Florida, with its renowned sunny beaches, captivating theme parks, and rich wildlife diversity, holds a dual reputation. A recent report by 24/7 Wall St. unveils a less appealing aspect of the state—it’s considered one of the more perilous states in the nation. The ranking is based on violent crime rates, as documented in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports for 2020, encompassing crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Florida’s Violent Crime Rate
The report highlights that in 2020, Florida witnessed a violent crime rate of 384 incidents per 100,000 people, slightly exceeding the national average of 388. The state documented a staggering total of 83,368 violent crimes, of which 73% were categorized as aggravated assault. Furthermore, Florida reported 1,290 homicides, ranking third in the country after California and Texas.
The report underlines that Florida’s violent crime rate has remained relatively consistent over the past decade, fluctuating between 378 and 461 per 100,000 people. Nonetheless, certain areas within the state exhibit significantly higher violence rates than the average. For instance, the Gainesville metropolitan area reported a violent crime rate of 760 per 100,000 people in 2020, almost double the state’s average.
Factors Contributing to Florida’s High Crime Rate
Multiple factors could be contributing to Florida’s elevated crime rate, including poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health issues, and accessibility to firearms. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2020, Florida had a poverty rate of 12.7%, slightly surpassing the national average of 11.4%. The state also reported an unemployment rate of 6.4% in December 2020, higher than the national average of 6.1%.
Florida’s diverse and sizable population could also play a role. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida’s estimated population in 2020 was 21.7 million, making it the third most populous state in the U.S., following California and Texas. The state also had a significant percentage of foreign-born residents (21.1%) and a racially and ethnically diverse population (46.8%). These groups might face unique challenges and discrimination, potentially leading to social issues and conflicts.
In addition, Florida’s comparatively relaxed gun laws, in comparison to other states, are noteworthy. The state does not mandate a permit or license for firearm acquisition or possession, and it lacks waiting periods or background checks for private sales. Florida also has a “stand your ground” law, which permits individuals to use lethal force in self-defense without the obligation to retreat if they feel threatened. These laws may facilitate criminals in obtaining and using firearms, as well as encourage lawful citizens to resort to violence.
How Florida Compares to Other States
While Florida falls in the middle when considering its violent crime rate in comparison to other states, it ranks among the top three most dangerous states when it comes to other types of crimes, including property crime and identity theft.
According to the FBI, Florida reported a property crime rate of 1,746 incidents per 100,000 people in 2020, surpassing the national average of 1,907. This translated to a total of 380,391 property crimes, with larceny-theft comprising 40% of these cases. Florida also recorded 40,736 motor vehicle thefts, placing it fourth in the nation after California, Texas, and Colorado.
Additionally, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida led the nation in identity theft complaints in 2020, with 1,051 complaints per 100,000 people. The state documented 22,891 identity theft complaints, accounting for approximately 7% of all nationwide complaints. Common forms of identity theft in Florida included credit card fraud (32%), loan or lease fraud (18%), and government document or benefits fraud (16%).
In Conclusion
Florida, a magnet for tourists and residents alike, grapples with a high crime rate that threatens public safety and well-being. While its violent crime rate falls in the middle among states, it ranks among the top three most dangerous states when considering property crime and identity theft. A medley of factors contributes to Florida’s high crime rate, including poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health issues, accessibility to firearms, and population diversity. Addressing these underlying causes and risk factors is crucial to mitigating crime and enhancing security within the state.