One Of The Most Violent Cities In Florida Is An Unexpected Gateway Suburb To The Keys And Everglades

Florida's best known for its award-winning beaches, beautiful islands, and world-famous amusement parks that make it a prime vacation destination for well over 100 million visitors each year. But just before you begin the scenic overseas route to Key West on Highway 1, there's Florida City: a small, unassuming city in Miami-Dade County that serves as the southernmost city on Florida's mainland. Strategically placed at the convergence of Highway 1 and Highway 41, (the Tamiami Trail), the only road that cuts through Everglades National Park, Florida City borders the Everglades and acts as the last major stop before tourists head south to the Keys or west into the swamp — the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles co-exist. Florida City was originally called Detroit, and nicknamed "the Garden of Eden" in an attempt to attract residents, before renaming itself Florida City in 1914. Along with its neighbor, Homestead, it forms a regional community with deep agricultural roots and a tourist-driven economy. But beneath the palm trees and road-rip charm lies a startling truth: in 2025, Florida City topped crime rankings as the most violent city in Florida, according to FBI statistics.

For those who know the state behind the postcards, Florida's darker side isn't new. With a reputation fueled by decades of drug trafficking, quirky headlines, and a libertarian-leaning state constitution, it's long been a magnet for people looking to disappear — or perhaps reinvent themselves. 

Even Taylor Swift captured this idea in her 2024 song,"Florida!!!": "I need to forget, so take me to Florida, I've got some regrets, I'll bury them in Florida." Miami's unofficial motto has long been considered, "a sunny place for shady people," and as it turns out, that shadow stretches beyond Miami's skyline.

Having the highest violent crime rate in the state doesn't necessarily make Florida City the most dangerous. In fact, it ranks fifth on the FBI's list of the top five most dangerous cities in 2025, according to Sirix Monitoring, a security blog. The distinction of most dangerous city in Florida goes to Belle Glade, a small lakeside town. Overall, the State of Florida ranks sixth-best state in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report, citing positive stats on crime, education, economic health, and  more. So given those high ranks for Florida the State, what does this mean for Florida City?

For one, its population is small — only about 13,000, as of a 2023 census. Violent crime rates are calculated per 100,000 residents, which means even a moderate number of crimes — including murder or non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault, which are what the FBI defines as violent crimes — can inflate the statistic, making the issue appear more widespread than it may actually be. 

Florida City also suffers from deep poverty — more than 30% of the population lives below the poverty line — though some estimates reach as high as 41% — and that increased from 2022 to 2023. The median individual income was only $25,100 in 2023, alongside a 4.6% decrease in employment from 2022 to 2023. Limited job opportunities — Niche ranked it only a C+ job market — and underfunded schools add to the economic depression. Only 7.46% of Florida City residents over 25 hold college degrees, far below the national average of nearly 22%. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between high poverty and violent crime rates, which is likely part of Florida City's story. High traffic also makes it vulnerable to drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other organized crime, but minimal law enforcement resources makes monitoring it difficult.

Florida City is one of the oldest settlements in Florida with a rich, diverse history rooted in agriculture and trade. Over the years, however, it's been overshadowed by the growth of nearby Miami. Once a hardworking town, Florida City has been relegated to a transient crossroads, seemingly on the edge of everything, yet overlooked itself. Geographically, the city sits on the edge of the urban development boundary (UDB), a boundary designed to restrict urban sprawl in Miami-Dade County and protect the environment. Some argue that this restricts the development of affordable housing , though some argue the city's already gentrifying, sparking debate about the city's future overall. Regardless, any meaningful progress will require local reform, state support, and community involvement. 

In early 2025, residents — along with State Representative Kevin Chambliss — participated in anti-violence marches and canvassing campaigns to raise safety awareness. And back in 2021, the Florida Attorney General expanded funding for youth victim programs, and endorsed Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative helping connect law enforcement with communities to help reduce gun violence and crime.

If you're traveling through and looking for safer, more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Homestead, just four miles north. It offers a broader range of hotels and easy access to the Everglades, plus more dining and retail options and a safer, more suburban feel. Alternatively, Key Largo, the first island in the barrier chain coming off the mainland, about 30 miles south, is a popular detour, with its tourist-friendly atmosphere, beachfront hotels, and home rentals. Despite its challenges and tough reputation, Florida City remains home to many hardworking people striving to create something better. With time, effort, and support, the city's motto — "At the Crossroads of Heritage, Nature, and Progress" — may come to life once again.