Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Amelia Island Real Estate & Rental Partner
Since 1974, ERA Fernandina Beach Realty has been Amelia Island's first full-service real estate and vacation rental company, dedicated to providing exceptional service rooted in Christian principles. With over 50 years of experience, we manage more than 150 properties across Nassau County, including Amelia Island, Yulee, and Callahan. Our expertise spans oceanfront condominiums, residential homes, and commercial properties, supported by a team committed to integrity, professionalism, and community service. We pride ourselves on a 47% repeat guest rate, demonstrating our ability to build lasting trust through reliable property management, transparent communication, and personalized guest experiences.Our services include short-term and extended-stay rentals, real estate sales, and comprehensive property maintenance, ensuring both owners and guests receive tailored solutions. As an ERA franchise, we combine local market knowledge with national resources to deliver consistent, high-quality service while adhering to strict ethical standards and Fair Housing principles.
Services
Vacation Rentals
Property Management
Real Estate Sales
Extended Stay Rentals
Long-Term Leasing
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of local real estate and rental management expertise
- Our 47% repeat guest rate demonstrates proven reliability and satisfaction
- We operate with Christian principles and 7 core values across all operations
- We manage properties in diverse categories including oceanfront, commercial, and acreage
- Our in-house teams handle maintenance, marketing, and emergency preparedness
What people say
Exceptional service
47% repeat guests
Well-maintained properties
Responsive communication
Reliable management
Services
Vacation Rentals
We offer fully equipped vacation rentals ranging from 1-5 bedroom oceanfront condos to residential homes across Amelia Island. Our properties include amenities like pools, spas, and proximity to golf courses. Guests receive 24/7 support during stays, with check-in available at 4 PM. The 47% repeat guest rate demonstrates our commitment to quality maintenance and guest satisfaction through consistent communication and problem resolution.
Property Management
Our comprehensive property management includes marketing, maintenance, and financial oversight for over 150 rental units. Services cover pricing optimization, guest screening, cleaning coordination, and emergency repairs. We provide owners with digital portals for real-time tracking while handling all operational aspects. The program accommodates short-term, extended, and long-term leasing options with transparent fee structures and damage protection coverage for peace of mind.
Real Estate Sales
We facilitate residential and commercial property transactions across Nassau County with experienced agents specializing in local market dynamics. Our team offers valuation services, marketing strategies, and transaction coordination from purchase through closing. The 50-year operational history demonstrates deep understanding of Amelia Island's real estate landscape. We also provide $1,000 incentives for property owners using our sales services while maintaining ERA's quality standards.
Extended Stay Rentals
Our extended stay program accommodates 28-180 day rentals for properties not qualifying for short-term programs. This option maintains professional management standards including regular maintenance checks and linen services. Properties can transition between rental programs based on seasonal availability. The flexible approach allows owners to maximize income potential while ensuring consistent property care and guest satisfaction through established operational protocols.
Long-Term Leasing
We manage unfurnished long-term leasing arrangements with dedicated specialists handling tenant screening and lease agreements. The service includes property inspections, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting while maintaining separation from short-term rental operations. Our local expertise ensures compliance with zoning regulations and homeowners association requirements. The program provides stable income opportunities while reducing owner involvement through professional management oversight.
People
Steve Simmons
Broker/Owner
Founder of Amelia Island's first full-service real estate company in 1974, inducted into the ERA Hall of Fame (2018), and Realtor of the Year (2000). Actively involved in community service through church boards and Florida Baptist Convention missions while maintaining daily operational oversight.
Kim Lynch
Operations Manager
Operations Manager since 1995 overseeing process development and customer service standards. 29-year company veteran with ERA Office Coordinator of the Year recognition. Manages operational efficiency while maintaining Christian principles and core values across departments.
Linda Godek
Asset Manager
Asset Manager since 1999 responsible for property operations and office resource management. Coordinates behind-the-scenes support systems while maintaining community involvement through local theater groups and charitable organizations like Micah's Place and Joy to the Children.
Diane Schneider
Finance & HR Manager
Finance and HR Manager since 2009 handling bookkeeping, office operations, and personnel management. Ensures financial accuracy and positive workplace culture while balancing family life with three pets and community animal welfare involvement.
