Nassau County Courthouse
A magnificent 1891 Italianate courthouse, a historic landmark dominating Fernandina Beach's skyline with its iconic tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Nassau County Courthouse
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 1891 Italianate courthouse, a historic landmark dominating Fernandina Beach's skyline with its iconic tower.
"It's hard to miss this magnificent building that dominates the center of downtown Fernandina Beach."
📸 Capture the Architecture
The courthouse is a photographer's dream! Get shots from different angles, especially the iconic tower.
🅿️ Parking Pointers
Parking can be tough. Try side streets or arrive early to snag a good spot for photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Italianate Architecture
Exterior
Admire the 1891 courthouse's Italianate style: domed tower, cupola, brick corbelling, and arched windows.
Historic Bell Tower
Bell Tower
See the 1926 bell, once part of the city's fire alarm, and the 1977 clock tower.
Art Installations
Courthouse Grounds
Discover public art approved for the courthouse grounds, adding a modern artistic touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Historic Charm & Modern Function
Navigating Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
The courthouse is a photographer's dream! Get shots from different angles, especially the iconic tower.
🅿️ Parking Pointers
Parking can be tough. Try side streets or arrive early to snag a good spot for photos.
🏛️ Business Inside
If you need to conduct business, expect security checks. Clerks are generally friendly and helpful.
📍 Location, Location!
It's hard to miss this regal building dominating downtown Fernandina Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
The courthouse is a photographer's dream! Get shots from different angles, especially the iconic tower.
🅿️ Parking Pointers
Parking can be tough. Try side streets or arrive early to snag a good spot for photos.
🏛️ Business Inside
If you need to conduct business, expect security checks. Clerks are generally friendly and helpful.
📍 Location, Location!
It's hard to miss this regal building dominating downtown Fernandina Beach.
🎨 Public Art Spotting
Keep an eye out for public art installations around the courthouse grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Nassau County Courthouse for its magnificent Italianate architecture and its prominent role in the Fernandina Beach Historic District. Its historical significance and visual appeal make it a standout landmark. Some find parking challenging, and those needing to conduct business inside should be prepared for security.
"The 1891 Nassau County Courthouse is one of only a few remaining courthouses in Florida built in the late 19th century. An excellent example of the Italianate style, it features a square domed tower with cupola, brick corbelling, bracketed cornice, brick pilasters, arched windows, granite sills, and arcaded entrances with cast iron columns. Its architect, A.E. McClure, was from Jacksonville, but designed notable buildings throughout Florida, including the Lake City Agricultural College, forerunner of the University of Florida. The building's cornerstone was inscribed with the date 1891 and was scheduled to be laid on December 16 of that year, but the ceremony was delayed until April 12, 1892. Renovations to the courthouse include the 1926 addition of a vault for the recording office and a bell that was cast by Meneely & Co. of West Troy, New York. The bell served as part of the city's fire alarm until the mid-1930s. The clock was added to the bell tower in 1977. The courthouse is the tallest building in the Fernandina Beach Historic District and has served the county's judicial and governmental needs since its construction."
Roads Traveled Photography
"It's hard to miss this magnificent building that dominates the center of downtown Fernandina Beach. Three stories tall and looking regal, it is currently the post office though the courthouse functions have moved elsewhere.
The marker reads, "Dedicated in 1912, this Italian Renaissance Revival building was designed under the direction of Treasury Department architect James Knox Taylor. The interior was custom built to accommodate the building's three original functions as a United States customs house, courthouse, and post office. The building features a symmetrical facade, uniformly-arched windows and doors with terracotta accents, second floor windows with gabled pediments, decorative balustrades, and small square windows on the top floor. Brick walls faced with stucco rise from a granite base three stories to a tiled, hipped roof with widely extending eaves supported by decorative brackets. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida met here until the creation of the Middle District in 1962. The building was then used by the Middle District until divisional judicial functions were consolidated in Jacksonville. The building is a notable feature of the city's urban landscape, and is the second tallest structure, exceeded only by the Nassau County Courthouse's clock tower. In 1973, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource in the Fernandina Beach Historic District." The marker was erected in 2017 by the Princess Amelia Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Florida Department of State. It is marker number F-931.
I did not go inside today - post offices tend to frown on exercising the Second Amendment."
Bruce InCharlotte
"A very nice historic courthouse the only thing parking was so bad could stop to get a great picute."
