Florida may be famous for sunshine and beaches, but behind the postcard images lie communities where crime rates paint a much darker picture. From former agricultural hubs to struggling coastal towns, these small cities face violent crime rates that far exceed state and national averages. When we talk about dangerous towns, we mean places where residents face significantly higher risks of becoming victims of violent crimes like assault, robbery, and murder, as well as property crimes including theft and burglary.
This list ranks the 20 most dangerous small towns in Florida based on the latest FBI crime data and state statistics. Each community here struggles with crime rates well above Florida’s state average of 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. From poverty-stricken agricultural communities to economically depressed coastal areas, these towns share common challenges that have created environments where safety is a daily concern for residents.
20. Zephyrhills
Population: 20,351
Crime Rate: Violent – 177 per 100,000; Property – 2,899 per 100,000
Zephyrhills faces a property crime rate nearly double the state average, with theft and burglary being primary concerns. While violent crime remains relatively low compared to other towns on this list, the high property crime rate affects residents’ sense of security. The town’s challenges stem partly from economic pressures and its position along major transportation routes.
19. Bartow
Population: 20,070
Crime Rate: Violent – 384 per 100,000; Property – 2,247 per 100,000
This Polk County seat experiences violent crime rates above the state average, with assault being the most common offense. Economic struggles and drug-related issues contribute to Bartow’s crime problems. Despite revitalization efforts, residents face a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a crime victim annually.
18. Leesburg
Population: 30,273
Crime Rate: Violent – 390 per 100,000; Property – 2,223 per 100,000
Leesburg’s crime rate reflects the challenges facing many mid-sized Florida towns dealing with economic transition. The city struggles with both violent and property crimes, though community policing efforts have shown some promise. Drug-related offenses and domestic violence incidents drive much of the violent crime statistics.
17. Lake Wales
Population: 16,878
Crime Rate: Violent – 403 per 100,000; Property – 2,358 per 100,000
Lake Wales faces crime challenges that exceed state averages, particularly in violent offenses including assault and robbery. The town’s economic struggles and high poverty rates contribute to crime issues. Recent community initiatives aim to address root causes, but residents still face significant safety concerns.
16. Apopka
Population: 58,105
Crime Rate: Violent – 420 per 100,000; Property – 2,766 per 100,000
Apopka’s proximity to Orlando brings both opportunities and crime challenges, with property crime rates significantly above state levels. Theft and burglary incidents particularly affect residential areas and businesses. The city’s rapid growth has strained resources while crime prevention efforts work to keep pace with development.
15. Boynton Beach
Population: 80,964
Crime Rate: Violent – 443 per 100,000; Property – 2,446 per 100,000
Boynton Beach struggles with both violent and property crime rates above state averages, with robbery and assault being particular concerns. Economic disparities within the city contribute to crime clustering in certain neighborhoods. Community policing programs target high-crime areas, but challenges persist.
14. Fort Walton Beach
Population: 21,031
Crime Rate: Violent – 452 per 100,000; Property – 1,640 per 100,000
This military community faces violent crime rates higher than expected for its size, though property crime remains more moderate. Assault incidents and domestic violence cases drive the violent crime statistics. The transient military population creates unique law enforcement challenges despite strong community support.
13. Fort Pierce
Population: 48,781
Crime Rate: Violent – 541 per 100,000; Property – 1,947 per 100,000
Fort Pierce experiences violent crime rates well above state averages, with gang activity and drug trafficking contributing to safety concerns. The city’s economic struggles and high unemployment rates create conditions that foster criminal activity. Recent community investment aims to address root causes of crime.
12. Ocala
Population: 66,338
Crime Rate: Violent – 547 per 100,000; Property – 2,989 per 100,000
Ocala faces significant challenges with both violent and property crime, particularly theft and burglary affecting businesses and residents. Drug-related offenses and assault incidents contribute to the high violent crime rate. The city’s position along major highways creates additional challenges for law enforcement.
11. Palmetto
Population: 13,759
Crime Rate: Violent – 552 per 100,000; Property – 2,478 per 100,000
Despite its small size, Palmetto experiences violent crime rates significantly above state levels, with assault and robbery being primary concerns. Economic challenges and limited resources strain community safety efforts. The town’s location near larger urban areas contributes to crime spillover effects.
