Most dangerous cities in Florida research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Florida.
We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 207 Florida cities. Here are the results of our analysis:
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The most dangerous city in Florida is Florida City based on the most recent FBI crime data.
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The violent crime rate in Florida is 2,908 per 100k people.
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The property crime rate in Florida is 5,555 per 100k people.
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The safest city in Florida is Tequesta.
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Florida is the 29th most dangerous state in the United States.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References
Florida’s beaches can be super hot, Orlando’s Disney World can be unbearably steamy, Miami can be pretty swampy, and many of Florida’s most dangerous places to live can bring some heat as well.
We researched the most dangerous places in Florida for 2024 based on FBI crime data. To compile our report, we compared violent and property crimes per capita in Florida cities with a population of 5,000. That left us with 207 cities.
We’ve all heard of the amazing beaches and nightlife from Miami Beach to Daytona Beach, but they are some of the most dangerous places in Florida. If you live in Florida’s safest city, Tequesta, keep enjoying life; but if you don’t, take a look at the report below.
The Most Dangerous Cities In Florida For 2024
What’s the most dangerous city in Florida? The most dangerous city in Florida is Florida City.
If you live in Florida’s safest city, Tequesta, keep enjoying life; but if you don’t, we suggest you take a look at the report below.
For more Florida reading, check out:
- Most dangerous cities in the US
- Best Places To Live In Florida
- Cheapest Places To Live In Florida
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Florida
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Florida For 2024
/10
Population: 11,826
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,908 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,555 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Florida City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
You know those “Florida Man” memes? Chances are at least one of those is straight out of Florida City, Florida’s most dangerous city.
With 3 murders happening over a year in a city of just 11,826, Florida City is officially the murder capital of the state. Violent crime as a whole is shockingly common, with residents facing a 1 in 34 chance of being the victim of a violent crime throughout the year. Overall, running into an alligator at Everglades National Park is a whole lot less likely than being attacked in Florida City.
The property crime rate in Florida City is also the fourth highest statewide, and the overall crime rate is nearly 300% higher than the nationwide average.
Florida City is 45 minutes southwest of Miami.
/10
Population: 12,403
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,556 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,393 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Lake City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Lake City may be known as the Gateway to Florida, but it’s also the gateway to an uncomfortable amount of crime. You don’t need to go to the Civil War reenactments at Lake City’s annual Olustee Festival to see a battlefield, because the city has the third highest violent crime rate in Florida.
Residents of Lake City also have a 1 in 18 chance of being robbed or having their property damaged over a year, so it’s not the sort of place you want to leave your house unlocked either.
Population: 16,501
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,981 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,060 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 12
More on Opa Locka: Data | Cost Of Living
Located just north of Miami, Opa Locka comes in as the third most dangerous place to live in Florida. While that may sound bad, consider the fact that Opa Lock had the highest violent crime rate in the country in 2004.
While improvements have certainly been made since then, we think the residents of Opa Locka would still like to have slightly lower odds than 1 in 50 chance of being the victim of a violent crime over a year, the second highest rate in Florida.
Property crime is also all too common; with about one car theft every three days and a burglary every other day, Opa Locka’s property crime rate is the seventh highest statewide.
/10
Population: 79,031
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,074 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 8,557 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Miami Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
There’s a lot to love about Miami Beach — from the exceptional nightlife at South Beach, to the daytime fun at the boardwalk, to the historic and picturesque Spanish-inspired Espanola Way, there’s a reason tourists flock here.
But while tourism brings a lot of money to the community, it also contributes to Miami Beach’s high crime rate. By and large, property crime is the bigger issue in Miami Beach, with a person having a 1 in 6,763 chance of having their property robbed or vandalized. On the bright side, no city on this list has a lower murder rate than Miami Beach.
/10
Population: 12,703
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,031 (Tenth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,951 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Panama City Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
We’re taking our first trip to Florida Panhandle to reach the state’s fifth most dangerous city, Panama City Beach. Known for its sugar-white sandy beaches and top-notch shopping at Pier Park, Panama City Beach is a big draw for tourists from all over.
However, tourism also contributes to Panama City Beach having the third highest rate of property crime in Florida. The city also has the unfortunate distinction of having the ninth highest rate of rape statewide. Panama City Beach has moved up a few spots on our list since last year, so things seem to be getting worse by the year here.
/10
Population: 19,618
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,085 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,796 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Cocoa: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Situated on Florida’s east coast between Orlando and Cape Canaveral, the city of Cocoa has seen a moderate rise in crime in the past year.
