10 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida in 2025 to Watch Out For

Florida may be known for its sunshine and sandy beaches, but not every city is a vacationer’s paradise. Some places have a bit more… excitement. And by excitement, we mean crime rates that make you clutch your purse a little tighter.

From skyrocketing violent incidents to neighborhoods where even the streetlights seem nervous, certain cities in the Sunshine State have earned a reputation for being less than safe.

Of course, every place has its good and bad areas, but if you’re planning a visit—or move—it might help to know where the risks are higher.

Curious about where things get sketchy after dark? Here’s a closer look at Florida’s most dangerous cities in 2025.

Crime Data in Florida Cities

10. Tallahassee – 5.18 per 1000 People

Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, has a violent crime rate of 5.18 per 1000 residents as NeighborhoodScout states, coupled with high property crime rates.

It was enough for it to find a place on our list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the state.

These statistics place Tallahassee above the state level, highlighting it as a city with notable safety concerns.

The city faces a range of challenges that contribute to its crime rates. Economic disparities, including high poverty levels and unemployment rates, play a crucial role in fostering an environment where crime can thrive.

Social issues such as lack of access to quality education and healthcare further exacerbate the problem, creating a cycle of disadvantage and criminal activity.

Fiscal Year 2024 Decrease

According to Tallahassee Reports, The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) announced a 15.5% reduction in violent crime during Fiscal Year 2024 compared to 2023.

Gun-Related Injuries and Fatalities in 2024

In 2024, there were 76 individuals injured or killed by gunfire in Tallahassee, reflecting a decline from previous years, as WCTV reports.

9. Lauderhill – 3.58 per 1000 People

According to CityData, Lauderhill has a violent crime rate of 3.58 per 1000 residents, with rising crime rates over the past few years. The city faces significant risks of violent crime compared to the state average.

The economic and social challenges in Lauderhill contribute to its high crime rates. Efforts to address these issues include community-based programs and increased law enforcement presence.

Elevated Property Crime

AreaVibes reports indicate that the city experiences a property crime rate of about 2,457 incidents per 100,000 people, indicating a higher-than-average risk for offenses such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Socioeconomic Factors

CBS News reports that local officials, including Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn, have identified poverty and domestic issues as root causes of the city’s gun violence and broader crime problems.

Efforts are underway to address these underlying issues through community programs.

Comparative Crime Rates

City-Data research showed that when compared to neighboring cities, Lauderhill’s crime index is higher than 91.9% of U.S. cities, underscoring the severity of its crime situation.

8. Lake Worth Beach – 6.39 per 1000 People

Lake Worth Beach has a violent crime rate of 6.39 per 1000 residents, which can be seen in a report done by AreaVibes.

While crime rates have been declining recently, they remain high, particularly in the northern neighborhoods, which up the statistic helping it to make a list of the most dangerous cities in Florida.

Economic and social factors contribute to the crime rates in Lake Worth Beach. Efforts to improve safety include community policing strategies and initiatives to address underlying social issues.

Violent Crime Rate

According to Neighborhoodscout, the city’s violent crime rate stands at 8.72 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than both the Florida state average of 3.8 and the national average of 4.0.

Property Crime Rate

Neighborhoodscout also reported that property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, occur at a rate of 26.65 per 1,000 residents in Lake Worth Beach.

Murder Rate

Statistics also show that the city experiences a higher murder rate compared to many other U.S. communities, with 5 reported cases, translating to a rate of 0.12 per 1,000 residents.

7. Orlando – 8.53 per 1000 People

Orlando has a violent crime rate of 8.53 per 1000 residents which is noted in Worldmetrics report. While Orlando crime rate has seen a slight increase in recent years, efforts are being made to reduce crime and improve safety, but it still remains one of the most dangerous cities in America.

Overall Crime Reduction Throughout 2024

In 2024, Orlando experienced an 18% decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year, as Fox35 Orlando reported.

Decline in Violent Crime

Fox35 Orlando also reported that the city saw a 10% reduction in violent crimes, underscoring the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies.

Homicide Statistics Showed Very Positive Turnaround for the City

There was a notable 40% decrease in homicides, with the number dropping from 38 in 2023 to 23 in 2024. The department achieved a 96% clearance rate for these cases.

 

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6. Riviera Beach – 9.00 per 1000 People

Riviera Beach stands out with an extremely high violent crime rate, which is at 9.00 crimes per 1000 residents, particularly its murder rate, which is seven times the national average.

Murder Rate

Riviera Beach reported eight murders in 2023, equating to a rate of 0.21 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the national average of 0.06 per 1,000, as Neighborhoodscout reports.

