Fernandina Beach is a small island city with a historic downtown, a working port and miles of quiet beach. Living on a barrier island also changes how you move in, set up utilities and get ready for storm season. As movers in Fernandina Beach, Premier Movers put this guide together for anyone moving to Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island or nearby Yulee. It covers getting on and off the island, where people live, utilities, schools and what to plan for on moving day.
Where Are Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island?
Amelia Island is the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s Atlantic coast, in Nassau County, just south of the Georgia line. The City of Fernandina Beach covers the north end of the island. The rest of the island is unincorporated Nassau County, including the Amelia Island Plantation area on the south end.
On the mainland side, Yulee is the main growth area. It is home to Wildlight, a large master-planned community that is still adding new neighborhoods.
Getting On and Off the Island
Road access to Amelia Island comes down to two bridges:
- The Thomas J. Shave Jr. Bridge on A1A/SR 200, on the west side of the island. This is the main route from I-95 and Yulee, and the one moving trucks use.
- The Nassau Sound bridge on A1A at the south end, which connects to Big Talbot Island and the Jacksonville Beaches side.
The St. Johns River Ferry also carries A1A traffic between Mayport and Fort George Island, but it runs on a schedule and closes at times for maintenance. For a move, plan on the bridges and I-95 instead.
Living in Fernandina Beach: Where People Settle
Most newcomers end up in one of three settings, and each changes how the move works:
- The historic district. Downtown Fernandina Beach is a National Register historic district, centered on Centre Street. Older homes here can have narrow doorways, steep stairs and limited parking out front.
- Beachfront and island neighborhoods. Homes closer to the ocean range from cottages to large houses, and gated areas like Amelia Island Plantation have their own rules for contractors and commercial vehicles.
- Yulee and the mainland. Newer subdivisions with easier truck access and a shorter drive to I-95 and Jacksonville.
If you are moving into a gated or HOA community, ask the association or gate office for its move-in rules and any paperwork it needs from your mover as soon as you have a date. If a moving truck or container needs to use the street in the city, check with the City of Fernandina Beach first, because the city requires a permit for anything placed in the public right-of-way.
Sea Turtle Season and Beachfront Lighting
Sea turtles nest on Amelia Island beaches from May through October. The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County both have beachfront lighting ordinances, listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If you are moving into a beachfront home, check the rules for exterior and visible interior lights before you hang fixtures, and plan to finish loading and unloading before dark during nesting season.
Setting Up Utilities on Amelia Island
Utilities in Nassau County depend on which side of the river you live on, according to Nassau County Economic Development. Confirm each provider by address before moving day.
| Utility | Amelia Island | Yulee |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Florida Public Utilities | FPL |
| Water and sewer | City of Fernandina Beach in the city, Nassau-Amelia Utilities in parts of the island | JEA |
| Natural gas | Florida Public Utilities | Check by address |
Schools in Nassau County
The Nassau County School District earned an A from the Florida Department of Education for 2025-26, with 13 of its 14 graded schools earning an A. Schools are assigned by address, so confirm the zone for any home you are considering.
Hurricane Evacuation Zones
Nassau County uses all-hazards evacuation zones, which are separate from FEMA flood zones. Amelia Island is split across more than one zone, so look up your exact address on the county’s Know Your Zone page. If your move falls between June and November, keep a backup date in mind in case a storm forces a change.
Your First Month in Nassau County
A few deadlines start as soon as you become a Florida resident. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles gives you 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to title and register your vehicles.
If you buy your primary home, file for the homestead exemption with the Nassau County Property Appraiser by March 1. You must own and live in the home on January 1. The appraiser asks you to update your Florida driver license to the new address first, so take care of the license early.
Planning Your Move to Fernandina Beach
A few things make an island move go smoothly:
- Pick your start time around the bridge. Traffic on A1A/SR 200 builds at rush hour and on summer weekends.
- Measure for older homes. In the historic district, measure doorways and stairways for large furniture.
- Clear gates and HOAs early. Send your mover the community’s rules before moving day.
- Bring the spa. Our hot tub moving service can move a spa along with the rest of your home.
Our guide to moving costs in Jacksonville explains what goes into a quote.
Ready to Move to Fernandina Beach?
Whether you are moving into a cottage near Centre Street or a new home in Yulee, Premier Movers can plan it with you. Learn more about our Fernandina Beach movers and Yulee movers, call 904-392-7670 or get your free quote today.
