In 1950, the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority was established by the State of Georgia to govern and manage the island. The Jekyll Island Authority serves as steward of the island, overseeing all natural areas and commercial operations of the island.

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the southeastern coast of Georgia. In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased by a group of millionaires for use as an exclusive, private retreat known as "The Jekyll Island Club." Jekyll Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947 from the Jekyll Island Club. This part of Jekyll is now the Historic District.

The Authority oversees the operation, maintenance and promotion of the island's amenities and Historic District, and the provision of municipal services for the island's residential community, 10 hotels, rental cottages and businesses.

Various amenities are operated by the Authority, which include the Historic District, 63 holes of golf, a tennis center, miniature golf and bike rental, Summer Waves Waterpark, an oceanfront soccer complex, a 55,000 square foot Convention Center, restaurants, and a campground. The Authority provides a fire department/emergency medical service and maintains several public picnic areas, beach crossovers, bike paths, a boat ramp, and a small airstrip.