Historical Comparison

Over the past decade, the city averaged 10 to 11 homicides annually, CBS12 reports. In 2023, this number decreased to seven, indicating a downward trend in homicides.

5. Daytona Beach – 9.21 per 1000 People

Daytona Beach has a violent crime rate of 9.21 per 1000 residents and high property crime rates.

Known for its spring break parties and race track, the city attracts many tourists, contributing to its high crime rates.

The influx of visitors during peak seasons creates a challenging environment for maintaining public safety.

Recent Crime Trends

According to ClickOrlando, in 2024, Daytona Beach experienced a 50% reduction in violent crimes compared to previous years.

Law Enforcement Initiatives

To combat crime, the Daytona Beach Police Department has implemented advanced technologies, including an AI gun detection system, to enhance public safety.

Sources state that the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) was established to proactively address violent crime in the area.

4. Lake City – 10.44 per 1000 People

Lake City has a violent crime rate of 10.44 per 1000 residents. This alarming rate significantly exceeds both state and national averages, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Florida.

The city’s high poverty rate is a major contributing factor, creating an environment where crime can thrive. According to DataUsa, the poverty rate is at 22.9%.

Residents and visitors alike face a significant risk of encountering violent crimes such as assault and robbery.

The economic challenges in Lake City exacerbate the crime problem, as limited job opportunities and inadequate social services fail to provide a stable foundation for the community.

Efforts to address these issues have been ongoing, but the high crime rate remains a pressing concern.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes are also prevalent in Lake City. According to Neighborhoodscout, the rate is 46 per 1,000 residents, indicating a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to crimes like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, or arson.

Overall Crime Rate

Statistics also show that Lake City has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. The combined rate of violent and property crimes stands at 57 per 1,000 residents, meaning residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim.

3. Miami Beach – 10.62 per 1000 People

Miami Beach has a violent crime rate of 10.62 per 1000 residents.

The city is frequently targeted for robberies, car break-ins, and assaults, particularly affecting tourists and partygoers. Its vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions make it a hotspot for criminal and drug activity.

The high crime rates in Miami Beach are partly due to its large influx of visitors, which creates opportunities for criminal activity, as you can see when you take a good look at the most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami.

Efforts to improve safety include increased police patrols in tourist areas and public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about potential risks.

Overview of Miami Beach Crime Rates

Miami Beach has a notably high crime rate compared to national averages. According to Neighborhoodscout, the city experiences approximately 95 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the nation.

Residents face a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.

Recent Trends in Crime Rates

Recent data indicates an upward trend in crime rates. AreaVibes reports a 31.8% increase in overall crime year-over-year in Miami Beach. Violent crimes have risen by 27.1%, while property crimes have surged by 32.4%.

2. Cocoa – 10.89 per 1000 People

With a violent crime rate of 10.89 per 1000 residents, Cocoa is among the most dangerous cities in Florida. Burglaries and assaults are particularly prevalent, contributing to the city’s reputation for crime.

Located near Cape Canaveral, Cocoa’s crime rates overshadow the area’s significance as a hub for space exploration.

The high crime rates in Cocoa are driven by various factors, including economic hardship and a lack of community cohesion.

Initiatives to reduce crime have focused on enhancing law enforcement presence and community engagement.

Decrease in Overall Crime Rate

According to Space Coast Daily, between January 1 and July 21, 2024, Cocoa experienced a 17% reduction in total reported offenses compared to the same period in 2023.

This decline encompasses both violent and property crimes.

Historical Crime Trends

Under the leadership of Chief Evander Collier IV, Cocoa has observed a consistent decline in crime rates since 2021.

In 2021, there was an 11.1% overall reduction in crime compared to 2020, with violent crimes decreasing by 17.3% and property crimes by 8.1%.

The downward trend continued with a 4.1% decrease in 2022 and a 4.0% reduction in 2023.

1. Florida City – 17.87 per 1000 People – Most Dangerous City in Florida

Florida City tops the list of the most dangerous cities in Florida. According to NeighborhoodScout, the violent crime rate is currently at 17.87 crimes per 1000 residents.

Over the past decade, crime rates have been rising, making it the state’s most dangerous city. The city’s residents face significant risks compared to both state and national averages.

Economic challenges and social issues contribute to the high crime rates in Florida and Florida City.

Efforts to improve safety have included increased law enforcement presence, improved police funding, and community-based programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime.

Florida city easily has one of the highest crime rate in US.

