State Regulations for Alabama

Day and Overnight Camps:

Alabama camps operate under the authority of the State Board of Health's Division of Food, Milk and Lodging.  Rules for establishments such as camps are enforced by county health departments. For more information about the Division of Food, Milk and Lodging, visit the FML website.

In the State of Alabama, traditional seasonal day camps that meet all of the following criteria are generally not required to obtain a youth camp license through the Department of Public Health, Food, Milk and Lodging Division:

• Operate only during summer months or for less than twelve (12) consecutive weeks per year

• Serve school-age children ages 5 and older

• Operate daytime only, with no overnight stays

• Do not cook or prepare meals on-site, other than basic pre-packaged food service

• Offer organized recreational, enrichment, or educational programming rather than full-year childcare services

These types of programs are typically considered seasonal recreational day camps rather than licensed child-care facilities or youth residential camps.

Additionally, whether or not you OWN a site, versus renting/leasing may determine whether you need a youth camp license or simply a business license.  

Important Considerations:

While a full camp permit may not be required under some circumstances, operators must still:

• Comply with Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) standards related to sanitation, facility safety, and communicable disease prevention

• Ensure all staff undergo appropriate background screenings, especially when supervising minors

• Follow local city or county requirements, including facility use, zoning, fire safety, emergency planning, or business permit regulations

• Maintain appropriate liability insurance and risk management measures, particularly for physical activities, transportation, or off-site trips

To ensure your camp is operating under the proper licensure, contact the Division of Food, Milk and Lodging. FML website

Food and Lodging Resources

Alabama State Board of Health Rules for Camp Sanitation

*NEW Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act

Effective January 1, 2027, requirements for camps (defined as "any dedicated site in the State of Alabama where campers temporarily gather for recreational, religious, social, education, or therapeutic purposes, whether operated for profit or nonprofit purposes, and which provides cabins for campers to stay overnight. The term does not include a dedicated location or structure for hunting or fishing or the use of available dormitory space or other residences at an educational institution.") include:

• apply and maintain an emergency preparedness license from AEMA,
• not retain any individual as a staff member who has been convicted of a crime involving an unlawful sexual or violent act,
• not construct or expand a cabin located in a floodplain,
• fully operate with
  • a NOAA Weather Radio
  • a protocol to alert essential staff members of an emergency
  • a notification system that does not rely on an internet connection and can provide an alarm and notification of emergency - audible both indoors and outdoors
• maintain designated shelters,
• maintain approved emergency and evacuation plans, including coordination with local emergency management directors,
• provide a summary of the camp's emergency plan to the parent or legal guardian of a camper upon request, 
• submit to an on-site inspection to verify required documentation, staff member training records, and the on-site availability of safety plans approved by the agency.