About Nassau County

Nassau County occupies the northeastern corner of Florida, wedged between the St. Marys River to the north, which forms the border with Georgia, and Duval County to the south. Covering approximately 652 square miles, the county encompasses a striking mix of landscapes, including tidal marshes, barrier islands, pine flatwoods, and the Intracoastal Waterway. This geographic diversity gives Nassau County a character unlike much of Florida — slower-paced and deeply rooted in coastal Southern tradition, yet increasingly connected to the greater Jacksonville metropolitan region that presses against its southern border. With a population of around 90,352 residents, Nassau County has experienced steady growth as families and retirees seek an alternative to the congestion of Jacksonville while remaining within commuting distance of its employment centers. The county seat, Fernandina Beach, sits on Amelia Island and serves as both the historic and cultural heart of the region. Fernandina Beach is one of the oldest port cities in the United States and is renowned for its Victorian-era architecture, its shrimping heritage, and a thriving tourism economy driven by beaches, state parks, and the Historic District. Amelia Island has long attracted visitors from across the country, and the hospitality industry remains central to the local economy. Beyond tourism, Nassau County's economy is anchored by manufacturing, logistics, and retail trade, with paper and chemical manufacturing facilities providing significant employment in the Yulee corridor along US-1 and Interstate 95. Yulee itself has grown rapidly as a residential and commercial hub, serving commuters who work in Jacksonville. Agriculture and forestry also continue to play a supporting role in the county's economic fabric. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and proximity to a major urban center makes Nassau County one of the most distinctive and desirable places to live in North Florida, attracting both long-term locals proud of their community's heritage and newcomers drawn by its quality of life.

Practice Areas in Nassau County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Nassau County

Nassau County's primary trial court is the Nassau County Circuit Court, part of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Duval and Clay Counties. The Circuit Court is located at the Nassau County Courthouse at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, and handles felony criminal cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, civil cases involving claims over $30,000, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The Nassau County Court, also housed at the same courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, civil claims up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims matters. The Fernandina Beach location also periodically hosts court proceedings to serve residents on Amelia Island. The Nassau County Clerk of Courts manages filings and records for both courts and plays a central administrative role in the local justice system.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Nassau County

In Nassau County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal charges under Florida law, family disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and most civil claims — are handled by the Florida state courts described above. However, certain matters fall under federal jurisdiction and are heard in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, with the Jacksonville Division being the most relevant federal courthouse for Nassau County residents, located at 300 North Hogan Street in Jacksonville. Federal jurisdiction applies to cases involving federal law or constitutional questions, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000 (diversity jurisdiction), immigration matters, federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking across state lines or federal fraud, and cases involving federal agencies. Understanding which court system governs your situation is a critical first step in any legal matter, and an experienced attorney can quickly identify whether your case belongs in state or federal court.

Common Legal Situations in Nassau County

Nassau County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations shaped by the county's character as a growing coastal and commuter community. Traffic offenses are among the most frequent legal matters, particularly along the heavily traveled I-95 and US-1 corridors in Yulee, where speeding citations and DUI charges are common. The county's expanding residential population drives a steady volume of family law cases, including divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and child support modifications, particularly as household arrangements shift with the pressures of growth and relocation. Property disputes, including boundary disagreements, easement issues, and landlord-tenant conflicts, arise regularly as new residential developments and rental properties multiply across the county. Criminal matters ranging from misdemeanor charges to felony drug offenses are handled by the Circuit Court, while the tourism economy of Amelia Island generates its own set of legal needs including business licensing issues, personal injury claims, and employment disputes between workers and hospitality employers.

Why Go To Court for Nassau County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Nassau County residents seeking reliable and accessible legal representation across a broad spectrum of practice areas. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that whether you receive a traffic citation late on a Friday night or face a family law emergency over the weekend, you can speak with a legal professional without delay. The experienced team at Go To Court understands the specific courts, judges, and legal landscape of Nassau County and the broader Fourth Judicial Circuit, providing clients with locally informed representation. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Nassau County residents will have even greater clarity and confidence about the cost of their legal matters from the outset.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I receive a speeding ticket on I-95 in Nassau County?

A speeding ticket in Nassau County is a civil traffic infraction handled by the Nassau County Court, and you generally have the option to pay the fine, elect traffic school to avoid points on your license, or contest the citation at a hearing. Accumulating points on your Florida driver's license can lead to license suspension, and some speeding offenses — particularly those involving excessive speed — can be charged as criminal offenses rather than civil infractions. Consulting a traffic attorney before responding to your citation can help you understand your options and protect your driving record.

How does the divorce process work in Nassau County, Florida?

Divorce in Nassau County is filed through the Nassau County Circuit Court and requires at least one spouse to have been a Florida resident for the preceding six months. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you only need to allege that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the court will then address division of marital assets and debts, alimony if applicable, and parenting arrangements for any minor children. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms can be resolved relatively quickly, while contested matters involving custody or significant assets may take considerably longer and benefit greatly from experienced legal representation.

Can I be arrested for a DUI in Nassau County even if I wasn't driving on a public road?

Under Florida law, a DUI charge requires that a person was driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired, and Florida courts have applied this broadly in some circumstances beyond traditional public roadways. If you are arrested for DUI in Nassau County, the case will be prosecuted in Nassau County Court for a first-offense misdemeanor, or in Circuit Court if the charge involves aggravating factors such as prior convictions or serious bodily injury. A DUI conviction carries serious consequences including fines, license suspension, mandatory programs, and potential jail time, so seeking legal counsel promptly after an arrest is strongly advised.

What are my rights as a tenant in Nassau County if my landlord tries to evict me?

Florida's landlord-tenant law governs rental relationships in Nassau County, and a landlord must follow a specific legal process to evict a tenant, starting with proper written notice — typically three days for non-payment of rent or seven days for lease violations. A landlord cannot remove your belongings, change the locks, or shut off utilities to force you out without going through the formal eviction process in Nassau County Court. If you receive an eviction notice, you have the right to respond and contest the eviction, and speaking with an attorney quickly is important because the timelines in eviction proceedings are very short.

How can I modify a child custody or child support order in Nassau County?

To modify an existing child custody or support order in Nassau County, you must file a petition with the Nassau County Circuit Court and demonstrate that there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Examples of qualifying changes include a significant shift in income, a parent relocating, or a change in the child's needs or living situation. The court's primary consideration in any modification is the best interests of the child, and having an attorney help you document and present the change in circumstances effectively can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Neighbouring Counties

Nassau County is bordered by Camden County, Georgia to the north, Duval County to the south, and Baker County to the west, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its eastern boundary.