General Business License

All businesses operating in the city’s corporate limits or police jurisdiction are required to complete and submit a business license application and supply copies of any State Certifications (if applicable). Some businesses may require a Franchise Agreement and/or additional approvals from the city. Please review the Ordinance link under Additional Information. All fields on the application are required. Once a completed application is received, it will then be submitted for approval or denial. Below are links to different checklists. Please select the one that best suits your business needs. In addition to the business license, please be aware of any taxes that may be associated with your type of business (Refer to the tax section below).

Be aware that business licenses expire on December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

Online Application Process

  • For an easy, step-by-step business license application process, visit our City of Gulf Shores Online Licensing and Permitting Portal.
  • Find the Business License Application in the Licensing section of the portal.
  • Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all the materials necessary from the specific License Checklist required for your type of business.
  • Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.
  • Review/Approval process starts once the completed application is received. See below for specific review routes:
     
    • Physically located in Gulf Shores
       • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
       • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
       • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
       • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

    • Outside the city limits of Gulf Shores
       • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
       • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Physical Application Process

  • Fill out the General Business License Application.
  • Make sure all required materials are in order from the specific License Checklist required for your type of business.
  • Submit completed General Business License Application with checklist materials to:
     City of Gulf Shores Revenue
     1905 W 1st St
     PO Box 4089
     Gulf Shores, AL 36547
     Fax: (251) 968-1470
  • Review/Approval process starts once the completed application is received. See below for specific review routes:
    • Physically located in Gulf Shores
       • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for  completeness
       • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
       • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
       • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

    • Outside city limits of Gulf Shores
       • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for  completeness
       • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Documents and Materials Required

Business License Checklists

Fees

Additional Documents

Additional Information