Most Dangerous Cities in Florida

When you’re choosing a city to visit or live in, safety is always a top priority. This is especially true when you are considering cities in Florida.

So, I decided to take an in-depth look at the 10 most dangerous cities in Florida and what makes them so unsafe. From high crime rates to poor law enforcement, these areas present a variety of risks to the public.

So, let’s take a closer look at Florida’s most unsafe cities and how you can protect yourself if you choose to visit them.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida

10 Tallahassee

Welcome to Tallahassee – the bustling capital of Florida with a population of 196,169 residents. Apart from the universities that attract young students, you can find plenty to do, like exploring green parks and visiting museums.

If you’re deciding on living in Tallahassee…

Then you will be happy to know that the average housing cost is quite affordable compared to other cities of its size across the US. Making it an attractive option for many. However, it also has a high crime rate of 7.82 per 1000 residents for violent crimes and 30.97 for property crimes. This makes up for almost a third of all reported incidents in this region!

It is advised to always remain vigilant and keep your belongings safe if you’re walking around at night due to the high unemployment rate (5.1%) and poverty rate (27.1%). 

9 Lake City

Lake City in Florida is an ideal place to retire, thanks to its relatively low population and tranquil atmosphere. It’s one of the safest cities when it comes to hurricanes, with a hurricane score of zero.

Unfortunately, though, despite the low residential numbers, Lake City sees its fair share of crime. With a violent crime rate coming in at 15.74 per 1000 residents and a higher property crime rate of 54.42 per 1000 residents.

Even more concerning is the robbery rate, which translates to one in fourteen chances of becoming a victim. Making it one of the top places for criminal activity in all of Florida. Women, especially those out after dark, should take extra care here!

8 Orlando

Orlando is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios drawing crowds, there are a lot of exciting things to do in this city.

What lies beneath…

But beneath its beautiful surface lies an area with a population of 307,573, a violent crime rate of 8.28, and a 36.80 property crime rate per 1000 residents, respectively. The poverty rate is also pretty high at 19.1%, while the unemployment rate is only 2%.

One thing tourists must be aware of when visiting Orlando is theft. With so many people visiting, it is easy for opportunists to target them. To stay safe, always stay within busy areas full of other tourists and make sure not to purchase tickets from any unverified source whenever going to theme parks.

7 Panama City

Panama City may look tranquil, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning outdoor activities, but make no mistake. This is one of the most dangerous places to visit in Florida. With a violent crime rate of 9.26 per 1000 residents and a property crime rate of 44.32 per 1000, you won’t want to leave your valuables out in plain sight! 

Plus, the poverty rate is quite high in specific areas like Colon, Bastimentos Island, and Avenida Central. Meaning the risk of robberies or other criminal activity is even greater in those areas. Stay safe by keeping an eye on your possessions. And watch out for any suspicious activity if you’re out after dark.

6 Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is an iconic destination known for its car racing and stunning beaches. It’s usually first thought of as a great place to visit in Florida. But Daytona Beach is, unfortunately, one of the most hazardous cities in the Sunshine State, with a violent crime rate of 9.99 and a property crime rate of 29.73 per 1000 residents. 

1/8 chance of falling prey…

Yes, with these statistics, there is nearly a one in eighty-eight chance to be a victim of some form of a crime if you are visiting or living here. Unfortunately, the poverty and unemployment rate remains high at 20.54% and 7.1%, respectively. Resulting in many people resorting to criminal activities. Be aware when visiting Daytona Beach, and remember that safety always comes first!

5 Riviera Beach

With a population of 37,604 people, this cozy city has plenty to offer in terms of shopping and outdoor recreation, with many parks dotting the landscape. Health and education are also quite good here. But despite this, residents have a one in 23 chance of becoming violent or property crime victims, according to figures that show an 11.41 violent crime rate and 31.30 property crime rate per 1000 residents.

Factor in its 20.04% poverty rate and 6.6% unemployment rate, and it is clear why you should be careful when visiting.

4 Homestead

Situated in the Miami-Dade County area, Homestead boasts beautiful houses and a demographic that is diverse in age. Though it is an ideal spot for families and retirees alike looking for a quieter life away from the hustle of downtown living, Homestead is also one of the more dangerous cities in Florida. 

With crime rates significantly higher than in other cities in the state, it’s no wonder residents recommend living further in northwest parts of the city if relocating here.

5 Perry

Perry may have an inviting atmosphere during the day, but it looks a lot different at night. With 11 violent and nearly 50 property crimes reported per 1000 residents, Perry packs quite a punch when it comes to crime and safety.