Cocoa’s biggest problem is property crime, which ranks as the tenth highest in Florida. In fact, with so many property crimes, Cocoa’s overall crime rate is actually the eighth highest in the state and more than double the national average.
Cocoa is the least violent place on this list, but the city still had 213 cases of violence reported in 2022.
/10
Population: 6,865
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,019 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,996 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Perry: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Perry ended up in the #7 spot on this list mostly due to high rates of violent crime. Perry’s residents had a 1 in 98 shot of being the victim of an attack in 2022.
Property crime as a whole isn’t so bad that you have to worry about thieves stealing your cell phone if you go for a dip in the ocean at Keaton Beach.
But you should definitely lock your doors in Perry, because the city had the third highest burglary rate in Florida, with a staggering 149 cases in a place with only 6,865 people.
/10
Population: 5,415
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,144 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,471 (22nd most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Starke: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
When you think of Florida, certain visions come to mind. Beaches. Disney World. Speed boats riding along the coast. Well, you aren’t going to get any of that in Starke. Rather, you’ll find an inland community about 45 minutes southwest of Jacksonville.
The lack of ocean access is just the start of the problems. You’ll also find the number 8 most dangerous place in Florida. Violence represents a major problem in the area. In a community of just 5,415 people, Starke suffered 62 violent crimes. This brings the town the number 6 highest pace of this type of violation.
/10
Population: 310,713
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 835 (18th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,028 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 32
More on Orlando: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Disney World: the happiest place on Earth. When you’re in the park, everything is amazing. Nothing but smiling princesses and hugs from Mickey. Your biggest worry might be a long line for the Haunted Mansion. Outside the park, though? Things get a little more real.
Orlando represents one of the premiere communities in Florida. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous. In terms of violence, things are relatively subdued. But car theft has reached epidemic proportions. The community suffers the number 8.0 highest pace of these crimes in the state.
/10
Population: 7,143
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 769 (23rd most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,975 (14th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Quincy: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Quincy, settled in the heart of Florida in Gadsden County, is famed for its agricultural roots and historical significance. However, as we head into 2024, this city has garnered a less favorable reputation. Quincy currently holds the tenth rank for the most dangerous places to live in Florida.
With a population of 7,143, Quincy’s crime rates are alarmingly high. The city reported 55 violent crimes, including 1 murders and 3 rapes.284 property crimes, including 197 burglaries, contribute to its overall crime rate. The resulting figures place Quincy with the 23rd highest violent crime rate and the 14th highest property crime rate in the state.
Crime By City In Florida
| Rank | City | Population | Total Crimes Per 100K | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K | Murders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida City | 11,826 | 8,464 | 2,908 | 5,555 | 3 |
| 2 | Lake City | 12,403 | 6,949 | 1,556 | 5,393 | 2 |
| 3 | Opa Locka | 16,501 | 7,041 | 1,981 | 5,060 | 12 |
| 4 | Miami Beach | 79,031 | 9,631 | 1,074 | 8,557 | 5 |
| 5 | Panama City Beach | 12,703 | 6,982 | 1,031 | 5,951 | 2 |
| 6 | Cocoa | 19,618 | 5,882 | 1,085 | 4,796 | 0 |
| 7 | Perry | 6,865 | 6,016 | 1,019 | 4,996 | 2 |
| 8 | Starke | 5,415 | 4,616 | 1,144 | 3,471 | 2 |
| 9 | Orlando | 310,713 | 4,864 | 835 | 4,028 | 32 |
| 10 | Quincy | 7,143 | 4,745 | 769 | 3,975 | 1 |
| 11 | Live Oak | 6,985 | 4,395 | 830 | 3,564 | 0 |
| 12 | Lake Park | 8,908 | 6,724 | 662 | 6,061 | 0 |
| 13 | Palm Springs | 25,451 | 4,212 | 1,131 | 3,080 | 0 |
| 14 | Sebring | 10,664 | 4,388 | 740 | 3,647 | 3 |