Jason Armstrong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nassau County Courthouse is located in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and is a prominent landmark in the downtown historic district. Parking can be limited, so consider arriving early or exploring nearby streets.
While specific public transportation routes directly to the courthouse might be limited, Fernandina Beach is a walkable and bikeable town. Many visitors enjoy exploring the historic district on foot or by bicycle.
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. Your best bet is to look for street parking on the surrounding roads or in nearby public lots. Arriving earlier in the day can increase your chances of finding a convenient spot.
No, there are separate Nassau County Courthouses. The one in Fernandina Beach, Florida, is a historic landmark. The Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola, New York, is a different governmental building. 
Many accommodations on Amelia Island are within walking or biking distance to the historic downtown area where the courthouse is located. It's a pleasant way to experience the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
To simply admire the exterior architecture and take photos, no tickets are required. If you need to conduct official business inside, you can enter the building.
The operating hours for conducting official business inside the courthouse typically align with standard government office hours, usually weekdays. For architectural viewing, the exterior is always accessible.
There is no admission fee to view the exterior of the Nassau County Courthouse. It's a public building and a significant part of the Fernandina Beach Historic District.
Yes, you can go inside the Nassau County Courthouse if you have official business to conduct. Be prepared for security checks, including metal detectors.
For specific information regarding court dates, services, or to conduct official business, it's best to check the official Nassau County government website or contact their administrative offices directly.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning 1891 Italianate architecture, including its domed tower and cupola. You can also see public art installations on the grounds.
While some Reddit users discuss 'creepy spots' in Florida, there are no widespread reports or mentions of the Nassau County Courthouse being haunted.
The Nassau County Courthouse is a prime example of the Italianate architectural style, built in 1891.
Official guided tours specifically for the courthouse are not widely advertised. However, the building is a central point in Fernandina Beach's historic district, which is often explored independently or through local historical society resources.
It's one of the few remaining late 19th-century courthouses in Florida and a significant example of Italianate architecture, dominating the Fernandina Beach Historic District.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire exterior offers great photo opportunities. Try capturing the full facade, the domed tower, and details like the arched windows. The surrounding streets also provide good vantage points.
Photography policies inside government buildings can vary. It's best to check with courthouse staff upon entry if you plan to take photos inside.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that enhances the building's features. Weekday mornings can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is subject to local and federal regulations. Always check current airspace restrictions and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone near any government building.
Experiment with low-angle shots to emphasize the tower's height, or frame the building with the charming streets of Fernandina Beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, keep in mind that parking can be a bit tricky, so patience is key. If you plan to go inside for any reason, be aware of security measures. The exterior architecture itself is the main draw for a family visit, providing a good backdrop for photos and a chance to talk about history in a tangible way.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase its grandeur. Low-angle shots can emphasize the height of the tower, while wider shots can incorporate the surrounding historic buildings. Don't forget to look for the public art installations that add a modern contrast to the historic facade.
Remember that parking can be a challenge, so scout out your best vantage points beforehand. 🏛️ History Buffs
Learn about its architect, A.E. McClure, and the building's evolution, including the addition of a vault and a historic bell.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gem of Fernandina Beach
The courthouse has seen several updates over the years. A vault for the recording office was added in 1926, and a bell cast by Meneely & Co., which once served as the city's fire alarm, was installed. The clock was added to the bell tower in 1977, further enhancing its iconic silhouette. Despite its judicial functions having moved, the building remains the tallest structure in the Fernandina Beach Historic District, a proud landmark that has served the county's governmental needs for over a century.
It's important to note that while the historic courthouse is a focal point, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida met here until 1962, and the building later served the Middle District until consolidation in Jacksonville. Another notable building in the area, formerly the Nassau County Courthouse and now housing the post office, is an Italian Renaissance Revival structure built in 1912. This distinction is important when exploring the area's historical architecture.
Community and Public Art
Beyond planned art, the courthouse has also been a site for public gatherings and protests. Social media content shows demonstrations taking place outside the Nassau County courthouse, highlighting its role as a central public space.
+1 These events underscore the building's continued relevance in the community, not just as a historical monument but as a place where civic life unfolds. +1For those visiting Fernandina Beach, the courthouse serves as a central point of reference. Its prominent location makes it a natural gathering spot and a key landmark for exploring the historic downtown area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit