodging taxes, zoning, HOA restrictions) are not covered in the source documents.

Contact Information

  • City of Foley permitting and licensing: online via Citizenserve.
  • Safety Requirements: available under “Submittal requirements” on the Business License page in Citizenserve; the City can email a copy upon request.
  • For inspection scheduling and application status: use the Citizenserve portal; specific phone/email contacts for STR programs are not provided in the source.

Links to Source Pages

Notes:

  • Applications and renewals are submitted online; the process for renewals mirrors initial applications via the portal.
  • Safety requirements must be met prior to final approval and issuance of licenses/permits.

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Foley

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
8/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Foley Market Analysis

Photos of Foley

Overview of Foley

Foley is a growing city in Baldwin County, in the southwestern corner of Alabama, with a population of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 residents. It has a relaxed, family-friendly character and serves as one of the main commercial and residential hubs for the surrounding Gulf Coast communities. Foley is best known as a gateway to the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, both of which lie a short drive to the south, and it is also a popular stop for travelers heading toward the Alabama Gulf Coast because of its outlet shopping and central location. The city sits about 35 miles south of Mobile and roughly 40 miles west of Pensacola, Florida, making it a convenient base for visitors exploring both sides of the coast.

Just outside Foley's city limits, the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the area's marquee attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year for swimming, fishing, boating, and the lively restaurant and entertainment scene along the Gulf of Mexico. The drive south from Foley to the public beach access points typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on seasonal traffic. Gulf State Park, which stretches between the two beach towns, offers more than 6,000 acres of pine forests, freshwater lakes, paved biking trails, and beachfront camping, and it is reached in about 20 minutes from central Foley.

Within Foley itself, the downtown area retains a small-town feel with antique shops, local restaurants, and the Foley Railroad Museum, which is housed in a restored depot and tells the story of the city's early twentieth-century growth around the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The museum sits just off Highway 59 in the historic center of town and is a quick stop for visitors interested in local heritage. Nearby, Graham Creek Nature Preserve offers more than 250 acres of pine savanna, wetlands, and trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, providing a quieter outdoor option just minutes from the main commercial corridors.

Tanger Outlets Foley, a large open-air shopping center with dozens of national retailers, has long been one of the city's signature draws and brings steady visitor traffic throughout the year. More recently, OWA Parks and Resort has added a tropical-themed amusement park, a water park, a hotel, and a growing entertainment district to the mix, giving Foley its own dedicated attraction beyond shopping. Combined with the easy access to the Gulf beaches, state parks, and a pair of larger coastal cities, these amenities make Foley a well-rounded base for travelers who want variety without the higher prices and heavier congestion of staying directly on the water.

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