Citrus County sits on Florida's Gulf coast, part of the stretch known as the Nature Coast. Created in 1887 and named for its citrus groves, it is a county of springs, rivers, salt marsh and small towns. This overview draws only on public facts and links to our more detailed pages. It is general information for people thinking about moving here, not a recommendation of any area.
Towns and communities
Only two places in the county are incorporated cities: Inverness and Crystal River. Much of the rest of the county is made up of unincorporated communities, several of them census-designated places.
- Inverness is the county seat, incorporated on March 6, 1919. Its restored 1912 courthouse is now the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum.
- Crystal River calls itself the "Home of the Manatee." More than 600 manatees migrate to its Kings Bay each winter, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Homosassa is a census-designated place along the Homosassa River, which leads west through marshes and islands to the Gulf.
- Beverly Hills was among the first retirement-oriented planned communities in Central Florida, with homes built from 1962.
- Pine Ridge lies in north-central Citrus County and nearly surrounds Beverly Hills.
- Citrus Hills is about 9 miles northwest of Inverness.
- Black Diamond and Oakwood Village also have their own pages.
Springs and wildlife
The county's best-known draw is its water. Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983 to protect manatees. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has drawn visitors since the early 1900s. Before visiting in winter, read our manatee season etiquette guide.
Parks, history and the outdoors
- Crystal River Preserve State Park covers about 27,500 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks and pine flatwoods.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park protects pre-Columbian mounds and is a National Historic Landmark.
- Fort Island Trail Park offers a boat ramp, fishing pier and pavilion.
- The Art Center of Citrus County in Hernando hosts live theater and classes.
Getting around
The paved Withlacoochee State Trail runs 46 miles along a former railroad corridor through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, with a trailhead in Inverness. It is popular for biking, walking and skating; see Biking the Withlacoochee State Trail.
Before you move
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and FEMA flood maps show how likely an area is to flood. Read Flood Zones, Explained and Getting a Home Hurricane-Ready as you compare neighborhoods.