Inverness Retail for Sale
AMAZING LOCATION, IN INVERNESS, CITRUS COUNTY, FL, TAMPA MSA, Just 15 Min From I-75/Florida Turnpike! Seize the opportunity to own your slice of a growing Central Florida Real Estate. Positioned along the high-traffic corridor of State Road 44 in Inverness, Florida, this fully renovated and affordably priced commercial property presents a rare investment opportunity with a unique competitive edge—direct access to the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. The property comprises a 4,010-square-foot concrete block structure, originally a mechanics facility, now modernized to support a wide range of commercial uses. Key features include three 10’x12’ grade-level roll-up doors, 12-foot ceiling heights ideal for service operations, and 3-phase electric power to accommodate heavy-duty equipment. A two-story build-out provides flexibility for office use or potential live/work arrangements. Recent updates include a new roof and comprehensive interior renovations, enhancing both functionality and long-term value.
Situated on a 0.78-acre lot, the site benefits from over 300 feet of visibility along Gulf to Lake Highway (SR 44), which sees an average daily traffic volume of approximately 18,000 vehicles. Zoned Coastal Lakes Commercial (CLC), the property allows for diverse commercial applications, including marine and automotive service facilities, contractor operations, retail establishments, and restaurant or bar concepts. The abundance of parking and open yard space further supports adaptability for high-traffic or equipment-intensive operations.
What distinctly sets this property apart is its rear access to the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes—Citrus County’s largest freshwater system, encompassing over 22,000 acres and 15 interconnected lakes. This lakefront position not only provides direct water access for marine-related services and recreational uses but also enhances visibility and appeal for destination-driven businesses. It creates a natural platform for adaptive reuse projects such as a waterfront restaurant, bar, or experience-based commercial concept targeting boaters, tourists, and locals alike.
In terms of location, the property is strategically placed just 3.2 miles from Downtown Inverness, 9.1 miles from Floral City, 20.8 miles from Crystal River, and 21.3 miles from The Villages—one of the fastest-growing residential communities in the country. This central access point enables efficient service to a broad consumer base, from long-term residents and retirees to transient recreational users and seasonal visitors. Citrus County itself, home to approximately 153,600 residents as of the latest census data, is poised for sustained expansion, with projections indicating a population nearing 350,000 by 2030 under the county’s Land Development Code, as part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area—the 18th largest in the United States—the area is increasingly recognized as a high-potential real estate market.
From an investment perspective, the property’s combination of strategic highway frontage, robust utility infrastructure, and unique water access positions it for long-term viability across multiple commercial verticals. Whether leveraged for a marine repair operation, automotive service center, contractor headquarters, or transformed into a lifestyle-oriented venue such as a waterfront restaurant or taproom, the site aligns well with both existing market needs and emerging growth trends. Its zoning flexibility, renovation quality, and proximity to expanding population centers make it a compelling choice for both users and developers seeking a value-driven asset with upside potential in one of Central Florida’s most dynamic and naturally beautiful submarkets.
Growth Outlook: For 8929 E Gulf to Lake Hwy, these trends mean the surrounding market for its services will likely expand. A larger population of lakefront homeowners and anglers will need marine services; more retirees with vehicles will need auto services; and generally, more people in the area means more traffic on SR 44 (boosting visibility) and more potential patrons for any business established there. Demographically, the older skew may favor uses like boat/RV repair or casual dining (as retirees have leisure time), whereas if younger families start moving in over time, there could be additional demand for, say, recreational entertainment or contractor services. The Citrus County economic base is still heavily oriented toward services, retail, and healthcare (with a large regional hospital in Inverness and many medical offices serving the senior population). Unemployment is low, and job growth should follow population growth, albeit the county will likely remain a relatively low-density, semi-rural market with slow-and-steady development rather than rapid urbanization.
Zoning and Allowable Uses – Coastal Lakes Commercial (CLC)
This category designates those areas suitable for commercial development within the coastal, lakes, and river regions. The commercial uses allowed in this category are water-related, water-dependent, or necessary for the support of the immediate population. The designation is intended for a single commercial use or business on a single parcel of property. Commercial centers are not allowed, but multiple activities operated by a sole entity are allowed. This requirement is not intended to limit the number of structures as long as the development meets all requirements of this LDC. Area Requirements: Maximum Lot Coverage –50%. Floor Area Ratio (non-residential uses only).
Allowed Uses: Under CLC zoning, a wide range of commercial activities is permitted, largely comparable to the General Commercial (GNC) uses, but often with an emphasis on water-dependent or tourist-oriented uses. For example, retail stores, marine sales and service, auto/RV repair, contractors’ shops, professional offices, restaurants and bars, and similar general commercial uses are typically allowed by right in CLC (similarly to GNC zoning) The zoning is quite flexible in supporting business opportunities – a county document notes CLC zoning “offers an expansive array of opportunities” including everything from gas stations and convenience stores to offices and eateries. In the case of the subject property, the listing explicitly markets it for “marine, auto, home services, or retail entrepreneurs”, indicating those uses are envisioned and permitted. Outdoor storage yards, boat yards, or small-scale light industrial uses may also be allowable if ancillary to a principal commercial use (for instance, a contractor’s equipment yard or boat storage combined with a retail/office component could fit the code).