But there’s more…

The poverty rate in Perry is double the state’s average, while unemployment sits at 5.5%. Unfortunately, this makes Perry one of Florida’s most dangerous cities, so it pays to stay vigilant if you decide to visit.

2 Cocoa 

Cocoa is a small city with a population of 19,041 in the heart of Brevard County.

Home to Cocoa village, a haven for tourists looking to shop and dine, Cocoa beach is just nine miles away. Giving locals the perfect excuse for a weekend escape.

But don’t let the tropical weather fool you. Hot summers and short winters – it has its dangers too! Crime in Cocoa is high, with an 11.24 per 1000 rate of violent crime and a 57.82 per 1000 rate of property crime. So be sure to take precautions against larceny and burglary if you plan to visit or live in this area!

1 Opa-Locka

Welcome to Opa-Locka, the city with a great collection of Moorish Revival Architecture, but that is not all. Sadly, this city also has some of the most alarming crime and poverty statistics in Florida.

Through the roof…

Property crimes and violent crimes are both through the roof here, with a one in 14 chance of individuals actually being affected by either. To make matters worse, residents are faced with a dire lack of job and education opportunities here as well.

The only “safe haven” in the city seems to be located in its northern parts, where the chances of being part of a crime scene are slightly lower than elsewhere.

So, whatever you do, make sure you stay safe while visiting!

How to Keep Safe When Visiting Florida?

Most people love visiting Florida, but there are certain cities that you should be extra cautious of. And hopefully, our list has raised your awareness of those troublesome areas.

Whether it is day or night, it pays to be vigilant…

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t let yourself be distracted by things like cell phones. This increases your risk of being a victim of crime.

Safety in Numbers

If possible, travel with a friend or family member who can help keep an eye on you. If you cannot visit with a friend, set up a tracking system that allows someone to follow your progress.

The More, the Merrier

Try to stay in more populated areas and, if possible, book rooms in hotels that have safety measures in place, such as cameras and security guards. 

Do Your Research

Also, make sure to research the areas you plan on visiting so that you are well aware of any potential dangers.

Anti Theft

Use an anti-theft backpack with a built-in security lock. The bags have a lockable zipper so that you don’t have to worry about your belongings being stolen. 

Self Defence

Always carry a form of legal self-defense, like pepper spray, but don’t use it unless absolutely necessary. 

Keep Your Close Contacts Informed

Make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan on coming back so that they can check in on you if necessary. 

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, if you feel unsafe or like something isn’t quite right, trust your gut and find somewhere else to go. Safety is always the number one priority. So don’t spend ages wondering if your instincts are off. Get out of there. Better safe than sorry.

Follow these tips, and you should have a pleasant and safe visit to Florida’s cities!

How to Keep Your Florida Home Safe?

But what if you already live in a city with a high crime rate? There are some steps you can take to ensure your home is safe and secure. 

Invest in the Tech

Install a security system that has cameras, sensors, and alarms. This will deter burglars and notify you if someone attempts to break in. 

Lock it up Tight

Make sure all your doors and windows are fitted with locks and that they are kept locked at all times. 

Visibility

Invest in outside lighting around your home, and make sure to keep it on at night. This will help to deter criminals as they don’t want to be seen.

Added Extras

Add bars or grates to your windows if needed. This is especially important for ground-level windows or those in vulnerable areas. 

Don’t Advertise

Finally, keep your valuables well out of sight and secure them if possible.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your home and family safer in a city with a high crime rate. 

Thinking of Relocating to Florida?

Then why not take a look at the Safest Places to Live in Florida? Or maybe you’d also be interested in the Safest Cities in Texas or the Cheapest Places to Live in California in 2023?

Want to transfer through your job?

Then our full guides to the Walmart Transfer Policy or Amazon’s Transfer Policy may be relevant to you. But if you’re going to need to secure work in Florida from scratch, this is another area where we can really help you! Read the very latest information on How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job, these Best LinkedIn Headline Examples For Job Seekers, as well as LinkedIn Cold Messages: How to Reach Out About a Job.

Finally, if you’re really just here because you’re fascinated with the sorry state of crime in US cities, then don’t miss our latest reports on the 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago and the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC!

Ok, back to today’s Florida crime report…

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, the cities of Florida have some of the highest crime rates in the country. From Opa-Locka to Cocoa to Lake City, these cities can be very dangerous places. But with a few precautions, you can stay safe while visiting or living there.

Moreover, understanding where crime is likely to occur and how to protect yourself can help keep you out of harm’s way.

So, keep these tips in mind and stay safe!