Florida is the southernmost of the 48 contiguous states.
It is a state that offers a year-round outdoor lifestyle and is a boat lover’s dream.
Florida, or as it is commonly known – the Sunshine State, is rich in history and has remarkable wildlife not found elsewhere.
The diverse landscape offers engaging museums and more than 8,400 miles of coastline.
A crime report published annually shows that crime in Florida is just above the national average.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida
1. Tallahassee
- Population – 196,102 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 7.94 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 29.47 per 1,000 residents.
The state capital of Florida is among the most dangerous cities in Florida and, at times, has even made the top ten list of dangerous cities in the country.
Data sources note that the crime rate in Tallahassee is higher than 92% of other United States cities.
Some of the worst neighborhoods in Tallahassee include Perkins, The Gardens at Westlake, Terrance Heights, Providence, and Falls Chase, among others.
Both the property and violent crime rates in Tallahassee are well above state averages.
2. Orlando
- Population – 309,154 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 8.26 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 35.39 per 1,000 residents.
Orlando is among the most visited cities in the country and is known for family-fun and exciting attractions, cuisine from around the world, and a number of theme parks.
In addition to theme park ticket scams, those visiting Orlando should steer clear of the higher crime areas like the neighborhoods west of Orlando’s downtown, which includes Pine Hills and Malibu Groves.
Both violent crime and property crime statistics are nearly double for Orlando compared to the state average.
3. Panama City
- Population – 34,045 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 9.55 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 42.21 per 1,000 residents.
Panama City is a small city on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s panhandle.
While it offers close proximity to some gorgeous beaches and local fresh seafood, its violent and property crime rates exceed the national average.
Violent crime in Panama City is 2.5 times the state average.
4. Lake City
- Population – 12,497 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate -15.92 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 51.85 per 1,000 residents.
Lake City is a small city in northern Florida that is about midway between Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
Its location is unique as Lake City is likened to a centralized hub with highways connecting in all directions.
With a lower cost of living than most of the Sunshine State, Lake City has one of the highest rates of crime in the state across the board.
5. Riviera Beach
- Population – 38,074 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 11.53 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 29.99 per 1,000 residents.
Riviera Beach is a smaller-sized city located just north of West Palm Beach and a part of Florida’s Treasure Coast.
This coastal city is home to some of the highest crime statistics in Florida.
When in Riviera Beach, one is three times more likely to become a victim of a violent crime than in the rest of the state.
6. Cocoa
- Population – 19,344 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 11.01 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 55.42 per 1,000 residents.
Cocoa is a small city located to the north of Melbourne and southwest of Orlando along the Atlantic Coast.
The property crime rate in Cocoa, which is 1 in 18, is the highest in the state and the country.
From a year-over-year perspective, violent crimes in Cocoa have increased by 18%.
7. Lauderhill
- Population – 73,458 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 8.56 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 24.56 per 1,000 residents.
Lauderhill is a city in west Broward County in South Florida.
In 2022 one is more than twice as likely to be a victim of a violent crime compared to Florida and the country.
And, in terms of overall crime, those in Lauderhill are nearly 10 times more likely to be crime victims than the median average.
8. Lake Worth
- Population – 38,548 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 9.39 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 28.50 per 1,000 residents.
Lake Worth is a small city that is mainly comprised of small Key West Bungalow-style homes.
The city is wedged between West Palm Beach and Del Ray Beach – along the Atlantic Coast in Palm Beach county.
Both property and violent crime rates are above the state and the greater Ft Lauderdale/Miami/West Palm Beach metro area.
Parts of Lake Worth have an abundance of homelessness.
9. Homestead
- Population – 80,528 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 7.26 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 20.30 per 1,000 residents.
Homestead is a moderate-sized city located south of Miami and west of Key Biscayne National Park.
It is famous for its air-force base and military presence, the primary target of Hurricane Andrew that hit in the 1990s, and crime rates that exceed the national and state averages.
Be mindful of your belongings to minimize the risk of pickpockets and related crimes.
And don’t be surprised if you see an alligator roaming as the city is near Everglades National Park.
10. Daytona Beach
- Population – 74,437 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 10.17 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 28.48 per 1,000 residents.
Daytona Beach is most famous for its speedway and beautiful Atlantic coastal beaches.
It is also a significant tourist destination where crime rates rise above state and national averages.
The more dangerous parts of this moderately-sized city are away from the beach areas and closer to the riverside area.
Fortunately, efforts to curtail crime have helped drop overall rates over the past few years.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Florida
1. Traffic is overwhelming.
In densely populated areas like Miami and Orlando, accidents are prevalent because of aggressive drivers or those who are unsure of where they are going.
And if you are caught in a tropical downpour, it is possible that it becomes impossible for your wipers to clear your windshield fast enough – so pull over to be safe.
2. Florida heat often catches visitors by surprise.
While most people visit Florida for its year-round warmth and tropical sunshine, visitors traveling to the Sunshine State must be aware that this unusually excessive heat – which is often combined with dense humidity, can cause dehydration, which is a genuine concern.
This is because it can be dangerous and lead to heat stroke and other complications.
Signs to watch for include dizziness, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, headaches, and such.
3. The Florida sun is no joke and can be dangerous.
Florida’s popularity is highly dependent on its tropical sunshine.
For most of the year, the sun shines on the state, and because parts of the state are close to the equator, the sun can be dangerous – especially for those who have been up north and in the cold before basking in the sun.
As a result, sunscreen is a must to prevent sunburns or, even worse, sun poisoning.
Apply it liberally and often to avoid problems with the sun in Florida when visiting.
4. Consider buying traveler’s insurance as it offers peace of mind.
Most travelers prefer to protect the cost of a planned trip by purchasing insurance against a trip cancellation – for a number of reasons.
Insurance is important when traveling to the Sunshine State during the rainy season – June to October because hurricanes are most likely to hit the peninsula state.
5. Keep close track of your possessions.
Florida is one of the most popular national and international vacation destinations.
It is also home to resourceful pickpockets that look to target unsuspecting tourists gathered in crowds either on a beach or within one of the many theme parks.
It is important to be mindful of your belongings at all times and hide or make it difficult for valuables to be grabbed easily by someone nearby.
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular times to visit?
The most advantageous time of year to visit Florida – in terms of the weather depends on where you are planning to travel in Florida.
The state’s length creates significant weather variations between North and South Florida.
For South Florida, the best visit time for tourists is in the spring (April-May) and the fall (October to November) when the weather is warm, rain chances are minimized, and threats of severe weather are reduced.
Which Florida coast is better for surfing?
The eastern coast – or Atlantic Ocean side, has the largest, most consistent waves and warm water temps.
What’s the biggest attraction around Lake Okeechobee?
Lake Okeechobee, which is the largest of all freshwater lakes in the Sunshine State, covers more than 725 square miles.
The lake is sourced by the Kissimmee River, which is located just to the lake’s northern section and is home to some of the finest fishing in Florida, with more than 40 species of fish native to the lake.
Discussing safety is vital for the entire community, as it encourages awareness and collaboration to address the issues and make these cities safer for everyone.
Many cities on this list are actively working on community safety initiatives, showing a dedication to improving the lives of their residents.
Wow, I had no idea that some of these cities in Florida were considered the most dangerous.
It’s important to be aware of our surroundings and take precautions when visiting or living in these areas. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
Numbers are a bit skewed on the small pop towns like lake city. Especially when you take into account a lot of crime is caused by tourists stopping through on their actual florida destination.