Florida is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and snowbirds, but it also has its share of problems. Crime is one of them, and some cities in the Sunshine State are more dangerous than others. Based on the latest FBI data from 2020, here are the seven most worst cities in Florida in terms of violent and property crime rates.

1. Florida City

Florida City is a small town in Miami-Dade County, with a population of about 12,000. It has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous city in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 3,177 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 9,454 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 11 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Florida City.

2. Lake City

Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County, located in north-central Florida. It has a population of about 12,000 as well, but a much higher crime rate than Florida City. Lake City has a violent crime rate of 2,021 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 10,757 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 50 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 9 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Lake City.

3. Opa Locka

Opa Locka is another city in Miami-Dade County, with a population of about 16,000. It is known for its Moorish-style architecture and its troubled history of corruption and mismanagement. Opa Locka has a violent crime rate of 1,951 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 8,376 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 51 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 12 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Opa Locka.

4. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a coastal city in Bay County, with a population of about 13,000. It is a popular spring break destination, but also a hotspot for crime. Panama City Beach has a violent crime rate of 1,374 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 9,667 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 73 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Panama City Beach.

5. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a famous city in Volusia County, with a population of about 68,000. It is known for its beaches, motorsports, and nightlife, but also for its high crime rate. Daytona Beach has a violent crime rate of 1,207 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 6,710 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 83 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Daytona Beach.

6. Cocoa

Cocoa is a city in Brevard County, with a population of about 18,000. It is located near the Kennedy Space Center and the Canaveral National Seashore, but also has a reputation for crime. Cocoa has a violent crime rate of 1,184 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 6,529 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 84 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Cocoa.

7. Belle Glade

Belle Glade is a city in Palm Beach County, with a population of about 19,000. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, and is known for its sugar cane production. Belle Glade has a violent crime rate of 1,147 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 5,728 per 100,000 residents. That means you have a 1 in 87 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 17 chance of being a victim of a property crime in Belle Glade.

Conclusion

These are the seven most worst cities in Florida, based on the FBI crime data from 2020. However, crime rates can change over time, and there may be other factors that affect the safety and quality of life in these cities. Therefore, it is important to do your own research and use your own judgment before visiting or moving to any of these places.