Updated: 11/26/2025
Alabama Public Health - Bureau of Environmental Services - Division of Food, Milk and Lodging
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:
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Operate only during summer months or for less than twelve (12) consecutive weeks per year
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Serve school-age children ages 5 and older
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Operate daytime only, with no overnight stays
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Do not cook or prepare meals on-site, other than basic pre-packaged food service
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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:
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Comply with Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) standards related to sanitation, facility safety, and communicable disease prevention
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Ensure all staff undergo appropriate background screenings, especially when supervising minors
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Follow local city or county requirements, including facility use, zoning, fire safety, emergency planning, or business permit regulations
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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
Alabama Background Check (ABC) System
Alabama State Bureau of Investigation
ATTN: Identification Unit
PO Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
$25.00 fee for a personal request by the general public
Businesses must pay an annual subscription fee of $95.00 to access the system, and each background check has a fee of $15.
FBI checks are only available for certain organizations that serve children. The Criminal History Information Consent and Release form can be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources webpage. The cost is $47.20.
Driver record request form is available online from the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
$5.75
$7.25*
* Federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour applies
No specified state-level exemptions. Federal FLSA exemptions applies for those covered by Act.
No specified state-level Subminimum Wage. Federal FLSA Subminimum Wage rules applies for those covered by Act.
No specified state-level requirements. Federal FLSA ovetime pay requirements apply for those covered by Act.
No specified state-level overtime page requirement exemptions. Federal FLSA overtime pay exemptions apply for those covered by Act.
Minors under age 16–30 minutes after each five hour shift.
Alabama Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting
Alabama Highway Patrol | Child Restraints Law
