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Who We Are

Who We Are

Home  /  Who We Are

A locally owned, family-run vacation rental company on Florida's Emerald Coast, built on three generations of hospitality.

Our story

Hospitality runs in the family.

We were built on three generations and more than 75 years of hospitality on Florida's Emerald Coast.

Coastal Vacation Rentals is a locally owned and operated property manager on the Emerald Coast, from Panama City Beach to the beaches of 30A. That heritage shapes how we work today: we treat every home like our own and every guest like a returning friend, pairing big-picture pricing strategy with the hands-on, local care a national manager simply can't match.

James & ZackThe family behind Coastal Vacation Rentals

Talk to our team→
Coastal Vacation Rentals home on the Emerald Coast
75+years of hospitality
75+Years of family hospitality
100%Locally owned & operated
30A-PCBEmerald Coast coverage

Three things we don't bend on.

No call center, no start-up invoice, and nobody else's crew deciding whether your house is ready.

01

Local, never a call center

We live and work on the Emerald Coast. When something comes up, the person who picks up knows your property and can be standing in it the same day, not reading it off a screen three states away.

02

Start-up costs are on us

Nothing to get going, a $4,000 value waived. We price each season by hand rather than setting a rate and forgetting it, and the monthly statement is one page you can actually read.

03

We check the house ourselves

Our own team preps before arrival and walks the property after every checkout. We don't subcontract the part that decides whether your home gets a good review.

Meet the team

The local owners and operators behind every stay, every booking, and every home we care for.

James Keltner, Co-Owner

James Keltner

Co-Owner

James grew up in hospitality. His family has spent more than 75 years in the hotel business at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort in Panama City Beach. A University of Florida graduate with a master's in international business, he co-founded Coastal Vacation Rentals and leads strategy and revenue management, using dynamic pricing across every listing to maximize each owner's return while keeping every guest's stay effortless. Off the clock, you'll find him traveling or out on the water fishing.

Zack Seltzer, Co-Owner

Zack Seltzer

Co-Owner

Co-founder of Coastal Vacation Rentals, Zack brings a real estate and property-management background and became a licensed broker in 2018. With a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida, he focuses on maximizing revenue, protecting owners' assets, and creating a seamless experience for owners and guests. Off the clock, you'll find him offshore fishing, on the golf course, or with family.

Chandler Gilligan, Property Manager

Chandler Gilligan

Property Manager

A Panama City Beach native, Chandler grew up on the same stretch of coast he now looks after. He started his first business, a landscaping company, while still in high school, studied marketing at Florida State, and earned his real estate license in 2023 under Zack's mentorship. As property manager he handles the day to day: guest communication, turnovers, and being the person who can stand in a home the same afternoon something needs attention. Off the clock he plays pickleball, golfs, fishes offshore, and spends every spare minute with his niece and nephew.

Catherine Seltzer Mitchell, Accounting & Operations Manager

Catherine Seltzer Mitchell

Accounting & Operations Manager

Originally from Panama City, Catherine brings a strong background in banking and nonprofit finance. She holds a Finance degree from the University of Florida and an MBA from Emory University, and has worked in Atlanta, New York, and overseas. Today she oversees financial management and operations alongside her brother Zack, keeping everything running smoothly for owners and guests.

Reviewed by the guests who stayed.

Five-Star Reviews from verified guests, in their own words and unedited. We don't write these. We just try to earn them.

5/5

“We love our stay at the Aquavista. We have stayed at this condo more than once and will continue to return. Unit was clean, great layout and awesome balconies. We will certainly be back.”

Verified Airbnb review
October 2025 · Aquavista E406
5/5

“We really enjoyed our stay here. The unit had everything we needed and more. The views were beautiful. We were close to everything we wanted to do. Would definitely stay here again!”

Verified Airbnb review
September 2026 · 707 Sterling Reef
5/5

“Was a great stay with at a great home that had everything we needed and its close to everything. The House was nice and Pool was nice plenty of space for our family of four.”

Verified Airbnb review
May 2026 · 708 Landing Circle
5/5

“Second year In a row we've stayed here, we love it!! Great location, beautiful home!! Great customer service and response time, very helpful!! Will be back!!!”

Verified Airbnb review
July 2026 · 9614 Beach Blvd
5/5

“James was wonderful and the place was wonderful - we always enjoy coming back to where we got engaged three years ago! Peaceful week with a beautiful place!”

Verified Airbnb review
August 2026 · 804 Sunrise
5/5

“The place was excellent. Lots of stuff to do with a very short walk. Easy access for going and coming out about. 10/10 would recommend.”

Verified Airbnb review
June 2026 · 1002 Sunrise Beach

Frequently asked questions

What is Coastal Vacation Rentals?
Coastal Vacation Rentals is a locally owned, family-run vacation rental property management company on Florida's Emerald Coast, serving Panama City Beach and Scenic 30A. Built on three generations and more than 75 years of hospitality, the team includes a licensed Florida real estate broker and handles full-service management for owners and direct booking for guests.
Who owns Coastal Vacation Rentals?
Coastal Vacation Rentals is co-owned by James Keltner and Zack Seltzer, a licensed Florida real estate broker, and is family-run with a local Emerald Coast team.
Is Coastal Vacation Rentals a licensed real estate broker?
Yes. Co-owner Zack Seltzer has been a licensed real estate broker since 2018, and the team includes additional licensed real estate agents. A licensed broker on staff protects owners and keeps the company accountable.
How long has Coastal Vacation Rentals been in hospitality?
The family behind Coastal Vacation Rentals has more than 75 years of combined hospitality history on Florida's Emerald Coast, spanning three generations.
What areas does Coastal Vacation Rentals serve?
Coastal Vacation Rentals manages and rents vacation homes and condos across the Emerald Coast, from Panama City Beach (Bay County) to the beaches of Scenic 30A (Walton County), Florida.

Let's talk about your property.

Whether you own a beachfront home, a Gulf-view condo, or a 30A gem, we'd love to show you what a local, family-run team can do for your property.

Call 833-854-4177Learn about management→

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