Florida : Safety by City
- Amelia Island
- Boca Raton
- Boynton Beach
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- Clearwater
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- Palm Harbor
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- Pompano Beach
- Port St. Lucie
- Punta Gorda
- Sarasota
- St. Augustine
- St. Petersburg
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- Vero Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Winter Park
For tourists looking for a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, Boca Rotan has it all.
With its pristine white beaches, historic buildings, unparalleled hospitality, and upscale shopping centers, this bustling college town have much to offer for its visitors.
Incorporated as a city in 1924 as “Bocaratone,” this Florida city, just 45 miles north of Miami, boasts a population of about 100,000 people.
Celebrities who live or grew up in Boca include Bon Jovi, Adam Sandler, and Ariana Grande (to name a few).
Home to Florida Atlantic University’s main campus, Office Depot’s headquarters, and the Chris Evert Tennis Academy, Boca Raton is filled with things to see and do.
If you think Boca is where you’d like to spend your next vacation, we can help.
Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to this charming, elegant Florida city.
Warnings & Dangers in Boca Raton
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Lauded for being one of the safest cities in Florida, Boca Raton is, statistically speaking, very safe for tourists. The US has an average violent crime rate of 398.5 per 100,000 residents. Boca’s violent crime rate is nearly half of that. So tourists can rest assured that there will be a low overall risk for their safety when visiting Boca.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Although there are no visible complaints about transport and taxi safety in Boca, some reviewers have complained about Metro Taxi’s (Boca’s main taxi company) lack of reliability and generally poor service on its Yelp page. That being said, the best way to get around the city is by walking or using the Downtowner, a free, simple tap-and-ride service. With no visible complaints about safety for any of the city’s transport services, we can conclude that the city has a low transport & taxis risk for tourists.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
There are no recent reports about pickpockets in Boca, but in January 2021 police in nearby Delray Beach did warn about a spike in pickpocketing cases. This warning was issued because there had been instances of smartphone thefts at bars and restaurants along East Atlantic Avenue. Therefore, tourists in Boca who plan on traveling to nearby cities, such as Delray Beach, should be aware of pickpocketing risks. However, tourists can rest easy in the fact that there’s, all in all, a low pickpocketing risk in Boca Raton itself.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Because of its tropical Florida climate, Boca Raton is susceptible to tropical storms, hurricanes, and floods. Along with some of these natural disasters come power outages, which can be a major inconvenience for both residents and tourists. With this in mind, tourists should prepare for a medium natural disasters risk, especially during hurricane season, which runs from June to November each year.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
A person’s chance of falling victim to robbery in Boca can be as high as 1 in 345 in the east part of the city and as low as 1 in 3,424 in the southwest. On average, Boca Raton’s robbery rate is .94 for every 1,000 residents in a typical year. These fairly low rates indicate that Boca has a relatively low mugging risk.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
No recent reports about terrorist threats or attacks in Boca can be found. However, Boca’s 2001 anthrax attack was the first bio-terrorist act to take place on US soil. Five people died from this attack. But since no recent terrorist threats or attacks have been made, it can be concluded that Boca has a low terrorism risk.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Because of its high concentration of wealth and affluence, Boca Raton does tend to attract a sizable population of fraudsters and scammers. According to the Boca Raton Police Department’s website, common scams include lottery, phone calls, investment, and vishing (voice phishing) scams. If we take this information into consideration, we can conclude that Boca has the risk of a comparatively high scam.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Although not a lot of information can be found about women travelers’ safety in Boca Raton, some users on Trip Advisors have claimed that Boca is extremely safe for solo female travelers. Therefore, we can say that the women travelers risk is very low and that female travelers should have little concern for their safety in Boca.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Boca’s tap water, according to Tap Safe, is drinkable. But travelers should bear in mind that the tap water, which comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, contains a high concentration of organic material and is high in color. People who think this might pose a threat to their health should invest in a high-quality water filter, such as absorption or reverse osmosis filter. That said, Boca’s tap water risk is overall quite low, with the tap water being quite safe for drinking and everyday usage.
Safest Places to Visit in Boca Raton
All of Boca Raton’s tourist-friendly places are safe, offering an array of entertainment options for tourists, from beaches to nature parks to shopping malls to theaters.
As a coastal Florida city, Boca Raton is home to some of Florida’s most picturesque beaches, with their clear blue waters and soft white sand.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit the following places:
- Red Reef Park, where visitors can learn about the region’s distinctive wildlife and marine environment.
- Spanish River Park, where they can hike along several nature trails and enjoy a picnic with a scenic view.
- Sugar Sand Park, a place with a variety of amenities for children and adults alike.
Meanwhile, people with an affinity for shopping and culture can take a stroll through Mizner Park.
This tropical oasis houses the Boca Raton Museum of Art and offers a plethora of boutique shops and restaurants, in addition to an outdoor amphitheater.
They can also visit the Town Center, a well-known luxury shopping center that “features an outstanding mix of upscale and elite specialty shops,” according to its website.
Places to Avoid in Boca Raton
According to Crime Grade, the east neighborhoods are the least safe area in Boca Raton.
However, a report by Area Vibes shows that Boca Raton, as a whole, is safer than most other US cities, with crime rates that are 8% below the national average.
Additionally, the city’s violent crime rates are 48% below the national average.
