Florida is called the “Sunshine State” because it has sunny weather and beautiful beaches, making it a popular spot for tourists who want to enjoy the sun. However, all that shines is not gold. Some cities in Florida are worth reconsidering before visiting.
If you’re planning to visit the state, it’s important to know which cities are the most dangerous in Florida. This way, you can make informed decisions about where to go and where to avoid.
In this article, we will break down the best and worst cities in Florida, explain why they are considered dangerous or safe, and also give you useful tips for visiting those areas.
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Is Florida Safe? What You Need to Know About Crime
If you’re looking for a quick answer, there isn’t one. Florida’s safety can vary a lot depending on where you are and we need to consider all angles to be unbiased.
Some cities have low crime rates, while others struggle with high crime. For instance, Marco Island is the safest city in Florida, with just 4.97 crimes per 1,000 residents. In contrast, Lake City has the highest crime rate, with 77.59 crimes per 1,000. Similarly, Florida City, near the Everglades, is one of the most violent cities not just in Florida, but in the country. 1 in 38 residents there has a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, especially carjackings.
Despite some concerning numbers, Florida ranks 26th in the U.S. for the lowest violent crime rate, with an average of 25.38 crimes per 1,000 residents. So, if we were to answer the question: is Florida safe? For the most part, yes, but travelers need to choose their destinations carefully.
To stay safe in Florida, it’s important to check crime rates for the specific area and take basic precautions.
These Are The Most Dangerous Cities In Florida
Some cities in Florida have higher crime rates than others, so it’s a good idea to be aware of them before visiting. Here are the most dangerous cities in Florida:
Florida City
This small town in Florida has one of the highest violent crime rates, with about 2,909 crimes for every 100,000 people. This is much higher than the average for the state. One of the reasons for this is poverty, as many people in the town live below the poverty line, which can contribute to higher crime rates.
Miami Beach
While popular for its hectic nightlife and amazing beaches, it’s also a place where crimes like robberies and assaults happen quite often, especially to tourists. In many busy tourist areas, Miami Beach does have serious crime problems, with about 1,074 incidents per 100,000, mainly small thefts and non-violent offenses. This makes it one of the most dangerous parts of Miami, Florida.
Photo by Marc Fanelli-Isla on Unsplash
When visiting the beautiful yet sometimes dangerous Florida, it’s important to take precautions for your safety.
One way to stay safe in areas where security may be a concern is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you can easily access real-time local information and stay in contact with friends or emergency services, all without needing Wi-Fi.
Stay connected and prepared, no matter where you are in Florida.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is famous for its theme parks like Walt Disney World, but it also has a higher-than-average violent crime rate, with about 860.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This means visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and take safety precautions while exploring the city.
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Statistics show that areas near major theme parks tend to have more street crimes like robberies and assaults. This means that visitors should be cautious in these areas, keep their belongings secure, and avoid poorly lit or quiet areas at night.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is not only famous for spring break and for the Daytona 500, but also for having a high rate of property crimes (like theft) and violent crimes (such as assaults). About 725 violent crimes happen for every 100,000 residents. This means that both locals and tourists might be at risk of becoming victims of crime while visiting.
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Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, struggles with theft and assault crimes, especially near universities. To the extent that Florida State University (FSU) keeps a public log of crimes around the campus, so people can stay updated on what’s happening. The crime rate in the city is a concern for both people living there and visitors.
Property crimes, like car thefts and burglaries, have been rising lately, with a noticeable increase in break-ins at businesses.
Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, Florida, has a history of high violent crime. In 2021, there were 62.2 violent crimes per 1,000 people, which is much higher than the U.S. average of 22.7. However, crime decreased by 24% in 2022, reaching its lowest statistic in 31 years.
Even so, not every area of the city is equally dangerous. Some neighborhoods, like the southwest, are safer, while others, especially in the southeast, have more crime incidents. It’s important to be cautious and aware of which areas you’re visiting.
Lake City
Lake City, Florida, has a very high violent crime rate (1,547 violent crimes per 100,000 residents), nearly four times higher than the state average. This is partly due to the city’s high poverty rate, with around 30% of its 12,000 residents living below the poverty line.
The city faces problems like limited job opportunities and poor economic conditions, which eventually lead to higher crime rates. With fewer opportunities and tough living conditions, people often turn to crime.
Practical Tips to Stay Safe in Florida’s Worst Cities
To stay safe in Florida’s cities with higher crime rates, consider these practical tips:
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Notice the people nearby and watch for anything that seems strange or unusual.
- Go with Others: Stay safe by sticking with friends or family when going out at night. Being in a group makes it less likely that something bad will happen.
- Avoid Dark Alleys: Walk on well-lit streets and avoid dark alleys to stay safer and reduce the risk of crime.
- Protect Your Valuables: Keep your valuables hidden and hold your bag close to you. Don’t wear expensive jewelry that might draw unwanted attention.
- Lock Your Car: Always keep your car doors locked, even when you’re driving. Before getting in, check the back seat to make sure no one is hiding there.
- Plan Your Route: Before you go out, check which areas might be unsafe. Look at local crime maps to see the latest updates.
- Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Leave the place or ask someone for help.
