Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Paid beach parking will resume in Gulf Shores, and city officials are urging residents to ensure their hurricane decals are current. These decals allow residents to park for free at city beach access points, even during the paid season. They are also crucial during storms, helping officials manage re-entry after evacuations. The city encourages residents to check their windshields now, before the busy spring and summer beach season attracts larger crowds.

The paid parking season for city-managed beach lots runs from March 1 through October 31, with fees in effect daily from morning until late at night. Drivers without decals must pay to park at lots such as Gulf Place, West Gulf Place, and several West Beach access points. Standard posted rates at most city lots are usually charged by the hour or by the day.

To avoid those fees, residents must have a current 2025–2026 hurricane re-entry and beach parking decal permanently attached to the inside of the driver's side windshield. “To continue enjoying free parking at our City Beach access points, please ensure you have a current (2025-2026) hurricane decal permanently affixed to the driver-side window of your vehicle,” the city reminded residents in its notice. Decals that are not securely attached are not considered valid, and vehicles can be ticketed, fined, or towed from city-managed parking areas.

The decal also provides residents with access to the Residents Only parking lot at East Gulf Place, a lot located near the main public beach. That lot is limited to vehicles with valid decals clearly displayed on the windshield. 

Residents and property owners living within the city limits usually receive decals from the city and are advised to keep them on for the entire 2025–2026 period. New residents can request decals by providing proof of residency, such as a driver’s license and documents with their Gulf Shores address. Replacement decals for new vehicles or damaged stickers may be available; residents are encouraged to contact the city if they need any changes.

Officials state that the passes are important for more than just saving money on parking. During an emergency, such as a hurricane evacuation, the number on each decal corresponds to the property’s designated emergency district or hurricane zone. The decal helps police and emergency personnel quickly identify who should be allowed back into restricted areas when checkpoints are established after a storm.

City leaders state that decals are not issued once a hurricane warning is issued for the Gulf Shores area, so residents should not wait until severe weather is forecast. This rule aims to keep traffic flowing and minimize confusion as a storm nears. The city encourages residents to get their decals now, well before hurricane season and before they need to pay for beach parking.

The program aims to reward residents while ensuring a fair parking system for visitors who support the tourism economy. Guests without decals can still access the beach by paying for parking at city lots or using other available parking options. Residents with questions about the hurricane decal and beach parking program are encouraged to visit the City of Gulf Shores website for more information.