Last Updated on October 21, 2025
When most people picture Florida, they think of sunshine, palm trees, and turquoise waters, not danger zones.
But a new study by WalletHub is changing that image, revealing that some of Florida’s most famous cities aren’t as safe as they might seem.
The financial analysis website compared more than 180 U.S. cities across three categories — home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety, to determine where Americans can truly feel protected from life’s hazards.
The biggest shocker? Fort Lauderdale ranked as the sixth least safe city in America.
For a city known for its beaches, luxury living, and vibrant nightlife, this ranking feels like a wake-up call.
The report also showed major contrasts between Florida cities, painting a complex picture of safety in the Sunshine State.
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What “Least Safe” Really Means
WalletHub’s study didn’t just look at crime rates. Safety, in this report, was about more than avoiding muggings or break-ins.
The researchers considered 41 different indicators spread across three key categories.
The first was home and community safety, which measured things like assaults per capita, traffic fatalities, and even how prepared first responders are.
The second was natural disaster risk, taking into account the city’s exposure to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
Finally, financial safety examined how residents are doing economically, including unemployment rates, credit scores, health insurance coverage, and the percentage of people with emergency savings.
As WalletHub noted, “The safest cities in America protect residents from threats of bodily harm and property damage, but they also help secure people’s financial safety.”
In other words, even if your city feels safe to walk around, you could still be at risk if it’s financially unstable or prone to natural disasters.
How Florida Cities Ranked
Among Florida’s many bustling urban centers, the rankings varied dramatically.
Port St. Lucie came out as the state’s safest city, ranking 30th overall in the nation and an impressive 10th in home and community safety.
While that’s a strong showing, its financial safety score was much lower, meaning residents may still struggle with savings and affordability.
Cape Coral and Hialeah also performed relatively well compared to the rest of the state, ranking 55th and 57th overall.
Pembroke Pines followed at 85th, still in the safer half of the country. Things started to look more concerning as the list went on, with St. Petersburg coming in at 99th, Tampa at 102nd, and Miami at 113th.
Then the rankings took a steep dive. Tallahassee landed at 120th, Orlando at 160th, and Jacksonville at 165th.
But the lowest of them all was Fort Lauderdale, which ranked 177th out of more than 180 cities nationwide.
That means Fort Lauderdale scored near the bottom in nearly every category: home safety, disaster risk, and financial security.
While it’s a sought-after destination for travelers and a beloved community for locals, the data paints a different picture of day-to-day vulnerability.
What the Rankings Mean for Floridians
So what does this all mean if you live in Florida or are thinking about moving here?
For starters, these numbers aren’t a reason to panic, but they are a reminder that “safe” is a relative term.
If you’re looking for peace of mind, Port St. Lucie might be your best bet. Its high ranking in home and community safety suggests lower crime rates, better local infrastructure, and possibly fewer traffic accidents.
Cities like Cape Coral and Hialeah also show that strong community safety can exist even in growing metropolitan areas.
On the other hand, residents of cities that ranked lower, such as Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, may need to think more critically about their environment.
For instance, Fort Lauderdale’s low financial safety score suggests that many residents lack emergency savings or sufficient insurance coverage, a problem that could make the city more vulnerable in the face of hurricanes, economic downturns, or unexpected emergencies.
Even in cities that feel peaceful or luxurious, natural disasters remain a constant concern.
Hurricane season alone puts every coastal city at risk, no matter how safe it feels on an ordinary day.
And while crime may be less of a concern in some areas, economic insecurity can create its own form of instability.
The Bigger Picture
While Florida didn’t dominate the list of the safest cities, that doesn’t mean it’s inherently dangerous.
It does, however, highlight how complicated life can be in a state that’s both paradise and pressure cooker.
With tourism booming, population growth surging, and climate change intensifying natural disasters, Florida’s safety challenges are evolving fast.
For residents, the takeaway is clear: preparation and awareness matter. Having emergency savings, securing home insurance, knowing your evacuation zones, and choosing neighborhoods wisely can make all the difference.
For visitors, these rankings shouldn’t scare you off, as Florida remains one of the most visited and loved states in the country.
But they do serve as a reminder that beyond the beaches and palm trees, there are real issues that need attention.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale’s placement near the bottom of the list may sting, but it’s also a chance for reflection and change.
Meanwhile, other cities like Port St. Lucie can serve as examples of what’s working well.
At the end of the day, safety isn’t just about where you live; it’s about how you live there.
In Florida, that might mean embracing the sunshine and surf while staying smart, prepared, and aware of the risks that come with paradise.
Because, as WalletHub’s study makes clear, even in the Sunshine State, not every day is cloud-free.
Safe travels!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
