Inverness is the county seat of Citrus County and one of only two incorporated cities in the county, the other being Crystal River. If you are thinking about moving here, this overview covers the basics drawn from public sources, plus practical pointers for researching a home in town. For the wider county, see our Communities page.
A short history
Citrus County was created in 1887 and is named for its citrus groves. Inverness was incorporated on March 6, 1919. The city's most recognizable landmark is the 1912 Citrus County Courthouse on Courthouse Square, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. After an eight-year restoration it reopened in 2000 as the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, with exhibits on Citrus County history. Its second-floor courtroom appeared in a 1961 Elvis Presley film, a detail that still draws curious visitors.
Getting outdoors
Inverness has a trailhead on the Withlacoochee State Trail, on N. Apopka Avenue. The 46-mile paved trail follows a former Atlantic Coast Line railroad corridor through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, and it is popular for biking, walking and skating. The state bought the corridor in 1989 for its rails-to-trails program after CSX abandoned the line in 1987. Our guide to biking the Withlacoochee State Trail has tips for a first ride.
The springs and coast are within reach for a day out, including Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River and the Homosassa Springs wildlife park.
Researching a home in Inverness
- Check the parcel. The Citrus County Property Appraiser publishes ownership, sales and parcel map information online.
- Look up flood risk. FEMA flood maps show how likely an area is to flood. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so ask a licensed insurance professional about separate flood coverage.
- Plan for storm season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30; see getting a home hurricane-ready.
- Visit at different times. Drive the street on a weekday morning and on a weekend evening to get a feel for traffic and noise.
Settling in
Living in a county seat means many government offices are close by, which can make errands such as registering a vehicle or recording paperwork simpler. Check each office's official website for current locations and hours. Our guide to your first week in a new town covers the practical to-do list, and the buying guide explains the home-purchase process step by step.
Joviland is an independent guide. We do not list or show homes; for advice on a specific property, talk with a licensed professional of your choice.