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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 tax section below).
Be aware that business licenses expire 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 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 completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
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
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 completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
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
- General Business License Application
- Alabama State Certifications/Permits
- Copy of driver's license
- All items/requirements from the Business License Checklists section below that best fits the description of your business.
Business License Checklists
- General Business License Checklist
- Beach Service License Checklist
- Contractor Business License Checklist
- Home Occupation Business License Checklist
- Restaurant Business License Checklist
Fees
- Based on Estimated Gross Receipts, Fee Schedule A
- Any additional fees (if applicable), Fee Schedule B - Q
Additional Documents
- Baldwin County Business License
- Building Project Subcontractor List
- Business License Petition for Refund
- Important Telephone Numbers
- Property Management Addition/Deletion Form
- Special Event Business License Application
- Taxpayer Information Change Form
- Tips for Taxpayers
- Vendor Application Form
- W-9
Additional Information
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-2: Business Definition
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-8: Beachfront and Waterfront Recreational Businesses
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-9: Peddlers and Itinerant Dealers
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-17: License shall be location specific
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-19: Unlawful to do business without a license
- Code of Ordinances - Section 8-33: Delivery License
- Code of Ordinances - Chapter 7 - Article X - Division 7: Establishment of Franchise
- Code of Ordinances - Chapter 22 - Article I & II: Vehicles for hire