Every year, FBI crime data is released, which focuses on the most dangerous cities in each state based on a few varying factors. With Florida being the 17th most dangerous state in the entire country this year, this means that unfortunately there are quite a few cities that have a very high crime rating. FBI statistics use violent crimes, property crimes, murder, and more as a metric for their analysis, and the team over at Roadsnacks ends up using that data to create a list of the most crime-ridden cities based on the crimes per capita. This leaves us with the top 10 most dangerous cities in Florida for 2021.

1. Florida City
Flickr Jimmy Baikovicius
Starting with the city ranked as the most dangerous in the state, Florida City tops the list for 2021. The statistics for crimes in this city end up being quite high compared to the national average and even the state average. For instance, violent crime per 100k is at 2,619, which is almost 7 times higher than the national average of 366. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
2. Lake City
Flickr BEV Norton
With a population of around 13,000 in Lake City, this Florida spot comes in at #2 on the most dangerous cities list for another year. When it comes to crime, Lake City ranks especially high per 100k in larceny and property crime. Property crime statistics are at 6,432 while the USA average is at 2,109. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
3. Opa Locka
Flickr Chris Goldberg
Opa Locka, Florida comes in at #3 on this list of most dangerous cities, despite being a relatively small neighborhood in northeastern Miami-Dade. At just 4.2 square miles, Opa Locka still has very high numbers in terms of violent crime and robbery, as well as larceny, too. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
4. Lake Park
Google Maps
Lake Park, FL might be one of the wildcards on this list, especially for those who have never even heard of this small town of fewer than 10,000 residents. But the reason why Lake Park made the list for 2021 is due to the very high larceny averages, property crimes, and violent crimes. For example, violent crimes are nearly 4 times the national average. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
5. Panama City Beach
Flickr Mr. Nixter
Panama City Beach is another tourist spot to make the list this year, and similar to what seems to be happening in Miami Beach, PCB is experiencing much of the same in terms of crime. Property crime, for instance, is at an all-time high in Panama City Beach, clocking in at 6,347 per 100k, which is significantly higher than the 2,145 state average. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.

Related Stories

Here Are The 12 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida After Dark

Here Are The 12 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida After Dark

 These Are Some Of The Safest Cities To Live In Florida

These Are Some Of The Safest Cities To Live In Florida

 A Gigantic Seaweed Blob Bigger Than The Entire U.S. Is Headed Straight For Florida

A Gigantic Seaweed Blob Bigger Than The Entire U.S. Is Headed Straight For Florida
6. Miami Beach
Flickr Giuseppe Milo
While many parts of Miami Beach are some of the best of what Florida has to offer, it might not be a surprise to many that this hotspot has high crime rankings. Obviously, with an influx of tourists and visitors, property crime and larceny are up significantly compared to the state average. In fact, larceny is nearly 4 times as high in Miami Beach compared to the country’s average. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
7. Perry
Wikipedia Michael Rivera
Perry, Florida is new on the list this year, coming in at number seven. The crime rate in Perry is quite high compared to the national average. In fact, it’s 108.94 percent higher! A lot of these crimes are from larceny, property crime, and burglary, which are at times quadruple Florida’s overall average in these areas. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
8. Daytona Beach
Flickr Lisa Vanasse
One of the most well-known cities in the state, Daytona Beach, is also one of the most crime-ridden. Based on the statistical averages per 100k, violent crimes in this city are at a whopping 1,137! While this might not seem too high compared to other areas, but based on the USA average of 366, it is not something to take lightly. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
9. Cocoa
Wikipedia COCOAFL
Cocoa is a city in Brevard County with a population of fewer than 20,000 residents. While Cocoa was not on the most dangerous cities list last year, this year it just inched its way to the number nine spot. One of the main reasons Cocoa made the list was due to the fact that the crime rate was 139.59 percent above the national average. According to recent FBI data, the crime rate for larceny is nearly triple the national average, meanwhile, property crime is double. Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.
10. Riviera Beach
Wikipedia formulanone
Riviera Beach makes the list this year while it was noticeably absent last year. Why the change? Well, this Palm Beach County city has a total crime rate of 5,158 total crimes out of 100k people. This means the crime rate percentage for this area is 108.26 percent higher than the national average! Click here for more information about this dangerous Florida city.

Care to add your own two cents about the analysis of FBI crime data? Are you surprised to see any particular cities on this list? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you’re looking to see how this list compares to previous years, check out the 8 most dangerous places in Florida in 2016.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most Dangerous Cities In Florida

Marisa Roman | March 24, 2021

Is Florida a great place to live?

While the information above might seem daunting to many, living in Florida can be quite beautiful. Between the stunning Florida beaches, the world-famous theme park resorts, and the endless natural beauty, it’s no wonder this state is the third most populous in the country! Many people retire to Florida later in life in order to enjoy the quiet beach scenes and the incredible weather year-round. When you’re sick of the cold and you want to live a quiet life by the ocean, this is the state to do it in!

What is the worst place to live in Florida?

Out of all of the cities we’ve mentioned above, even the ones with the most crime in Florida, what would be considered the worst place to live? According to another Roadsnacks data dive, the 2021 worst places to live in Florida has Pahokee topping the list. Ever heard of it? Pahokee was the frontrunner on this list due to the higher unemployment levels, low median income levels, and overall poverty rate. Also, the total crimes are higher than the national and state averages.

What are the best things about living in Florida?

Beyond the dangerous places in Florida we’ve mentioned above, let’s discuss some of the better reasons to live in the Sunshine State. Florida has no state income tax, some top-rated beaches across the globe, a strong economy and job market, and more notably, affordable real estate! Check out a few more reasons why we’re thankful to live in Florida.

Related Articles

Explore Florida

Featured Addresses
Florida City, FL, USA
Lake City, FL, USA
Opa-locka, FL, USA
Miami Beach, FL, USA
Lake Park, FL, USA
Panama City Beach, FL, USA
Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Cocoa, FL, USA
Riviera Beach, FL, USA
Perry, FL, USA