Alabama county rules
Limestone County, AL vacation rental rules and taxes
Limestone County has no county lodgings tax in the state’s November 2026 report, so the rate outside cities is the 5% state tax. Athens added short-term rental rules in 2024, and parts of Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur extend into the county.
Checked against official sources November 5, 2026What to do
Register for the state lodgings tax
File the 5% state tax through My Alabama Taxes.Source
Then your city
If your rental is inside Huntsville, Madison, or Decatur city limits, use that city’s page. Pick your area.
Towns
Athens
Athens requires short-term rentals (30 days or less, rented to one party as a whole unit) to pay a city business license and lodging tax. Its October 2024 ordinance paused new rentals for three months and had existing ones register with the Planning Department. Lodgings tax is 14% plus $2 a night.
Full guideUnincorporated Limestone
We found no county short-term rental permit or rules in unincorporated Limestone County. Lodgings tax is 5% state; some of it may not be collected by Airbnb.
Sources
- State lodgings tax · Alabama Department of Revenue
- Local lodgings tax rates report (November 2026) · Alabama Department of Revenue
- Alabama Airbnb market data (active listings, 12 months to October 2026) · AirROI
A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.