Florida Crime Rate By City [2024 Updated]

When thinking of Florida, a lot may come to mind, such as Walt Disney World, the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, or even the 230 sunny days a year that make it the Sunshine State. But like every state, Florida has its fair share of crime. The state as a whole ranks just above the United States’ average crime rate, but there is a difference in Florida’s crime rate by city.

Cities with the Highest Crime Rates

Not every city in Florida is a paradise when it comes to rates of violent crime. Numerous factors influence how high the rates of crime are in certain communities, such as demographics, economic conditions, crime policies, substance abuse, family structure, and weapon access.

Violent crime encompasses a range of offenses that typically involve intentional and aggressive actions toward others, including aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, hate crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, battery, and similar violent offenses.

The top three cities with the highest crime rates in the state, according to recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data, are:

• Lake City has a violent crime rate of 77.59 crimes for every 1,000 citizens, nearly four times higher than the state average. 30% of its 12,329 residents living below the poverty line is a factor in this high crime rate.
• Riviera Beach is located on the outskirts of Miami and is a community of 35,000 people. The violent crime rate is 62.2 crimes for every 1,000 citizens and is the worst in Florida for rates of murder — seven times higher than the national average.
• The town of Cocoa has a population of 19,000 with a violent crime rate of 61 per 1,000 citizens. The most commonly committed acts of violent crime in Cocoa are burglaries and assaults.

Safest Cities in the State

Some cities are as close to paradise as someone can get, where citizens and visitors don’t worry as much about violent crime. These are the top three cities considered the safest from violent crime in Florida, according to recent FBI data:

• Parkland: The city is quiet, peaceful, and full of parks. The total population is 35,244, and it has a violent crime rate of 0.26 for every 1,000 residents.
• Marco Island is known for its pristine white beaches and for being a generally safe place. The total population of the island city is 18,124, with a violent crime rate of 0.39 for every 1,000 residents.
• Weston is 40 miles from Miami, close to several beaches, and has a high cost of living. The population is 71,946, with a violent crime rate of 0.46 for every 1,000 residents.

Most Common Types of Crimes in the State

There are many different types of crimes you could experience in Florida, some more common than others. Though some of these are more serious than others on this list, these are the most common crimes that Floridians are prosecuted for:

• Drug Offense Arrests. A large number of arrests in Florida involve drug-related charges, such as possession or manufacturing of controlled substances and drug trafficking. The severity of a drug-related offense depends on factors such as the type and quantity of the substance and circumstances such as possessing a certain quantity that may suggest an intent to sell or manufacture.
• Assault. Florida has two forms of this offense: aggravated and simple. Simple assault is an intentional and unlawful threat that instills fear against a person, and the offender is able to carry out the threat. Aggravated assault is similar but involves a deadly weapon.
• Theft. Theft refers to the unauthorized utilization or seizure of another person’s property. This encompasses actions such as larceny, conversion, misappropriation, stealing, and various other offenses.
• DUI. Driving under the influence (DUI) involves operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
• Burglary. Burglary is characterized by unlawfully entering a structure, dwelling, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime upon entry. While it is commonly linked to theft, the crime upon entry can involve any criminal offense.

If you are facing charges for any of these offenses or another crime, allow the seasoned criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Nellie L. King to advocate for your defense. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the right attorney can ensure you get the most fair outcome for your situation.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Crime in the State?

A: According to the FBI, 30% of arrests in Florida are for drug-related offenses, ranging from possession to trafficking. Consequences of being charged with drug-related offenses range from a first-degree felony with 30 years of incarceration to a first-degree misdemeanor and up to one year of incarceration.

Q: What City Has the Highest Crime Rate in 2023?

A: The city with the highest crime rate in Florida is Lake City, which is situated between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, where 12,329 residents live. Lake City has a crime rate of 77.59 crimes for every 1,000 citizens, which is higher than in 98.6% of United States cities.

Q: What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: The safest city in Florida is Marco Island, which is along the western coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The total population of the city is 18,124, and it only experienced 4.97 crimes for every 1,000 residents.

Q: How Does the State Rank in Crime?

A: Florida is the third-most populous state in the United States and is ranked at #26 in the union for the lowest violent crime rate. The average total crime rate, including property and violent crime, is 25.38 per 1,000 people.

Contact the Law Offices of Nellie L. King Today

Whether you were arrested for a drug-related crime, a probation violation, or assault, you need an understanding attorney experienced in a wide range of criminal defense cases. You may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. The first thing you should do is contact the Law Offices of Nellie L. King.