10. Palatka
Population: 10,632
Crime Rate: Violent – 602 per 100,000; Property – 3,320 per 100,000
Palatka struggles with some of the highest property crime rates in the state, with theft and burglary affecting residents at alarming levels. Violent crime also exceeds state averages, driven by assault incidents and domestic violence. Economic decline and limited opportunities contribute to ongoing crime challenges.
9. Bradenton
Population: 57,544
Crime Rate: Violent – 608 per 100,000; Property – 1,889 per 100,000
Bradenton experiences violent crime rates nearly double the state average, with assault and robbery incidents causing concern for residents and businesses. While property crime rates are more moderate, violent offenses create significant safety challenges. Gang activity and drug trafficking contribute to the crime problems.
8. Sanford
Population: 64,218
Crime Rate: Violent – 621 per 100,000; Property – 2,781 per 100,000
Sanford faces elevated crime rates in both violent and property categories, with theft and assault being particular problems. The city’s location near major metropolitan areas brings both economic opportunities and crime challenges. Community revitalization efforts work to address underlying causes of criminal activity.
7. North Miami Beach
Population: 42,818
Crime Rate: Violent – 640 per 100,000; Property – 2,693 per 100,000
North Miami Beach struggles with crime rates well above state averages, particularly in violent offenses including robbery and assault. The city’s dense population and economic disparities contribute to crime clustering in certain areas. Tourism-related crimes also affect overall statistics.
6. South Miami
Population: 11,628
Crime Rate: Violent – 714 per 100,000; Property – 2,580 per 100,000
Despite its small size, South Miami experiences violent crime rates nearly double the state average, with robbery and assault being significant concerns. The city’s location within the broader Miami metropolitan area creates unique challenges for crime prevention. Economic pressures and drug-related activities drive many incidents.
5. Panama City
Population: 35,684
Crime Rate: Violent – 734 per 100,000; Property – 2,589 per 100,000
Panama City faces significant violent crime challenges, with assault and robbery rates well above state levels. Hurricane recovery efforts have strained resources while economic disruption contributes to crime problems. Tourism-related incidents and drug trafficking add to law enforcement challenges.
4. Lake Worth Beach
Population: 40,498
Crime Rate: Violent – 933 per 100,000; Property – 2,859 per 100,000
Lake Worth Beach experiences violent crime rates more than double the state average, with robbery and assault incidents creating serious safety concerns. Drug trafficking and gang activity contribute significantly to crime statistics. Despite community efforts, residents face a 1 in 26 chance of becoming crime victims annually.
3. Riviera Beach
Population: 38,716
Crime Rate: Violent – 966 per 100,000; Property – 3,007 per 100,000
Riviera Beach struggles with some of Florida’s highest murder rates, with violent crime nearly three times the state average. Economic challenges, drug trafficking, and limited police resources contribute to persistent crime problems. The city faces significant challenges in crime prevention despite ongoing community initiatives.
2. Belle Glade
Population: 16,807
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,119 per 100,000; Property – 3,106 per 100,000
Belle Glade faces extreme crime challenges with violent crime rates nearly three times the state average and property crime rates that rank among the highest in Florida. Economic struggles in this agricultural community, with poverty rates exceeding 28%, contribute to persistent crime problems including assault, robbery, and drug trafficking.
1. Florida City
Population: 12,464
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,709 per 100,000; Property – 5,865 per 100,000
Florida City ranks as the most dangerous small town in Florida, with violent crime rates more than four times the state average. Residents face a 1 in 13 chance of becoming crime victims, with robbery, assault, and theft affecting the community at alarming levels. Economic challenges and the city’s location near major drug trafficking routes contribute to persistent safety concerns.
References
- PropertyClub – 12 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida (2024)
- Sirix Monitoring – Most dangerous cities in Florida
- Norada Real Estate – Top 50 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida (2025)
- Islands – A Little Lakefront Florida City Is Unexpectedly Regarded As One Of The Most Dangerous In America
- NeighborhoodScout – Belle Glade, 33430 Crime Rates and Crime Statistics
- Securiteam – 2024 Florida Crime Statistics
- Safe and Sound Security – 15 Most Revealing Florida Crime Rates & Statistics (2025)
- USAFacts – Which states have the highest and lowest crime rates?
- FBI – FBI Releases 2024 Reported Crimes in the Nation Statistics
