About Citrus County

Citrus County is a scenic coastal county located along Florida's Nature Coast on the Gulf of Mexico, in the west-central portion of the state. Covering approximately 582 square miles, the county is defined by its remarkable natural landscape, which includes the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, the Chassahowitzka River, and vast stretches of protected wetlands and forests. Unlike much of Florida, Citrus County has deliberately resisted overdevelopment, preserving a rural and small-town character that draws nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a quieter pace of life. The county is perhaps best known as one of the few places in the world where visitors can legally swim with wild West Indian manatees, making it a unique ecological treasure on Florida's western coast. Citrus County has a population of approximately 153,843 residents, a figure that reflects steady growth driven by retirees, remote workers, and families seeking affordable living outside Florida's larger metropolitan areas. The demographic profile skews older than the state average, with a significant portion of the population being retirees attracted by the mild climate, natural amenities, and lower cost of living. The county seat, Inverness, is a charming small city situated around Lake Henderson and Lake Tsala Apopka, offering a historic downtown courthouse square that serves as the civic and cultural heart of the region. Other notable communities include Crystal River, Homosassa, Lecanto, Beverly Hills, and Floral City, each contributing to the county's diverse yet tight-knit community fabric. The economy of Citrus County is driven by healthcare, retail trade, tourism, and public administration, with the medical sector being one of the largest employers in the region. Nature-based tourism, including fishing, diving, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, generates significant economic activity, particularly around Crystal River and Homosassa Springs. Agriculture, including cattle ranching and nursery operations, also plays a traditional role in the local economy. While the county faces ongoing challenges related to economic diversification and expanding opportunities for younger residents, its strategic location between Tampa and Gainesville, combined with improving infrastructure, positions it for continued measured growth.

Practice Areas in Citrus County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
Learn More ›
DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
Learn More ›
Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
Learn More ›
Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
Learn More ›
Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
Learn More ›
Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
Learn More ›

Courts in Citrus County

The primary court serving Citrus County residents is the Citrus County Courthouse, home to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, located at 110 N. Apopka Avenue in Inverness. This circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $30,000, family law proceedings including divorce and child custody, probate cases, and juvenile matters. The Citrus County Clerk of Courts also administers the county court, which operates within the same courthouse complex and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes involving $30,000 or less, traffic infractions and violations, and small claims matters up to $8,000. The Citrus County Court also includes a Drug Court and other specialized diversion programs designed to address substance abuse-related offenses. The Fifth Judicial Circuit covers Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, and circuit judges regularly preside over cases at the Inverness courthouse. Matters involving traffic infractions can often be resolved through the Clerk's office or at scheduled court hearings, while more serious criminal and civil matters are scheduled through the court's formal docketing process.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Citrus County

In Citrus County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal prosecutions under Florida law, family court proceedings, traffic cases, and most civil disputes — are handled by the Florida state court system through the Fifth Judicial Circuit and the county court in Inverness. Federal jurisdiction applies when a case involves a federal law or constitutional question, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount exceeds $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, immigration matters, or claims against federal agencies. When federal jurisdiction does apply, Citrus County falls within the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, with the Tampa Division being the most commonly used federal venue for cases arising from this region. Residents dealing with matters such as Social Security disability appeals, federal criminal charges, or civil rights violations under federal law would have their cases heard at the federal courthouse in Tampa, located at 801 N. Florida Avenue, rather than in Inverness.

Common Legal Situations in Citrus County

Given Citrus County's demographics, geography, and community character, residents frequently encounter a range of legal matters that reflect both the county's rural nature and its large retiree population. Traffic violations and DUI charges are common, particularly along major corridors such as US-19 and US-41, which are heavily patrolled by local law enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol. Family law matters — including divorce, asset division, child custody disputes, and grandparent rights — arise regularly given the county's multigenerational households and retiree community. Estate planning, probate proceedings, and disputes over wills and trusts are especially prevalent in a county with one of Florida's older average resident ages. Criminal matters including drug offenses, theft, and domestic disputes are handled through the county and circuit courts, while property disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and contractor disagreements arise frequently in a county experiencing gradual residential development. Employment law issues, including wage disputes and workplace injuries, also affect residents working in the county's growing healthcare and service sectors.

Why Go To Court for Citrus County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is an excellent choice for Citrus County residents seeking reliable, accessible, and experienced legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning residents in Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa, or anywhere across the county can get answers to their legal questions at any hour, without waiting until business hours or paying consultation fees upfront. Go To Court is also introducing fixed-fee legal services, giving clients greater transparency and certainty about their legal costs — something particularly valuable to residents on fixed incomes or tight budgets. With an experienced team of attorneys familiar with Florida courts and the procedures of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Go To Court is well-positioned to provide effective, locally relevant legal assistance to the Citrus County community.

Free — available now

In Citrus County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Citrus County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Citrus County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, elect traffic school to avoid points on your license, or contest the ticket in court at the Citrus County Courthouse in Inverness. Contesting a ticket can be worthwhile, particularly for infractions that carry significant points or fines, and an attorney can help you evaluate your chances and represent you at the hearing. Ignoring a traffic citation can result in a license suspension and additional fees, so it is important to respond before the deadline printed on your ticket.

How does the divorce process work in Citrus County, Florida?

Divorce in Citrus County is handled through the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Inverness, and Florida law requires that at least one spouse has lived in the state for at least six months before filing. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning either party can file for divorce by simply stating that the marriage is irretrievably broken, without needing to prove wrongdoing. The process involves filing a petition for dissolution of marriage, addressing issues such as asset division, spousal support, and — if children are involved — parenting plans and child support, which must all comply with Florida's statutory guidelines.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Citrus County?

A first-time DUI conviction in Florida, including in Citrus County, can result in fines between $500 and $1,000, up to six months in jail, probation, mandatory DUI school, community service, and a license revocation of at least 180 days. If your blood alcohol level was 0.15 or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the penalties increase significantly. An attorney can review the circumstances of your arrest — including whether proper procedures were followed during the stop and testing — to determine if there are grounds to challenge the charges or negotiate a reduced outcome.

How do I set up a will or estate plan in Citrus County?

To create a valid will in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, and the document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign the will — notarization is not required but is strongly recommended to create a self-proving will that simplifies the probate process. Estate planning in Citrus County often also involves setting up a durable power of attorney, a healthcare surrogate designation, and potentially a revocable living trust to help your loved ones avoid the time and expense of probate court. An experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure your documents comply with Florida law and accurately reflect your wishes.

Can a landlord legally evict me in Citrus County, and how quickly can it happen?

In Citrus County, a landlord must follow Florida's formal eviction process and cannot remove a tenant without a court order — self-help evictions such as changing locks or removing belongings without legal authority are illegal. For non-payment of rent, a landlord must first serve a three-day notice to pay or vacate, and if the tenant does not comply, the landlord can then file an eviction action with the Citrus County Clerk of Courts. The entire process, if uncontested, can move quickly — sometimes within a few weeks — but a tenant who responds to the eviction filing may be able to slow the process and present defenses, such as the landlord's failure to maintain the property in a habitable condition.

Neighbouring Counties

Citrus County is bordered by Levy County to the north, Marion County to the east, Sumter County to the southeast, and Hernando County to the south, with its western boundary fronting the Gulf of Mexico.