As long as tourists stay within the tourist-friendly parts of the city, such as the beaches, shopping centers, and nature parks, they should be able to enjoy their vacation in Boca with peace of mind.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Boca Raton
- Lock your vehicle. Take all your belongings with you. Anytime you leave behind something that appears to be of value, you run the risk of falling victim to an auto burglary. Boca Raton may be safer than most other US cities, but nobody is ever immune to theft or burglary, no matter where they are in the world.
- Only use hotel-recommended vendors. You may find solicitations under your hotel room door. Criminals have been known to set up fake delivery food businesses. If you “place an order,” you won’t get your food, but the criminals will get your credit card information, and if you don’t act quickly, your money.
- Be wary of phone calls. Keep in mind that hotel employees will never call you to confirm your credit card information. If you get such a phone call, hang up right away and call the front desk.
- Avoid too much sunshine. Anytime you spend a lot of time outside in heat and humidity, you become vulnerable to sunburn and dehydration. Protecting yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and shades, is key to your health.
- Understand what the beach flags mean. Florida beaches, including Boca beaches, use a flag warning system to advise visitors of potential dangers and risks. The colored beach flags are designed to protect you.
- Break the grip of the rip current. If you happen to get caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current. Once you’re out, swim toward the shore at an angle. If you’re still unable to reach the shore, wave and yell for help.
- Listen for thunder. Storms usually only last for about an hour or two. That said, they can be quite dangerous, so if you hear thunder, immediately get out of the water and leave the beach. But since storms only last for a brief interlude, chances are you’ll be able to return to the beach very quickly.
- Dress appropriately. With Florida’s heat and humidity, it’s important to hydrate, wear sunscreen and shades, and dress lightly. You’re best off wearing light-colored cotton clothes, especially during the summer months.
- Stay in tourist-friendly areas. Most parts of Boca are very safe for tourists, but it’s best to stay in tourist-friendly spots to ensure your safety.
- Stick to the designated hiking trails. Hiking trails are meant to protect you and the environment. They help you avoid getting lost and protect the environment by preventing soil erosion — which can also be dangerous for people.
So... How Safe Is Boca Raton Really?
With its notably low crime rates, Boca Raton is an incredibly safe city for tourists and residents alike.
Boca is one of the safest cities in Florida, with crime rates well below the national average.
This is largely due to Boca’s well-funded and highly trained law enforcement.
Boca also happens to have a well-educated population, with 55% of its people having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Although property crimes and scams do happen, their rates are only slightly higher than the national average.
Because of its better-than-average crime statistics, along with its excellent schools and array of amenities, Boca Raton is a popular place to raise a family.
In summary, Boca Raton is an extraordinarily safe place to have your next vacation.
Plus, it has an endless number of things to do, so you can almost be guaranteed a safe and fun vacation in this sunny South Florida city.
How Does Boca Raton Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Boca Raton | 89 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
All travelers from outside the US are required to bring a passport. However, they aren’t required to present visas for 90-day stays or shorter. But visas may be required for permanent residents.
Currency
The US only accepts the US dollar, which is the country’s official currency. But you can exchange currencies at various locations, including ATMs, kiosks, and businesses (such as Foreign Currency Express).
Weather
Boca residents get to enjoy all four seasons throughout the year, but visitors need to be careful in Florida’s heat and humidity. It can get as hot as 92°F (33°C), so they should always be sure to dress appropriately.
Airports
People visiting Boca can fly into three different airports: 1. Fort Lauderdale International Airport, an international airport located in Fort Lauderdale 20 miles south of Boca 2. Palm Beach International Airport, which is located 20 miles north of Boca 3. Miami International Airport, which is about 45 to 55 minutes away from Boca, depending on rush hour traffic
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most essential travel-related purchases a person can make. Not only does it protect people against situations such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and stolen possessions, but it also gives them peace of mind during their trip. Because unexpected situations are inevitable during trips, everyone who’s traveling to Boca should buy travel insurance.
Boca Raton Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 25 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 26 |
| Low °C | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| High °F | 77 | 77 | 81 | 84 | 86 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 86 | 82 | 79 |
| Low °F | 57 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 70 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 73 | 70 | 64 | 61 |
5 stars for safety, but very rude and expensive
My wife told me that her parents booked a trip to Boca Raton so I did some digging, which they never do. I was not expecting to like it there and I was right.
No doubt about it, it’s a very safe city. We’ve explored the city west to east, north to south with ease and with zero incidents. This was the first time we landed in Florida, we love the city, the people, not so much.
I’ve noticed that tourists tend to ignore warning signs and instead proceed on getting way too close to lakes, ponds, whatever. This is the only thing that comes in my head safe-wise, otherwise I don’t think anyone would have a problem here.
I genuinely thought people were exaggerating when berating the locals but dear god, there were a lot of rich jerks making things uncomfortable for everyone. At restaurants, in the parking area, it’s a bit snooty for my taste.
The beaches were great and the same goes for restaurants. As expected, the prices were way higher than what you expect to pay. However, the service was great and we’ve enjoyed every single meal, no faux pas here.
Clean city with over-packed roads, at all hours. Since there’s a big influx of old people you will find them driving about at any given hour during the day which makes for some very busy streets.
The wife and I ended up spending more time in adjacent cities like Miami and West Palm Beach, two cities that I liked way, way more.
Not an awful city, but clearly you need to be on par with some of the wealthy guys to stop them from acting so out of place. As for old people, just ignore them, they’re harmless. It’s safe as can be, clean, the weather is way nicer than what we get to experience in Minnesota.