15 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida 2023: Stay Alert in These Areas

Florida, known for its sunshine and scenic landscapes, harbors cities with contrasting safety profiles. After extensive exploration and analysis, I’ve identified 15 cities notorious for elevated crime rates, urging caution for residents and visitors alike.

Florida City: most dangerous cities in Florida. (Photo: Google)

Diverse Experiences Across Florida

1. Riviera Beach: With a population of 34,674, Riviera Beach struggles with a violent crime rate of 16.72 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 60.84, highlighting safety concerns.
2. Homestead: Home to 70,724 residents, Homestead grapples with a violent crime rate of 15.91 and a property crime rate of 65.33, compounded by socioeconomic challenges.
3. Daytona Beach: Hosting 69,186 residents, Daytona Beach witnesses a violent crime rate of 13.27 and a property crime rate of 64.29, presenting safety challenges amid its tourism.
4. Lauderhill: With a population of 71,868, Lauderhill contends with a violent crime rate of 11.84 and a property crime rate of 50.63, illustrating ongoing safety issues.
5. Pompano Beach: Housing 112,360 residents, Pompano Beach faces a violent crime rate of 10.35 and a property crime rate of 52.18, posing concerns for residents’ safety.
6. Orlando: With a population of 287,442, Orlando confronts a violent crime rate of 9.72 and a property crime rate of 46.92, amid its tourism-driven landscape.
7. Deerfield Beach: Hosting 81,065 residents, Deerfield Beach witnesses a violent crime rate of 9.19 and a property crime rate of 44.67, raising safety concerns despite picturesque views.
8. Jacksonville: As one of Florida’s populous cities, Jacksonville grapples with a violent crime rate of 8.87 and a property crime rate of 42.13, reflecting urban challenges.
9. Gainesville: Hosting 133,997 residents, Gainesville contends with a violent crime rate of 7.55 and a property crime rate of 36.88, marked by its college town ambiance.
10. Lake Worth: With a population of 39,456, Lake Worth faces a violent crime rate of 7.03 and a property crime rate of 38.71, advising caution, especially in northern districts.
11. Tallahassee: Housing 197,212 residents, Tallahassee confronts a violent crime rate of 6.91 and a property crime rate of 38.01, reflecting safety concerns amid educational prominence.
12. Lake City: Despite its smaller population of 12,112, Lake City suffers from a violent crime rate of 6.52 and a property crime rate of 35.09, warranting vigilance.
13. Cocoa: Hosting 19,028 residents, Cocoa grapples with a violent crime rate of 5.88 and a property crime rate of 32.18, urging caution due to its crime statistics.
14. Florida City: With a population of 12,034, Florida City faces a violent crime rate of 5.43 and a property crime rate of 28.75, emphasizing its challenges amid its smaller size.
15. Sanford: Recently witnessing an officer-involved shooting, Sanford stands at a violent crime rate of 817 per 100,000 residents, highlighting its safety concerns.

Exploring these cities revealed varying safety levels, urging awareness of local conditions and highlighting the need for community efforts to enhance public safety.