The county seat of Citrus County, Inverness is a lakeside city with a historic downtown, miles of trails, and a Scottish name that hints at its old-Florida charm.
Inverness was named after Inverness, Scotland, reportedly at the suggestion of a homesick Scotsman who thought the surrounding lakes recalled his homeland. The city sits on the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes, a maze of interconnected waters that has long shaped local life and recreation.
Inverness is an incorporated city and serves as the county seat of Citrus County, the center of county government. It was incorporated in 1919, and its restored historic downtown remains the civic heart of the community.
The walkable historic downtown is anchored by the beautifully restored 1912 Old Courthouse, now a heritage museum. Inverness bills itself as a bicycle-friendly city, thanks to the Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest paved rail trail in Florida, which runs right through town and draws cyclists, walkers, and runners.
The Tsala Apopka lakes make Inverness a haven for anglers and boaters, while Liberty Park and other waterfront spaces offer easy access to the water and regular community events.
Inverness enjoys a small slice of movie history. In 1961, scenes for the Elvis Presley film "Follow That Dream" were shot in the area, including a courtroom scene filmed in the historic Old Courthouse. Fans still visit to see the locations tied to the movie.
Just outside town, Fort Cooper State Park preserves a site from the Second Seminole War and offers hiking, swimming, and paddling along Lake Holathlikaha, rounding out the area's mix of history and outdoor recreation.
For all its history, Inverness feels like a friendly small town first. Locally owned shops, cafes, and a busy calendar of festivals and farmers markets keep the historic district lively throughout the year, and the lakes and trail give the community a natural gathering place.
As the seat of county government, Inverness also serves as a practical hub for residents across Citrus County who come to town for services, events, and recreation. That blend of civic importance and easygoing charm gives the city a character all its own on the Nature Coast.
Inverness is part of the Responders First service area. If you serve — or have served — as a police officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, corrections officer, or in the military, and you live or work in or around Inverness, you and your immediate family are eligible for our free five-day wellness program and year-round counseling. Our core therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), can bring measurable results in as few as 1–5 sessions. No diagnosis, department referral, or paperwork is required, and your participation is never shared with your employer or agency.
Yes. Every service — the free five-day wellness program, year-round one-on-one counseling, and the Saturday peer-to-peer group — is 100% free and confidential for first responders, veterans, active-duty military, and their families in Inverness and the surrounding area. You are never billed or asked for insurance.
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or any paperwork from your department to take part. If you serve or have served — or you love someone who does — you are eligible.
No. Responders First operates independently of any department, agency, or branch. Your participation — and anything discussed during the program — is never shared with your employer, chain of command, or insurer.
Every service is free and strictly confidential. No diagnosis, referral, or paperwork required — a brief phone call is all it takes to start.