Inverness Marriage and Probate Records
Citrus County genealogy research reveals family history on Florida's Nature Coast. The county formed in 1887 and was named for the citrus groves. Records span over 135 years. The county seat is Inverness. You can find birth records, marriage licenses, and death certificates. The Clerk of Court maintains court records. The county is famous for its natural springs. Crystal River attracts visitors from around the world.
Citrus County Quick Facts
Citrus County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court maintains vital records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This office stores marriage licenses and court documents. You can search official records online or visit in person. The courthouse is in Inverness. Staff can help locate documents. Many records have been digitized.
Marriage records before 1927 are at the county level while the state holds records from June 6, 1927 forward under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Probate records show estate settlements. These files contain family relationship details. Court records document legal matters.
Contact the Citrus County Clerk at 110 N. Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450. Call 352-341-6424.
Florida State Archives Genealogy Resources
The State Archives of Florida contains Citrus County resources. Confederate Pension Applications include local veterans. You can access these in Tallahassee.
Visit the State Archives of Florida for access to these collections. The archives are located in the R.A. Gray Building. This is near the state capitol. Parking is available in the garage next door. Ask for a token at the reference desk. This will save you the parking fee when you leave. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable.
Bureau of Vital Statistics for Citrus County
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps birth and death records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Birth records are available from 1917. Death records go back further. This office serves all Florida counties. They are the official state repository.
Birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted under Florida law, with access limited to the person named on the record, parents listed, legal guardians, or legal representatives. You must show valid identification. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 are at the state level.
Order through VitalChek.
Call 877-550-7330.
Citrus County Property and Land Records
Property records in Citrus County trace land ownership patterns recorded under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Property Appraiser maintains these documents. Deeds show property transfers. Maps display boundaries. These records help reconstruct communities.
Visit the county website for searches. The property appraiser provides online access. You can search by owner name or address. Historical aerial photos are also available. They show how the land changed over time. Early settlers acquired land through federal grants. The records were kept at the state level. You can find these at the State Archives.
Citrus County Natural Heritage
Citrus County takes its name from the fruit groves that once covered the land. The county broke away from Hernando County in 1887. Early settlers grew oranges and grapefruits. They shipped the fruit north by rail. The industry shaped local life.
The springs draw visitors today. Crystal River is world famous. Manatees winter in the warm waters. Native people lived here thousands of years ago. Shell mounds line the coast. Fishing has always been key. Commercial fishers worked the Gulf. Their boats went out each dawn. Family businesses passed down through generations.
Citrus County Genealogy Research Tips
Start with family documents. Gather names and dates. Look for business records. Many families were in citrus or fishing. These industries kept their own records.
Census records document Citrus County families from 1890. Track families across years. Some early census records were lost in a fire. Check tax rolls as an alternative. They list property owners each year. This helps establish when families arrived.
Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for help. The Citrus County libraries have local collections. The Coastal Region Library in Crystal River has genealogical materials. Staff can assist with research.
Citrus County Court Records
Court records document the legal lives of our ancestors. Citrus County court minutes date back to 1887. They contain guardianship appointments and estate settlements. Criminal cases reveal family conflicts. Civil suits often involved land disputes. These records name relatives and neighbors. Witness lists can reveal social connections.
Divorce records are also in court files. They list the grounds for separation. Children and property are mentioned. These files can be sensitive. Access may be restricted for recent cases. Older records are usually open to the public. The Clerk of Court can provide copies. Fees are charged per page.
Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research
These counties border Citrus County. Your ancestors may have lived in or moved to these areas. Check records in neighboring counties. Before 1887, this area was part of Hernando County.