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Known as the Sunshine State, Florida has a lot to offer its residents and the thousands of people who come to visit from around the world every year. With hundreds of miles of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, bustling cities like Miami and Orlando, plus the opportunity to explore the wild Everglades, there is a lot to admire about Florida. However, many people wonder how safe it is to live in or visit the state. Learning about the Florida crime rate by city can help.

Florida Crime Rates Overall

Compared to national crime rates, Florida has lower rates of both property crime and violent crime. The national average for violent crime is four out of every 1,000 people, and it is 20.7 out of every 1,000 people for property crime. In Florida, the violent crime rate is 3.2 out of 1,000 people and 19.4 out of 1,000 people for property crime. The severe consequences of many crimes in Florida are intended to deter potential perpetrators from committing these offenses.

These statistics make it surprising that many Floridians do not feel safe in their state. According to a survey from the same source, 53% of Floridians report a high level of concern about their safety on a daily basis. The types of crimes that Florida residents worry about are varied and include:

• Violent crime, with 54% of respondents being concerned that they might become victims
• Property crime, with 55% citing it as an issue that worries them
• Gun violence, with 68% of those surveyed expressing anxiety about this crime
• Package theft, with 65% being concerned about this offense happening to them

While the Florida crime rate is lower than national averages, there could be some validity to residents’ concerns regarding gun violence. In 2023, there were 30 mass shooting events in Florida. Additionally, 42% of people who participated in the survey reported carrying a firearm for personal safety. Based on these statistics, firearms have a strong presence within the state of Florida, as the expressed concerns of many Floridians have encouraged them to acquire their own firearms in response to potential threats.

The Safest Cities in Florida

According to the latest available data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, the top five safest cities in Florida are as follows:

• Marco Island
• Sunny Isles Beach
• Doral
• Kissimmee
• Largo

In 2024, Marco Island had a violent crime rate of just 0.8 out of 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 5.2 per every 1,000 people. While Marco Island appears to be one of the safest places to live in Florida, based on these statistics, the cost of living there is 62% higher than the national average, according to one local news report.

The Most Dangerous Cities in Florida

The most recent data available from the FBI shows the top seven cities in Florida with the highest number of reported violent crimes, which are as follows:

• Fort Lauderdale, with 1,098
• Jacksonville, with 5,866
• Miami, with 2,850
• Orlando, with 2,157
• St. Petersburg, with 1,594
• Tallahassee, with 1,359
• Tampa, with 1,622

These cities also had significantly higher levels of reported property crimes, including:

• Fort Lauderdale, with 9,082
• Jacksonville, with 30,088
• Miami, with 17,624
• Orlando, with 14,100
• St. Petersburg, with 8,592
• Tallahassee, with 7,763
• Tampa, with 6,523

Of all the cities in Florida, Jacksonville has the highest number of property crime incidents, significantly surpassing everywhere else within the state. Jacksonville has over 909,000 people, making it the most populated city in Florida. This can explain a large number of property crimes, as it has nearly twice the inhabitants of the second most populated city, which is Miami.

FAQs

Q: What City in Florida Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: The city in Florida that has the lowest crime rate is Marco Island. According to the latest available FBI data, Marco Island had a property crime rate of 5.2 per every 1,000 people and a violent crime rate of .8 per every 1,000 people in 2024. Marco Island is a beach community located south of Naples on the Gulf Coast of Florida, with a population of 16,137 people. Its beaches and resorts make it a popular tourist destination.

Q: How Is Florida Ranked in Crime?

A: Florida ranks in the 25th position for violent crime across the United States, according to one report. Gun violence is a significant problem in Florida, with a recorded 30 mass shootings within the state in 2023.

Florida gun laws are relatively relaxed compared to many other states. In 2023, the governor of Florida signed House Bill 543, which allows individuals to carry concealed guns without a permit. This is known as Constitutional Carry.

Q: What Is the Safest City in Florida to Visit?

A: The safest city in Florida to visit is Marco Island, followed by Sunny Isles Beach, Doral, Kissimmee, and Largo. All five cities are located on or near the water and boast a range of unique attractions that make them desirable places to visit. However, it’s always important to take steps to protect your personal safety and property when visiting any city, no matter how low the crime rate might be in that area.

Q: What City Has the Highest Crime Rate in FL?

A: The city with the highest crime rate in Florida, according to statistics from the FBI, is Jacksonville. With more than 30,000 incidents of property crimes and 5,866 incidents of violent crimes, based on the FBI report, Jacksonville has a significantly higher crime rate than most other cities in Florida. Jacksonville is also the most heavily populated city in Florida, with more than 909,000 residents.

Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., Is a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a crime in Florida, it’s important to obtain legal representation from an attorney who has experience in criminal defense cases. Whether the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor, Mr. Raudt has in-depth knowledge of Florida laws to help you navigate the legal system. Contact Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., to request a consultation today.