According to the most recent FBI crime statistics, four Florida cities stand out as the state’s most hazardous. These findings are based on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, which collects statistics on violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, as well as property crimes including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.
1. Lake City
Lake City is Florida’s most deadly city. With a violent crime rate of 1,547 per 100,000 population, it outperforms all others in Florida, ranking as one of the most dangerous places in the country. Despite its small population of approximately 12,500 people, Lake City has a lower cost of living than many other Florida communities.
However, this comes at a cost, as the city has historically high levels of poverty and crime. Lake City is one of Florida’s least safe communities, with a violent crime rate nearly four times greater than the state average.
2. Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, a small village of 35,000 people, is one of the most dangerous communities in Florida. It is infamous for having a notably high rate of violent crime. The murder rate in Riviera Beach is seven times greater than the national average, making it Florida’s deadliest city.
Riviera Beach, located on the fringes of the Miami metropolitan area, is a site that should be approached with caution, particularly in the majority of the city. Singer Island is regarded as the safest region in Riviera Beach, yet the city’s notoriety adds to its status as one of Florida’s most dangerous areas.
3. Cocoa
Cocoa, Florida, is noted for its high prevalence of violent crime, making it one of the most undesirable locations to live in the state. Despite its tiny population of 19,000, Cocoa has a violent crime rate of 1,108 per 100,000 persons, which is much higher than both the national and state rates.
The most common types of violent crime in Cocoa are burglary and assaults. Cocoa, located on the Space Coast near Cape Canaveral, is not a suggested destination for anyone looking for peace in Florida.
4. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is one of Florida’s most hazardous cities due to its high violent crime rate of 1,059 incidents per 100,000 population, which well exceeds both the national and state averages.
Robbery, auto burglary, and assault are among the most common crimes in Miami Beach. Tourists and nightlife goers are frequently the primary victims of violent crimes in the area, highlighting the significance of remaining watchful, especially during evening activities.
What Steps are Being Taken to Address Crime in Florida’s Dangerous Cities?
Several steps are being implemented to address crime in Florida’s dangerous cities, such as Lake City, Riviera Beach, Cocoa, and Miami Beach.
1. Community Engagement and Rewards: Cities such as Riviera Beach have held community meetings and offered incentives to address specific incidences of gun violence, encouraging community participation in crime prevention measures.
2. Law Enforcement Enhancements: In cities like Cocoa, law enforcement agencies are investing in technology and resources to investigate gun offenses more thoroughly, displaying a commitment to improving law enforcement capability.
3. Public Safety Initiatives: Cities such as Miami Beach are implementing initiatives such as prohibiting drones from high-risk foreign countries, suggesting a proactive attitude to boosting public safety and lowering crime.
4. Technological Advancements: Fort Myers-based startups such as Axon are creating and supplying advanced technology such as license plate scanners, body cameras, and virtual reality scenarios to law enforcement agencies to increase crime-fighting capabilities and public safety.
These measures represent a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, law enforcement enhancements, public safety initiatives, and technological advancements aimed at reducing crime and improving the overall safety and well-being of residents and visitors to Florida’s dangerous cities.