| 15 | West Palm Beach | 113,268 | 4,171 | 761 | 3,409 | 18 |
| 16 | Melbourne | 83,806 | 3,923 | 903 | 3,020 | 8 |
| 17 | Gainesville | 135,076 | 3,952 | 771 | 3,181 | 10 |
| 18 | Leesburg | 24,063 | 4,604 | 660 | 3,943 | 2 |
| 19 | Riviera Beach | 38,554 | 3,869 | 894 | 2,975 | 11 |
| 20 | Fort Lauderdale | 184,347 | 4,784 | 628 | 4,156 | 37 |
| 21 | Marianna | 6,253 | 3,854 | 1,183 | 2,670 | 0 |
| 22 | Dade City | 7,444 | 4,554 | 631 | 3,922 | 1 |
| 23 | Tallahassee | 196,012 | 3,725 | 773 | 2,951 | 24 |
| 24 | Lantana | 12,825 | 3,992 | 670 | 3,321 | 2 |
| 25 | Daytona Beach | 77,130 | 3,603 | 928 | 2,674 | 13 |
| 26 | Ocala | 61,275 | 3,833 | 674 | 3,159 | 3 |
| 27 | Belleview | 5,168 | 4,373 | 580 | 3,792 | 0 |
| 28 | Arcadia | 7,588 | 5,403 | 540 | 4,862 | 1 |
| 29 | Lauderhill | 72,421 | 3,508 | 872 | 2,635 | 7 |
| 30 | Sarasota | 55,380 | 3,802 | 659 | 3,143 | 7 |
| 31 | North Miami | 58,502 | 3,582 | 748 | 2,834 | 6 |
| 32 | Oakland Park | 45,646 | 4,098 | 565 | 3,533 | 3 |
| 33 | Belle Glade | 16,723 | 3,701 | 1,309 | 2,391 | 6 |
| 34 | Brooksville | 9,299 | 3,817 | 612 | 3,204 | 0 |
| 35 | Palatka | 10,599 | 4,028 | 566 | 3,462 | 1 |
| 36 | Panama City | 35,384 | 3,586 | 678 | 2,908 | 1 |
| 37 | Delray Beach | 70,487 | 3,990 | 568 | 3,421 | 5 |
| 38 | Jacksonville | 920,508 | 3,569 | 697 | 2,871 | 140 |
| 39 | Pompano Beach | 113,545 | 3,504 | 737 | 2,767 | 19 |
| 40 | Dania Beach | 32,557 | 3,765 | 623 | 3,142 | 8 |
| 41 | North Miami Beach | 43,273 | 3,443 | 734 | 2,708 | 8 |
| 42 | Pensacola | 53,083 | 3,522 | 616 | 2,906 | 5 |
| 43 | Springfield | 8,044 | 3,257 | 745 | 2,511 | 0 |
| 44 | Wilton Manors | 12,885 | 3,958 | 488 | 3,469 | 0 |
| 45 | Sanford | 60,602 | 3,544 | 579 | 2,965 | 6 |
| 46 | Homestead | 80,633 | 3,210 | 933 | 2,276 | 5 |
| 47 | New Port Richey | 17,249 | 3,229 | 701 | 2,527 | 0 |
| 48 | Miami Gardens | 110,284 | 3,225 | 709 | 2,516 | 18 |
| 49 | Miami Springs | 13,925 | 3,281 | 660 | 2,621 | 0 |
| 50 | St. Petersburg | 257,745 | 3,292 | 629 | 2,663 | 16 |
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Florida for 2024?
Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Florida. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Florida, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Florida.
So what criteria did we use? Have a look:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita
- Property Crimes Per Capita
In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Florida cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 207 cities in Florida.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 207 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Florida — Florida City. Any ties went to the smaller city.
This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Florida and is updated for 2024.
Most Dangerous Places To Live In Florida FAQs
No, Florida is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #22 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Florida ranks 25th most dangerous in the United States — 3.73% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Sunshine State ranks 32nd most dangerous in the United States — 9.46% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.
Yes, Jacksonville is a dangerous city. Jacksonville ranks as the #121 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Jacksonville might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Eagle Bend is the safest in Jacksonville, while 29th And Chase is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.
Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Jacksonville ranks 9highest in America — 26.08% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 127th highest in the United States — 5.23% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Florida
Summary: Locking It All Up In Florida
So what is the most dangerous city in Florida? After analyzing 207 cities in Florida, Florida City takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Florida based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Florida City ranks as the most dangerous city in Florida for 2024.
The most dangerous cities in Florida are .
We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Florida City and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.
What’s the most dangerous city in Florida? The most dangerous city in Florida is Florida City.
If you live in Florida’s safest city, Tequesta, keep enjoying life; but if you don’t, we suggest you take a look at the report below.
Learn more about the safest places in Florida.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.
