Our Corporate History

Watson Realty Corp. was a longtime dream of our founder, Mr. William A. Watson, Jr., starting in his early days as a real estate and insurance student at Stetson University. After a few years of working as a partner in a real estate firm, he decided it was time to open his own company. Shortly thereafter, with help and sacrifice from his wife Janelle, Mr. Watson opened Watson Realty Corp. (originally operating as the William A. Watson Corporation for the first few years of business) as a single-storefront company on December 16th, 1965.

From these humble beginnings, Watson would continue to rapidly grow into one of Northeast Florida’s most trusted real estate companies thanks to Mr. Watson’s founding principles of strong, ethical leadership and salesmanship and the desire to deliver legendary quality service to customers.

 

 

Mr. Watson founds the William A. Watson Corporation.

1965

Mr. Watson opens the company’s first corporate office in a renovated military housing residence on Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida.

1967

The William A. Watson Corporation officially changes names to Watson Corporation of Jax.

1970

The first branch office of Watson Corporation of Jax is established at 1800 Rogero Road in the Arlington area of Jacksonville.

1970

Watson Corporation of Jax officially becomes Watson Realty Corp.

1976

By 1979, Watson had expanded beyond Jacksonville with branches in Gainesville, Orlando, Longwood, Deland, and Daytona.

1979

Watson celebrates a major milestone as it opens its first out-of-state office in St. Marys, Georgia.

1985

Watson Mortgage Corp. is established with the goal of offering customers exceptional lending services with the same legendary customer service for which the Watson brand is known.

1994

Watson Realty Corp.’s workforce continues to grow as it reaches 1,000 sales associates.

2000

Watson Title Services of North Florida, Inc is established.

2002

Watson Realty Corp celebrates its 50th anniversary.

2015

Watson announces its merger with All Florida Realty, extending its footprint further south into cities like Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Port Charlotte.

2017

Watson Realty Corp. was honored with its sixth Diamond Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, recognizing our consistent excellence in performance, service, and global relocation.

2018

Founder and Chairman of the Board, William A. Watson Jr., received the 2024 NEFAR Lifetime Legacy Award, celebrating his decades of dedication and lasting impact on the Northeast Florida real estate industry.

2024

Bill Watson III was appointed President of Watson Realty Corp., continuing the company’s legacy as a family-owned business. A 27-year veteran of the company, Bill brings a focus on innovation, agent support, and future growth.

2025

Watson Realty Corp. marked its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of Legendary Quality Service and trusted real estate leadership across Florida and Southeast Georgia.

2025