
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
** The Mobile Tourism Improvement District ordinance was renewed on March 11, 2025 by Mobile City Council. This city ordinance affects all lodging businesses with 40 rooms or more within Mobile city limits.**
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When does this take effect?
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Assessments will begin on June 1st, 2025, and last through April 30, 2030, with two rate increases within the five-year period.
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Are there any exceptions to the assessment?
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On any stay of over 31 days, the assessment is no longer assessed provided the first 30 days were assessed. There are no refunds of the first 30 days.
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If your hotel has less than 40 rooms, or is outside of the city limits of Mobile, you are not to assess the fee.
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Comp Rooms are not assessed the fee.
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Can I change the wording of the assessment?
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No, for consistency it needs to read as “Tourism Assessment” on the folio with the additional taxes and fees.
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How do we pay the assessment?
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Remittance will be an additional form in the City’s portal (mobileselfservice.tylertech.com or go to cityofmobile.org under business > tax payments) labeled TID. It will be remitted electronically and monthly based on room revenue each month.
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Please be aware that some OTAs like Priceline already collect and submit all taxes and assessments on rooms booked and paid for through their platform. Track your room nights booked through those specific OTAs and remit accordingly.
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Is the assessment subject to any taxes?
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No, the assessment is not taxable.
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Do I have to participate?
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Yes, this is a city ordinance passed on March 11th, 2025.
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Where does this money go?
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The Mobile Area Lodging Corporation will manage and decide how all monies are spent marketing our destination, this corporations board is derived of hotel owners and representatives through a vote of the entire district.
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What if I have an existing contract?
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The fee should still be assessed as a part of the existing taxes and fees clause.
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How can I best describe this fee to guests?
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The Tourism Assessment is used to market hotels in Mobile and improve the visitor experience. It is not a tax and is not optional or able to be waived, as it is enforced by city ordinance. The fee is used for projects such as print and digital marketing, capital improvement and destination beautification projects, hotel security, etc.
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