Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and vibrant cities, but beneath the surface, some communities struggle with high crime rates. Understanding which areas face the greatest safety challenges can help residents and visitors make informed decisions. This list highlights the most high-risk cities in Florida, based on violent and property crime statistics, offering a clearer picture of where caution is most needed.

50 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida

1. Lake City

Lake City ranks as Florida’s most dangerous city, with crime rates far above the national average. Despite its small population, residents face high risks of violent crime, including assaults and robberies. Property crime is also a major issue, with burglary and theft affecting many households. The city’s crime index reflects economic challenges and limited law enforcement resources. While some neighborhoods remain relatively safe, overall safety concerns make Lake City a hotspot for criminal activity.

2. Tallahassee

Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, struggles with crime despite being a hub for government and education. Violent crime rates are nearly 8 per 1,000 residents, and property crime exceeds 29 per 1,000, placing it among the state’s most dangerous cities. Although recent reports show declines in incidents, the city still faces challenges with aggravated assaults, robberies, and theft. Tallahassee’s large student population and urban density contribute to its crime statistics, making vigilance essential for residents and visitors.

3. Orlando

Orlando, famous for Disney World and Universal Studios, also ranks high for crime. With a crime rate of 47 per 1,000 residents, the chance of becoming a victim is 1 in 21. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, remain significant, while property crimes like burglary and theft are widespread. Tourism brings millions of visitors annually, which can inflate crime statistics. Despite its attractions, Orlando’s crime challenges make it one of Florida’s most dangerous cities.

4. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a popular tourist destination but faces high crime rates relative to its size. Violent crime costs households nearly $200 annually, and property crime remains a persistent issue. The city has seen an upward trend in crime over the past decade, with rates significantly higher than both state and national averages. Tourism, nightlife, and seasonal population surges contribute to its safety concerns, making it a risky location despite its scenic beaches.

5. Miami Beach

Miami Beach combines vibrant nightlife with troubling crime statistics. Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are common, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Violent crime also occurs, with assaults and robberies reported at higher-than-average rates. Certain neighborhoods face greater risks, while others remain relatively safe. The city’s popularity as a global destination contributes to its crime challenges, as large crowds and transient populations often attract criminal activity. Miami Beach remains a hotspot for both opportunity and danger.

6. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is known for its racing culture and beaches, but crime rates are a serious concern. With costs of crime exceeding $466 per household, both violent and property crimes are prevalent. The city’s reputation for nightlife and tourism contributes to theft, burglary, and assaults. Volusia County consistently ranks high for crime, and Daytona Beach itself is often cited as one of Florida’s riskiest destinations. Despite its attractions, safety remains a pressing issue.

7. Homestead

Homestead, located south of Miami, has crime rates higher than 90% of Florida communities. Violent crime and property crime both exceed national averages, making it one of the state’s most dangerous cities. Theft, burglary, and assaults are common, and residents face a higher-than-average risk of victimization. Despite affordable housing and proximity to Miami, safety concerns overshadow its appeal. Homestead’s crime challenges highlight the need for caution when living or visiting.

8. Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce has a crime index of 265, higher than 86% of U.S. cities. Violent crime, including homicides, assaults, and robberies, remains a concern, while property crime continues to affect households. Although crime rates have declined in recent years, the city still struggles with safety compared to nearby communities. Fort Pierce’s economic challenges and urban density contribute to its crime statistics, making it one of Florida’s more dangerous cities.

9. Ocala

Ocala, known as the Horse Capital of the World, faces significant crime challenges. With a crime rate of 34 per 1,000 residents, the chance of victimization is 1 in 29. Both violent and property crimes are prevalent, including assaults, thefts, and burglaries. Despite its growing population and cultural appeal, Ocala ranks among Florida’s top 20 most dangerous cities. Safety concerns remain a major issue for families and retirees considering relocation.

10. West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach combines coastal beauty with high crime rates. Violent crime and property crime both exceed national averages, costing households nearly $936 annually. Theft, burglary, and assaults are common, particularly in urban areas. While some neighborhoods remain safe, overall crime levels place West Palm Beach among Florida’s most dangerous cities. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce crime, residents and visitors must remain vigilant in this vibrant but risky community.