Overview of Florida City’s Crime Rate

Florida City, with a population of approximately 12,582 residents, has a notably high crime rate.

According to Neighborhoodscout, the overall crime rate is 88 per 1,000 residents, meaning individuals have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.

The Link Between Tourism and Crime

Tourism is a vital component of Florida’s economy, significantly contributing to its GDP. At the same time, that made some of its cities extremely dangerous.

Florida City is a perfect example of how a small tourist town can become one of the most dangerous cities in Florida.

On the other side, we can see that some coastal towns have remained among the safest cities in Florida, like Marco Island, or Weston.

With its sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2023, the state welcomed more than 140 million visitors, according to the stats presented by the state’s Governor Ron DeSantis.

However, this influx of tourists brings with it certain challenges, including a notable increase in crime rates in popular tourist destinations.

Tourist areas in Florida often experience higher crime rates compared to non-tourist regions. Tourists are frequently targeted for theft, scams, and other crimes due to their unfamiliarity with the area and the perception that they carry valuable items and cash.

Moreover, the behavior of tourists, who may be more relaxed and less vigilant while on vacation, can contribute to higher rates of victimization.

The presence of large crowds and the transient nature of tourist populations can create opportunities for disorderly conduct and other public safety issues.

One of the significant challenges in addressing the link between crime and tourism in Florida is the lack of detailed crime data that distinguishes between incidents involving tourists and those involving locals.

Most existing surveys and crime reports do not adequately compare crime rates between these two groups, making it difficult to develop targeted policies and interventions.

The gap in data collection hinders the ability of law enforcement and policymakers to accurately assess the impact of tourism on crime rates and to implement effective measures to protect both residents and visitors.

To address these issues, improved data collection and analysis are essential. Developing reliable measures that distinguish between crimes affecting tourists and residents can help inform more effective policies and strategies.

For instance, destination management companies (DMCs) in Florida can adopt preventative measures such as increasing police presence in high-tourist areas, implementing community policing initiatives, and providing tourists with information on how to stay safe.

Despite the official stats, we can see that several journalists stated that they are not sure whether the governor, Ron DeSantis, was honest when he said that the crime rate is currently at an all-time low.

Enhanced collaboration between local law enforcement agencies, tourism boards, and the hospitality industry can also play a crucial role in mitigating crime and ensuring the safety of both tourists and local communities.

Methodology

For analysis of crime rates in Florida, I rely on the crime data annually published by the different sources like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes, who use data collected from government sources. This data is released in two key segments: a preliminary overview focused on the nation’s largest cities, followed by a detailed year-end report.

In pursuing a nuanced examination, our study predominantly concentrated on the state of Florida to get a more rounded state-wide perspective.

Summary

In examining the ten most dangerous cities in Florida for 2024, it becomes clear that each city faces unique challenges related to crime.

High rates of violent and property crimes in these areas pose significant risks to both residents and visitors.

Factors such as economic disparities, social issues, and inadequate resources contribute to the high crime rates in these cities.

Despite these challenges, various initiatives are underway to improve safety and address the root causes of crime.

Community policing, economic development programs, and social support services play crucial roles in these efforts.

References

• neighborhoodscout.com – Tallahassee, FL Crime Rates
• neighborhoodscout.com – Lake Worth Beach, FL Crime Rates
• neighborhoodscout.com – Riviera Beach, FL Crime Rates
• neighborhoodscout.com – Lake City, FL Crime Rates
• neighborhoodscout.com – Miami Beach, FL Crime Rates
• neighborhoodscout.com – Florida City, FL Crime Rates
• tallahasseereports.com – TPD: Violent Crime Down 15.5% in FY2024
• wctv.tv – Fewer people were injured or killed by gunfire in Tallahassee this year than in 2023, recent data shows
• city-data.com – Crime rate in Lauderhill, Florida (FL)
• areavibes.com – Lauderhill, FL Crime Rates
• areavibes.com – Lake Worth, FL Crime Rates
• areavibes.com – Miami Beach, FL Crime Rates
• cbsnews.com – Lauderhill commissioner believes poverty is a root cause of gun violence in her city
• fox35orlando.com – Orlando Police report 2024 crime decline, according to latest statistics
• cbs12.com – Riviera Beach reaches lowest homicide rate in year of 2023
• news-journalonline.com – Daytona Beach has to get over its identity crisis before any real change can occur
• clickorlando.com – Daytona Beach police look to use AI Gun detection system
• spacecoastdaily.com – COCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT: Data Shows Violent Crime Has Decreased by 14% Since Last Year