Citrus County CRECOMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE · FLORIDA
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CRYSTAL RIVER, FL · CITRUS COUNTY

Commercial property for sale and rent in Crystal River, FL

Crystal River is one of Citrus County's two incorporated cities, with an estimated 3,618 residents on July 1, 2025 and 7.646 square miles of land, according to the Census Bureau.[1][2] Its namesake national wildlife refuge is the only one created for the manatee. Here is what to know before you buy, sell or rent commercial property, office or retail space, or land in Crystal River. This page is a guide to the market, not a listing of available properties.

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

What makes Crystal River different for commercial property?

Water. 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," and that it "preserves Three Sisters Springs, the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay."[4] The state adds that "Florida manatees are year-round residents of Kings Bay adjacent to the park."[5] The city also has 1.107 square miles of water inside its limits.[2]

If your business serves visitors on the water, ask how close a site is to the bay and its public access points. If you are buying waterfront land, check flood zone, shoreline and manatee protection rules for the parcel before you price it.

Commercial property for sale in Crystal River, FL

The Florida Department of Revenue lists a City of Crystal River levy alongside the county levies. The city adopted an operating millage of 6.5900 for fiscal year 2025-26, the same as 2024-25, and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners adopted 6.9898, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.[3] Get the full tax bill for a parcel from the Citrus County Tax Collector before you underwrite it.

Operating millage, Crystal River and Citrus County (Florida Department of Revenue, Table 1)
Taxing authority2024-252025-26
City of Crystal River6.59006.5900
Citrus County BCC6.98986.9898

Office and retail space for rent in Crystal River, FL

We could not verify a public rent or vacancy series for Crystal River office or retail space in our October 2026 research, so this page publishes none. For a real number on a specific space, ask for recent comparable leases on similar space.

Seasonal traffic matters here. The state's 2026 bay scallop season for Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, "including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa," runs "July 1 through Sept. 24."[8] If you are leasing retail that serves boaters, ask how sales change across the season.

Historic and protected places in Crystal River

Crystal River Old City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRIS 98000588).[7] Crystal River Archaeological State Park covers 61.48 acres, and "On June 21, 1990, the park received a National Historic Landmark designation."[6] Crystal River Preserve State Park covers 27,667 acres.[5] If a site is near a historic or protected area, ask early whether any review applies.

The Crystal River power plant site

"Construction on Crystal River Unit 3 began Sept. 25, 1968," the Citrus County Chronicle reported, and its timeline lists "Feb. 5, 2013" as the date "Duke permanently retires CR-3."[9] For how the county's economy has changed since, see the Citrus County market outlook.

How many people live in Crystal River, FL?

The Census Bureau estimated 3,618 residents in the City of Crystal River on July 1, 2025, and 3,650 a year earlier.[1] City population is only part of the customer base for a Crystal River business; Citrus County had an estimated 171,666 residents in 2025 (see the market outlook).

Buying, selling or renting in Crystal River? Start with the property and your timeline.

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Questions people ask

What is the city operating millage in Crystal River, FL?

The City of Crystal River adopted 6.5900 for fiscal year 2025-26 and the Citrus County BCC 6.9898, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. These are two levies on the bill, not the full tax rate.

What is Crystal River, 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, and it preserves Three Sisters Springs in Kings Bay.

How many people live in Crystal River, FL?

The Census Bureau estimated 3,618 residents on July 1, 2025.

When is scallop season in Crystal River?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists the 2026 season for Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, including Crystal River and Homosassa, as July 1 through Sept. 24.

Sources

  1. City and town population estimates, Vintage 2025 (Florida), U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  2. 2024 Gazetteer Files, Florida places, U.S. Census Bureau, 2024. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  3. Table 1, Comparison of Taxes Levied, Citrus County, Florida Department of Revenue, Fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  4. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  5. Crystal River Preserve State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  6. Crystal River Archaeological State Park, park chapter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  7. Crystal River Old City Hall, NRIS 98000588, National Park Service, NPGallery. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  8. Bay scallops, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 season. Accessed October 12, 2026.
  9. Nuclear plant nears final shutdown, Citrus County Chronicle, May 12, 2026. Accessed October 12, 2026.