Here are the safest cities in Florida:
- Bay Harbor Islands (Pop. 5,644)
- Flagler Beach (Pop. 5,361)
- Davenport (Pop. 12,393)
- Tavares (Pop. 20,241)
- Niceville (Pop. 16,345)
- St. Augustine Beach (Pop. 7,100)
- Parkland (Pop. 35,773)
- Weston (Pop. 71,815)
- Sanibel (Pop. 7,511)
- Tequesta (Pop. 6,193)
For more Florida reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Florida
- Cheapest Places To Live In Florida
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Florida
- Safest Places In Florida
- Worst Places To Live In Florida
I think someone at RoadSnacks needs to learn the difference between a crime rate index and “danger.” Totally irresponsible journalism to call a city the “most dangerous” because it might have a higher rate of nonviolent crimes .
Lake Worth government has allegedly been working alongside the local LE agency to fudge the public crime stats, particularly under-reporting crimes and ignoring things all together to drop off the lists and get more revenue.
Don’t fall for it: this town is as awful as ever, and it is only getting worse.
^ What this guy said.
Well, this is crazy, i want to buy a house in bell glade but after i read this, i change my mind. But i keep reading and is look like i was living in a worse place, and un top of that… Now i don’t know, what to do. I mean i have live in Miami Beach for 10 years, and but i read about bell glade oand they talk like a really bad place. Iam from Brooklin, maybe we never talk bad about our city.
Fort Pierce should be on the list.. and the sad part is it’s in a great spot but it’s just unsafe and you will regret every minute you live there. Land and houses are dirt cheap cause people avoid it like the plague. forget trying to have anything nice there… ghetto rats will steal it and one day you will be beaten near death or just murdered over nothing. It’s a wasteland.
I’m in Boston but my plans for 2019 move to Florida thinking about opening a business and buy a house my problem is I don’t really know much about Florida I need a safe area for my kids I’m a mother of 3 girls but after reading this I felt so disappointed don’t know what to do now
Hello, did you end up moving to Florida. If so what part of Florida. I’m thinking about moving there as well.
Too many liberals moving to Florida. State going to the dogs. Where liberals go, crime increases. Go figure. No disrespect intended. Just facts.
Compared to Boston and major cities in the North East, you’re fine in Florida.
Stay put. Florida isn’t good overall. That’s why it’s so cheap. There is no sense of community. Everyone is out for themselves. I lived in NY & TRULY miss the sense of community. The schools are terrible. Health care is worse. Drs are better trained up north.
Hey slick, unless you mean down about an hour drive, there is no drive in movie theater near Lake City that I know of and I lived there well over 10 years up until just over a year ago.
I was afraid to go near Jacksonville. But, yeah, Lake City has become pretty much a dump.
You are ABSOLUTELY 100% incorrectly about Lake Park and would like a retraction or correct your statistics and republish!
Lake Park has only 9,000 residents and your statistics are based on 100,000 people.
You should due your due diligence before you daminish our Town of Lake Park!
I am from Miami there are murders every day here, but they are not all reported. Why, cause of the tourism industry. I keep up with Miami stats I recorded and my records are from local news and friends who live in the city I recorded 153 murders but, Miami only shows 55 that’s a third of the actual stat Miami recorded, Miami is very dangerous so much my wife wont even go to a Dolphins game, and that sucks.
I’m in Boston but my plans for 2019 move to Florida thinking about opening a business and buy a house my problem is I don’t really know much about Florida I need a safe area for my kids I’m a mother of 3 girls but after reading this I felt so disappointed don’t know what to do now./
Please read that above : That’s why is not good to read if you are Stupid. Don’t believe every thing you see or read > its irresponsible to Write this stupid things here, people with weak mind can’t get crazy .
Sis I would stay in Boston! All Florida Really is is a Cornfield; unless you move to the beach, you’ll get good Signal there lol.
dear michael,i sympathize with you but how could it be any worse than boston ,from what i hear. we have good cops here in florida that look out for the weaker in our society, also concealed weapon carriers, good ol boys that are always ready to help someone out.my question to you is,are you able to defend yourself and your daughters no matter where you are. are your girls.could you aid someone else if need be.you can bet that if the girls here,nice as they are, get messed, with they will fight back,hard.and they have legal guns.food for thought.check out brevard county though its pretty nice here except for certain areas .look up the safest places in the state on line.peace
Brevard County is good except Titisville. Avoid big cities, there are always big problems. Get a concealed carry permit.
Research is always the best idea
Opa Locka is not in Pinellas County. It is in/near Miami-Dade County.
Totally incorrect. Where the heck did you get your research? Leesburg is amazing and booming right now.
Opa-locka is in Miami Dade County.
Panama City Beach is very dangerous. Plenty of felons love to the city to escape their past and children. The lowest deadbeat rungs of society. Like David mcentire and his sons, the locust fork stranglers