Jeremiah Hobart
Vacation Rental Director
Vacation Rental Director since 2021 with hospitality background from Norwegian Cruise Line. Oversees rental operations and team performance while serving on Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association's Board of Directors. Combines travel experience with local market knowledge to enhance guest experiences.
Questions
What check-in time should I expect for vacation rentals?
Guests may check in at 4:00 PM on their arrival date for all vacation rental properties.
What property types do you manage?
We manage oceanfront condos, residential homes, commercial properties, and acreage across Nassau County.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency support?
While we don't provide 24/7 services, our team responds promptly to urgent maintenance needs during regular business hours.
How does your referral program work?
Our referral program offers $500 per successful referral for real estate agents, current owners, or general public participants who introduce new property owners to our program.
How do you handle hurricane preparedness?
We implement comprehensive storm preparation protocols and provide timely updates with post-storm inspection reports within hours of daylight.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment method details aren't specified in our public information - please contact our office directly for specific payment options.
Reviews (7)
Jeanin Thompson
Jun 14, 2019
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Second yr here. Last yr stayed in June we are here wk of 4th of July. wow big difference. I am not as pleased. Pool was down first two days no one told us. Issues on Sunday no one to contact. The room is beautiful the owners place here no fuss all great. But ur busy time of yr all things should not be under contructions.
Travis Smith
Jan 17, 2019
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I have stayed here multiple times and have always had a great experience. I usually come with my wife's family and friends of ours and my kids love coming. Once we are settled in and have our stuff squared away it feels just like home. except it's right on the beach! The pool is great and the kids love it too! There is a boardwalk to the beach that is in great shape and a pier that extends out directly from the property.
There are grassy areas behind the building that are excellent for grilling and for play. The balconies offer great views of the beach and the ocean. The inside of the units are quite and peaceful enough for afternoon naps and I've never been bothered by outside noise during the day or night. Overall, this is an outstanding place to stay!
There are grassy areas behind the building that are excellent for grilling and for play. The balconies offer great views of the beach and the ocean. The inside of the units are quite and peaceful enough for afternoon naps and I've never been bothered by outside noise during the day or night. Overall, this is an outstanding place to stay!
Brendamiller Photography
Nov 14, 2018
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Amelia By The Sea is a wonderful escape from an ordinary Atlantic Ocean beach experience. The pier offers fishing with refreshing vistas of people enjoying water sports and the deep open ocean waters. There are numbered markers along the dunes to guide visitors. Parking is limited but free.
Pamela Knight LowKey-Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
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Attending an outdoor wedding here and reception by the pool. The facility was very nice and secure. The pier behind the building is a great feature for guest to enjoy.
Jim Hogan
Oct 13, 2017
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Beware of units and special pricing for some owners. This is our third year here and we've spent time in different units of varying degrees of cleanliness and upgrades. This year we weren't told that this newly remodeled unit was $3,000. instead of the $2,350 as listed on the website and brochure. Thus, when we did get a bill it was too late to change units and even the office manager didn't know why the bill was higher but she said "prices can change at any time"!
We talked to Fern at the main office and she told us some owners charge more for their units. Great, then tell us so we can make a financial decision based on the facts. Hence, we love the unit we're in but weren't told the price increase until the fall. Not transparent and even the new manager didn't know the reason for the increase. Not good business practices but nice people that rent here who have similar concerns so be careful.
We talked to Fern at the main office and she told us some owners charge more for their units. Great, then tell us so we can make a financial decision based on the facts. Hence, we love the unit we're in but weren't told the price increase until the fall. Not transparent and even the new manager didn't know the reason for the increase. Not good business practices but nice people that rent here who have similar concerns so be careful.
Keith Leazenbee
Sep 26, 2016
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Love the beach and the pier is great for fishing. The rooms vary, so it depends on where exactly you're staying.
Lee Edwards
Feb 03, 2014
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I love Amelia by the Sea and Amelia Island! This has been the best vacation! The beaches are NOT crowded and the majority of the people on the beach are families like mine. The condo we''re staying at is so inviting and I love the security and the amenities this place has to offer. I've already made arrangements to come back in the near future.