Top 50 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida — Full Table

Rank	City	Population	Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	Notes
1	Lake City	12,497	1,547	Extremely high assaults; small population inflates rate.
2	Riviera Beach	38,559	1,426	High robbery and shooting incidents.
3	Cocoa	19,066	1,382	Persistent violence and drug activity.
4	Florida City	12,231	1,360	Gateway to the Keys; high gang-influenced crime.
5	Pahokee	6,269	1,318	Small population with concentrated violence.
6	Belle Glade	16,498	1,247	Sugar-farming town with poverty-driven crime.
7	Homestead	80,928	1,123	Dense population, gang conflicts, theft.
8	Palatka	10,530	1,058	High aggravated assault rate.
9	Daytona Beach	72,647	1,014	Tourist activity mixed with local violence.
10	Lauderhill	73,993	998	Consistently high shootings and armed robbery.
11	Lauderdale Lakes	34,217	981	High assault and robbery cases.
12	Sanford	61,570	974	Known for persistent violent crime pockets.
13	Ocala	63,868	959	Assault-heavy crime pattern.
14	Starke	5,387	948	Very small town with high per-capita violence.
15	Bradenton	57,346	935	High property and violent crime mix.
16	Miami	454,279	910	Gang hotspots balanced by tourist zones.
17	Orlando	316,081	902	Tourist crime plus local neighborhood violence.
18	Tallahassee	201,731	897	College-town mixed with high violent crime.
19	Fort Myers	92,245	884	High shootings and aggravated assaults.
20	Clearwater	118,169	870	Tourism-driven theft and local violent crime.
21	Jacksonville	971,319	842	Large city; high homicide and gun violence.
22	Lakeland	120,159	831	Rising assault and theft rates.
23	St. Petersburg	263,768	826	Neighborhood-based violent clusters.
24	West Palm Beach	120,932	804	High robbery and assault.
25	Pensacola	54,733	795	Strong violent crime presence for size.
26	Deltona	97,529	774	Rapid growth and rising violence.
27	Winter Haven	52,710	759	Theft and violent hotspots.
28	Gainesville	146,609	751	College-area crime + violent pockets.
29	Hollywood	153,085	742	Tourism and gang-related incidents.
30	Port Richey	3,059	739	Very small city with high per-capita violence.
31	New Port Richey	16,728	728	Drug-driven violence.
32	Kissimmee	80,765	720	Tourism-related theft + local assaults.
33	Fort Pierce	48,979	718	Persistent shooting incidents.
34	Margate	58,714	705	Moderate but rising violent crime.
35	North Miami	59,216	691	Gang presence and assaults.
36	Hallandale Beach	41,217	683	Robbery and armed incidents.
37	Dania Beach	32,271	671	Property crime and some violent pockets.
38	Deerfield Beach	87,202	665	Assault and robbery concentration.
39	Hialeah	224,476	659	Dense population; steady violent crime rate.
40	Brunswick (FL side metro)	—	652	Border crime spillover.
41	Miramar	137,228	648	Violent hotspots in isolated areas.
42	Plantation	97,488	639	Robberies and rising assaults.
43	Tampa	403,364	631	Mix of urban violence and property crime.
44	Boynton Beach	80,420	627	Assault and domestic-related violence.
45	Cutler Bay	45,425	618	Youth violence spikes.
46	Coral Springs	134,167	606	Safer suburbs but pockets of rising violence.
47	Palm Bay	88,844	598	Property-heavy crime, some violence.
48	Titusville	48,523	587	Assault and drug issues.
49	Melbourne	86,441	579	Rising robberies and assaults.
50	Jupiter	61,047	560	Tourism crime more than violent crime.

Closing

While these rankings shed light on crime trends, it’s important to remember that every city has safe neighborhoods and hardworking residents striving to improve their communities. Crime statistics don’t define a city’s entire identity—they simply highlight areas where vigilance is especially important. Whether you live in Florida or plan to visit, staying aware, practicing safety, and supporting local initiatives can make a meaningful difference in building safer, stronger communities.