Citrus County CRECOMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE · FLORIDA
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FUN FACTS · CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA

Fun facts about Citrus County, Florida

Citrus County covers 581.934 square miles of land and 378.808 square miles of water, according to the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer.[1] Here are twelve facts about the county, each checked against a public source, each with a practical note for a business or property owner.

Last updated · Published by Makayla Richardson, Commercial Real Estate Advisor

1. Crystal River has the only refuge created for the manatee

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, "established in 1983, is the only refuge created specifically for the protection of the threatened Florida manatee."[2]

Why it matters: If you run a waterfront business, ask what manatee protection rules apply to docks and boat traffic near your site.

2. Three Sisters Springs is part of that refuge

The refuge "preserves Three Sisters Springs, the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay," according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.[2]

Why it matters: If your customers are visitors, ask how far a site is from the springs and the refuge.

3. Homosassa Springs gets more than 100 winter manatees

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park covers 200.25 acres, and the state's park chapter describes "more than 100 manatees visiting the park during the winter."[3]

Why it matters: If you rely on visitors, ask how the winter manatee season affects traffic near your site.

4. A hippo named Lu

The same state document records that "Lu the hippopotamus was born in 1960."[3]

Why it matters: Local landmarks make good directions; use them in your listing or storefront copy.

5. Crystal River's mounds are a National Historic Landmark

Crystal River Archaeological State Park covers 61.48 acres. "On June 21, 1990, the park received a National Historic Landmark designation," and the state says "as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the site annually."[4]

Why it matters: If a site is near a historic or archaeological area, ask early whether any review applies before you build.

6. A 27,667-acre preserve on the coast

Crystal River Preserve State Park comprises 27,667 acres, and "Florida manatees are year-round residents of Kings Bay adjacent to the park," according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.[5]

Why it matters: If your parcel borders a preserve, check what that boundary means before you plan an expansion.

7. Fort Cooper held out for 16 days

At Fort Cooper State Park, "380 sick and wounded soldiers of the First Georgia Battalion Volunteers survived 16 days of siege," the state says. The park covers 708.05 acres around a "50-acre clearwater Lake Holathlikaha."[6]

Why it matters: Parks and lakes near a site can be selling points for office and medical tenants; mention them.

8. A 47-mile state trail

"The Withlacoochee State Trail spans 47 miles," according to the state's 2024 trail chapter.[7]

Why it matters: If you are near a trailhead, ask whether trail users are part of your customer base.

9. The county's largest freshwater system

Citrus County calls the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes the "largest freshwater system in Citrus County," and says "The Floral City Pool, the Inverness Pool, and the Hernando Pool are now considered the main bodies."[8]

Why it matters: If you are buying near the lakes, check flood and shoreline rules for the parcel.

10. Scallop season runs July to September

For Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, "including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa," the state's 2026 bay scallop season runs "July 1 through Sept. 24," with a limit of "2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat" per person.[9]

Why it matters: If you serve boaters or visitors, plan for the summer season on the coast.

11. The 1912 courthouse is a museum

The Old Courthouse in Inverness was "Built in 1912. Museum since 2000." Visitors can "explore 12,000 years of Citrus County and Florida history."[10][11]

Why it matters: If you are looking at a storefront near the Old Courthouse, ask what draws people to that block.

12. The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins

The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park in Homosassa totals 4.6 acres and was "initially acquired on June 24, 1953," according to the state.[12]

Why it matters: If you are comparing sites in Homosassa, ask what landmarks and visitor draws are nearby.

Thinking about a business or a building in Citrus County? Start with the site and the plan.

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Questions people ask

What is Citrus County, Florida known for?

Manatees: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge created specifically to protect the Florida manatee. It is also home to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

How big is Citrus County, Florida?

The Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer lists Citrus County at 581.934 square miles of land and 378.808 square miles of water.

When is scallop season in Citrus County?

For Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists the 2026 bay scallop season as July 1 through Sept. 24.

Where is the Citrus County government building?

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners lists the Lecanto Government Building at 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto, FL 34461.

Sources

  1. 2024 Gazetteer Files, Florida counties, U.S. Census Bureau, 2024. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  2. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  3. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  4. Crystal River Archaeological State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  5. Crystal River Preserve State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  6. Fort Cooper State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  7. Withlacoochee State Trail, trail chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  8. Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Aquatic Services. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  9. Bay scallops, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 season. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  10. Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Citrus County Historical Society. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  11. Visit, Citrus County Historical Society. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  12. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, executive summary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  13. Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. Accessed October 12, 2026.