Originally part of Hernando County, Florida, Citrus County was established in 1887 and named after the many citrus tree groves in the area. The temporary county seat was Mannfield, as it was geographically located in the center of the county, and remained the county seat until the early 1890's. After much debating and a midnight raid of the courthouse, Inverness, known then as Tompkinville, was named the county seat. It is said that in the middle of the night the courthouse and everything that had to do with county records, including the county clerk, W.C. Zimmerman, who refused to leave, was stolen and moved to Tompkinville in the middle of the night. During the times of the Civil War, the Yulee Sugar Mill, located in Homossassa was supplying sugar to the Confederate Army and the citrus industry was booming. After the 'big freeze' in the late 1800's the production of citrus decreased dramatically causing a decline in profit. It was at this time that there was a discovery of phosphate, and phosphate mining became the major industry in the area right up until the end of World War I when most of the phosphate mining was moved overseas. In honor of the phosphate industry the first Citrus County newspaper was entitled The Phosphate Times.

Today Citrus County, Florida has grown to be the home of cities like Beverly Hills, Black Diamond, Citrus Hills, Citrus Springs, Crystal River, Floral City, Hernando, Homosassa Springs, Homosassa, Inverness, Lecanto, Pine Ridge and Sugarmill Woods. With Citrus County located along Florida's Nature Coast, spending a day in the crystal clear springs playing with the manatees can be more than just a dream; it can become your reality. From Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club in Lecanto to Rainbow Springs Golf & Country Club in Dunnellon, Citrus County offers some of the most incredible golfing experiences in the State of Florida

Spend the morning strolling the vast grass flats and nature exhibits at the unique Crystal River Preserve State Park in Crystal River. This incredible preserve borders 20 miles of the Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homossassa, Florida. It provides nine miles of trials for hiking and biking through some of the most beautiful, undisturbed islands and forests in the area.

With the springs rivers in Citrus County consistently at 72 degrees, tubing, paddling, fishing and swimming are a great way to cool off in the heat of the afternoon. Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon is a beautiful place to enjoy many water sports including cave diving.

As Citrus County is located on the Florida Gulf Coast, the incredible waterfront real estate opportunities are never ending. Whether you are looking for a place to raise a family, retire or just enjoy living with nature, Citrus County can provide all that you are seeking. From the small community of Inglis with a population of less than 2,000 residents to the city life of the county seat of Inverness, Citrus County has it all!

The upscale neighborhoods in Citrus Hills, with a city population of only 4,000 residents, provide that small town Florida Charm with all the conveniences of modern homes.

The many festivals provided in Inglis, bring the life back into ?old Florida?. Whether it?s the Bluegrass Festival, the Seafood Festival or the many arts and crafts shows, Inglis offers many opportunities for community involvement.

Relocating to Citrus County will provide a beautiful place to feel vibrant and alive. With it's incredible diversity of people, history and nature, Citrus County offers many opportunities of learning, living and laughing.