- Using an eSIM card: It’s important to keep your phone nearby in case something goes wrong and to have access to mobile data so you can reach emergency contacts or family quickly. Use a Yoho Mobile eSIM, especially if you’re in a city where safety could be a concern. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Safest Cities In Florida in 2025
Here are some of the safest cities in Florida to live and visit in 2025:
- Sweetwater: is considered the safest city in Florida because it has very little crime. The city has a lot of police officers working to keep people safe, and the community values safety as a top priority.
- Marco Island: is a city in Florida known for being very safe, with just 4.97 crimes reported for every 1,000 people. It’s located on the Gulf Coast and offers a peaceful environment.
- Naples: Naples is a safe place to live and travel to, with one of the lowest crime rates. It’s a popular choice for families and older people looking for a peaceful atmosphere. The city also has beautiful beaches to enjoy.
- Key Biscayne: Key Biscayne is a small, safe island community known for having strong safety measures in place. It has a close, friendly neighborhood with very little crime, which makes it an attractive place to live.
- Coral Gables: Close to Miami, Coral Gables is safe and family-friendly. The city is known for its charming architecture and community engagement.
- Satellite Beach: Located near Daytona Beach, Satellite Beach also has a low crime rate. The town is quiet and peaceful, but it’s also close to fun things to do, like outdoor activities.
These cities are safe for both residents and visitors alike, which makes them great places to live or visit in Florida without having to worry about crime.
What Do These Cities Have in Common
What makes one city safer than another? Are there common factors that affect safety, either positively or negatively? Absolutely. Florida’s safest cities, for example, are safe due to a few key characteristics that help keep crime rates low. Some of these factors include:
- Low Crime Rates: These cities have very little crime. For example, places like Marco Island and Key Biscayne have very few crimes compared to the number of people living there.
- Economic Stability: These areas have strong, steady economies, and their property values tend to be high. A stable economy can often lead to less crime.
- Family-Oriented Communities: Many of these cities focus on creating environments suitable for families. This includes access to good schools, parks, and community activities that bring neighbors together.
- Well-Funded Local Law Enforcement: These cities invest in their law enforcement agencies to make sure their police departments have the tools and resources they need. This helps them prevent crime and handle emergencies quickly, making the city safer for everyone.
What Florida Is Doing to Make Cities Safer for Everyone
Florida is working on several measures to make its cities safer. Here are some initiatives:
Community Programs: Cities like St. Petersburg offer crime prevention programs, such as helping people secure their homes and cars to prevent theft and burglary.
Neighborhood Watch: In places like Orlando, residents work together in programs to watch out for suspicious activity and report it, helping everyone feel safer.
Youth Engagement: The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has programs to connect young people with law enforcement, aiming to reduce juvenile crime and build positive relationships.
Safe Streets Initiatives: Events like the Safe Streets Summit focus on improving road safety and encouraging community involvement to make streets safer.
Florida hopes to make its cities safer for everyone by getting communities involved, educating residents, and working with law enforcement.
Florida Worst Cities FAQs
Why do poverty and crime go hand in hand in the worst cities?
Poverty and crime go hand in hand for several reasons. When people face financial struggles, they may turn to crime to meet basic needs like food and shelter. A lack of education and job opportunities can make crime seem like a way to earn money. Poverty also often leads to social isolation and weak community support, which makes it easier for crime to happen. Additionally, systemic inequalities make it harder for people in poverty to improve their situation, trapping them in a cycle that can involve crime.
What is the most dangerous city in Florida?
Florida City is considered the most dangerous city in Florida, with the highest crime rate in Florida, 17.87 per 1,000 residents. This means that violent crimes occur more frequently in relation to the number of people living there.
Other cities, like Lake City and Belle Glade, also have high crime rates, both for violence and property crimes. These high crime rates are linked to economic difficulties in these areas, which may contribute to the problems.
What are Florida’s safest cities from environmental catastrophes like hurricanes?
These are the 10 safest cities in Florida when it comes to hurricanes:
- Leesburg
- Orlando
- Sanford
- Kissimmee
- Palatka
6 Lake City - Naples
- Ocala
- Gainesville
- Fernandina Beach
These cities are either farther from the coast or less likely to be hit directly by hurricanes. They tend to experience fewer hurricanes and have better systems to deal with the damage from storms. This makes them safer options for people who want to avoid the worst effects of hurricanes in Florida.
Is Lake City Florida safe?
No, Lake City, Florida, is not considered very safe due to its high crime rate. Lake City, Florida, has a high crime rate, which makes it less safe for residents. There’s about a 1 in 96 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 21 chance of experiencing property crime.
The city faces challenges with both types of crime, and compared to other towns of a similar size, it doesn’t do well in terms of safety. While local authorities are working on improving safety, crime is still a major concern for people living in Lake City.
What is the safest town in Florida?
Marco Island is the safest town in Florida because it has a very low crime rate, with less than 100 crimes happening each year. There have been no murders reported, making it a secure place to live. Other towns with low crime rates include Parkland and Weston, which also prioritize community safety. People living in these areas feel secure and at ease.
Is Diamond Ocala dangerous?
Ocala, Florida has a high crime rate, which makes safety a concern for people living there. The city has 34 crimes for every 1,000 people. The risk of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 189, and the risk of property crime is higher, at about 1 in 35. When compared to other cities, Ocala has more crime, so safety is a bigger issue.