Is Bon Secour, Alabama Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bon Secour, Alabama, begin by researching local regulations through Baldwin County's planning and zoning department, as Bon Secour falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and verify if short-term rentals require special permits or business licenses through the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner's office. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Baldwin County (approximately $25-50 annually), ensure compliance with Alabama Department of Revenue requirements for lodging tax collection (4% state rate plus 2% Baldwin County rate), and check if additional permits are needed for properties near the Gulf State Park or coastal areas. Find suitable property by focusing on areas near Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores proximity, or waterfront locations along Mobile Bay, considering properties that can accommodate 4-8 guests given the area's tourism focus on fishing and beach access. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including high-speed internet, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and outdoor furniture for patios or decks, while ensuring compliance with Alabama fire safety codes including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting proximity to Gulf beaches (15 minutes), Fort Morgan Historic Site, fishing opportunities, and Mobile Bay access, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with peak rates during summer months ($150-300/night) and lower winter rates ($75-150/night). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, creating detailed check-in instructions, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, coordinating maintenance through local contractors familiar with coastal property challenges, and ensuring timely tax remittance to both state and county authorities while maintaining detailed records for annual business tax filings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bon Secour, Alabama, focus on waterfront or water-view locations within 1-2 miles of Gulf Shores beaches, Fort Morgan, and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, as these areas attract the highest tourist demand year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with amenities like pools, boat docks, fishing access, outdoor spaces, and modern kitchens, as families and fishing enthusiasts represent the primary market segments. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically ranging from $150-300 per night depending on proximity to water and amenities. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, focusing on occupancy rates above 65% and properties generating $35,000-60,000 annually, while identifying gaps in amenities or property types. Utilize local resources including Baldwin County planning department for zoning verification, Gulf Shores tourism data, local real estate agents specializing in investment properties, and STR management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning for market insights, while monitoring seasonal trends that show peak demand from March through October with premium rates during fishing tournaments and summer months.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bon Secour, Alabama, you must first contact the Baldwin County Planning and Zoning Department since Bon Secour is an unincorporated community within Baldwin County, located at 22070 Highway 59 in Robertsdale or call (251) 580-1655. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, certificate of occupancy, business license from Baldwin County Revenue Department, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), septic system inspection if applicable, and fire safety inspection certificate. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100-150. You must also obtain a business license from Baldwin County Revenue Department for approximately $50-75 annually. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days after submitting a complete application. Specific Baldwin County requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, having a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 miles of the property, posting the permit number and contact information prominently on the property, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and maintaining detailed guest records. Properties must also comply with noise ordinances and cannot be used for events or parties exceeding the stated occupancy limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bon Secour, Alabama, as the unincorporated community in Baldwin County operates under county regulations rather than municipal ordinances. Baldwin County permits vacation rentals and STRs with basic requirements including business license registration, compliance with health and safety codes, and adherence to occupancy limits typically based on septic system capacity. Properties must meet standard building and fire safety requirements, maintain adequate parking, and cannot exceed maximum occupancy limits usually determined by bedroom count and septic capacity. The county requires STR operators to collect and remit lodging taxes, and properties are subject to noise ordinances and general nuisance regulations. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included enhanced registration requirements and stricter enforcement of existing health department regulations, particularly regarding septic systems and water quality in coastal areas like Bon Secour. While there are no specific prohibited zones for STRs in this unincorporated area, properties must comply with existing zoning designations and cannot operate in areas not zoned for residential or commercial use, with beachfront and waterfront properties being particularly popular and generally permitted subject to environmental and building code compliance.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bon Secour, Alabama are primarily concentrated along the waterfront districts near Bon Secour Bay and the Gulf of Mexico access points, particularly around the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge vicinity where eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts frequently visit for birding, fishing, and wildlife observation. The historic shrimping village area near the Bon Secour River offers authentic coastal charm that attracts visitors seeking genuine Gulf Coast experiences, especially during peak shrimping season from May through October. Properties near Fort Morgan Road (Highway 180) benefit from pass-through traffic heading to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, capturing overflow accommodation demand during major events like the National Shrimp Festival and Hangout Music Festival. The residential areas closest to public boat launches and fishing charters see consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts and boating groups, particularly during red snapper season and other prime fishing periods. Investment opportunities are strongest in properties within walking distance of local seafood restaurants and the working waterfront, as visitors are drawn to the area's reputation for fresh Gulf seafood and authentic maritime culture, with many guests extending stays specifically to experience local establishments and charter fishing operations.

In Bon Secour, Alabama, Airbnb properties are subject to Alabama state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts, which is collected by the Alabama Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $20,000 in annual rental income or have more than 200 transactions. Baldwin County imposes an additional 2% lodging tax that applies to short-term rentals under 30 days, collected through the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner's office with monthly remittance required by the 20th of the following month. The City of Gulf Shores, which has jurisdiction over some Bon Secour area properties, may impose an additional 3% municipal lodging tax depending on the specific location. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts in Alabama as of 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection through their Airbnb dashboard. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes, and certain non-profit or government-related stays may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation submitted to the respective tax authorities.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Bon Secour, Alabama would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $200,000-$230,000 based on median home prices in the Gulf Shores area where Bon Secour is located. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom coastal property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and beach-themed decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals range from $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage costs $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for coastal Alabama properties during peak and off-seasons.

Airbnb properties in Bon Secour, Alabama typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for modest coastal properties, with higher-end waterfront homes earning $40,000-$65,000 annually according to 2023 market data. Operating expenses generally range from 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins typically fall between 25-40% for well-managed properties, with beachfront locations commanding premium rates of $150-$300 per night during peak summer months compared to $80-$150 for inland properties. Success factors include proximity to Gulf Shores beaches (within 10 miles), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during fishing tournaments and summer vacation periods. Properties with boat access, fishing amenities, or unique coastal features consistently outperform standard rentals by 20-30% in both occupancy rates (65-75% vs 45-55%) and average daily rates, with several local investors reporting ROI of 12-18% on properties purchased between 2020-2022 at median prices of $250,000-$450,000.

Airbnb investments in Bon Secour, Alabama typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Gulf Shores beaches and seasonal tourism demand. Properties within 2-3 miles of the coastline command premium nightly rates of $150-250 during peak summer months (May-September) and $80-120 during off-season, with average occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even on cash invested by month 20-28 depending on renovation costs and marketing effectiveness. The market benefits from consistent demand from families visiting Gulf State Park, fishing enthusiasts, and beach vacationers, though investors should expect seasonal cash flow variations with 70% of annual revenue typically generated between March and October.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties including in Bon Secour, Alabama. Local real estate agents serving the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area such as Meyer Real Estate, RE/MAX of Orange Beach, and Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty have extensive experience with vacation rental properties in Bon Secour and surrounding Baldwin County markets. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property management specifically for Airbnb investments in coastal Alabama markets. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, Southern Vacation Rentals, and Coastal Properties have been operating in the area since the early 2000s and offer turnkey Airbnb investment services. Additional national platforms like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and Roofstock have expanded their short-term rental investment tools to cover Gulf Coast markets including Bon Secour around 2018-2020. Local mortgage brokers and investment advisors such as First National Bank of Baldwin County and Regions Bank offer specialized financing for vacation rental properties in the area.