Alabama § 35-4-76 - Limitations on Duration of Option to Purchase Land.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 35-4-76 — Limitations on Duration of Option to Purchase Land., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-4-76. Limitations on Duration of Option to Purchase Land.
(a) No option to purchase any interest in land, other than an option limited in favor of a lessee and exercisable at a time not later than the end of the term of a lease or any extension or renewal thereof, or an option to repurchase reserved by the grantor in a deed, shall be valid or enforceable for a period of more than 20 years. If any such option may, by the terms of the instrument creating it, continue to exist for longer than 20 years, it shall terminate and cease to be enforceable 20 years after the time of its creation. Where the instrument creating any such option shall place no limit upon the duration of the option or otherwise state the terms controlling the duration of the option, the option shall cease to be enforceable two years after the time of its creation. This section shall not apply to options created prior to January 31, 1972.
(b) Where an option to purchase land, or any interest therein, or any renewal or extension of such option, has been recorded in the public records of land and one year has elapsed since the expiration of such option or renewal or extension thereof, according to the terms of the recorded instrument by which it was created, extended, or renewed, and no instrument of record gives notice that such option has been exercised, the instrument by which the option was created, renewed, or extended shall cease to be notice of the option, its renewal, or extension, nor shall any person be put on inquiry with respect to the exercise or existence of such option; provided, that this subsection shall become effective January 31, 1973.
(c) Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply where a person claiming an option is in possession of the land affected by the option.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 35-4-76
What does Code of Alabama § 35-4-76 cover?
Section 35-4-76 ("Limitations on Duration of Option to Purchase Land.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 35-4-76?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 35-4-76" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 35-4-76 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.