Safest Places to Live in Florida (2025) + Hidden Safe Zones

Looking for the safest place to live in Florida in 2025? You’re not alone.

With people searching for “safest cities in Florida” and “safe towns near the coast” spiking one thing is clear: people want paradise without the danger.

Here’s what the data says:

• Florida’s crime rate is lower than the national average
• Cities like Parkland and Marco Island have violent crime rates below 0.5 per 1,000
• And inland towns like Gainesville and Orlando offer protection from hurricanes — without compromising livability

In this guide, we reveal:

• Top 7 safest cities in Florida ranked by crime data
• Hidden safe zones — perfect for families & retirees
• The most hurricane-resilient safe towns

• Plus: How to save up to $15K+ when moving smart with reAlpha

Let’s dive in and find out where your Florida move is safest — from crime, storms, and regret.

When people Google “safest place to live in Florida,” they’re not just looking for low crime — they want peace of mind, hurricane safety, and strong communities.

Here are the 7 safest cities in Florida right now -based on FBI crime reports, local police presence, and real-life livability:

• Parkland ranks as the #1 safest city in Florida, with crime rates 90% below the national average.
• Marco Island combines luxury living with the lowest property crime rate in the state.
• Satellite Beach has the highest law enforcement presence, which explains its low crime despite being coastal.
• Winter Springs is the best affordable safe city near Orlando — a key search trend in 2025.

Want coastal safety without the price tag? Explore best beach towns in Florida →

Despite the headlines, the real story is this:

• Florida’s violent crime rate sits at 3.8 per 1,000 — slightly below the national average of 4.0
• Most crime is concentrated in a few urban zones (you guessed it — Miami, Jacksonville, parts of Tampa)
• But smaller cities like Parkland, Weston, and Marco Island report violent crime rates under 0.5 per 1,000
• So yes — Florida is safe if you choose your city like a strategist, not a tourist.

Safety isn’t just about low crime. It’s about feeling protected, prepared, and peaceful. Here’s what defines a truly safe city in Florida:

• Low violent and property crime per FBI data
• Strong law enforcement presence (Officers per 1,000 residents matters)
• Storm and hurricane protection (Inland location = lower risk)
• Community structure (Tight-knit cities deter crime better than transient ones)

This is why cities like Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Satellite Beach are winning 2025’s safety game.

• Bonus Tip: Compare with Georgia’s safest cities here →

Here’s the truth about “affordable safe places to live in Florida” — most towns are either cheap or safe. Rarely both.

But Winter Springs is the rare exception.

It offers the sweet spot between low crime, livability, and affordability — and it’s climbing the charts in 2025.

• Violent Crime Rate: 1.22 per 1,000 (far safer than Florida’s average)
• A-rated schools with high parent satisfaction scores
• Close to Orlando without Orlando’s traffic or prices
• Lower housing costs compared to coastal cities like Sarasota or Palm Beach
• Suburban lifestyle with green parks, safe sidewalks, and family-friendly energy

Other small towns in Florida with decent safety records and affordable housing include:

• Casselberry – underrated suburb with low violent crime
• Oviedo – slightly pricier than Winter Springs, but still a safe Orlando-area option
• Marianna – for those seeking rural quiet and very low cost of living

But in terms of data-backed safety + affordability + schools + location, Winter Springs is unmatched.

If budget is tight, check Florida’s top affordable cities →

Florida’s coastal charm comes with a cost — but there are cities that offer storm safety without sacrificing lifestyle.

These cities sit far enough inland to avoid the worst of Florida’s tropical development patterns. When the National Hurricane Center issues warnings, these towns typically face rain — not roofs flying off.

Here’s the trade-off most people miss:

Inland = safer from hurricanes

But crime can be higher in some inland cities

That’s why towns like Ocala and Kissimmee are strategic picks — storm-protected AND low crime.

Bold takeaway: Inland = safer from storms, but may have higher crime.

Want storm safety + affordability? Explore South Carolina safe cities →

Here is our ranking of the safest areas in Florida to live if you are moving.

On the western coast of Florida sits Macro Island. This is amongst a few other safest places to live in the state. The city has a higher cost of living, which may contribute to its lower crime rate, although various factors influence crime rates.

However, the island boasts some stunning beaches with great water activities. If you want to go on a vacation or planning to move to Florida, you should look at it.

• Violent Crimes- 0.39
• Property Crimes- 4.58
• Law Enforcement- 1.88

For those considering a move, exploring affordable places to live in Florida can provide valuable insights.

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Parkland is a quite peaceful place and can be considered one of the safest places in Florida. The city has a population of 35,244 with a violent crime rate of 0.26 for every 1,000 residents.

The wealthy areas offer a suburban and residential vibe. The suburb of Miami has a family-friendly atmosphere with a secure community. However, it has a good quality of modern infrastructure to excite people of all ages.

• Violent Crimes- 0.26
• Property Crimes- 5.36
• Law Enforcement- 1.31

Our moving to Florida guide offers essential considerations if you’re evaluating the best neighborhoods for your loved ones.

Weston comes at number 3 among the safest cities in Florida. Located 40 miles from Miami, it is an ideal place to raise a family, with excellent schools and abundant green spaces. Furthermore, it is close to the highway, allowing for an easy commute across the state.

• Violent Crimes- 0.46
• Property Crimes- 5.03
• Law Enforcement- 1.46

Planning to buy a home in a family-friendly city like Weston? Make sure you know about the mortgagee clause — a simple tip that could protect your lender and fast-track your approval.

Winter Springs is a charming city for anyone looking to be part of the action in Orlando. The city has excellent public schools, attracting families looking for quality education. It has plenty of outdoor activities and is located close to major highways. This is great as you can easily commute to Orlando and nearby cities.

• Violent Crimes- 1.22
• Property Crimes- 6.58
• Law Enforcement- 1.43

Next on the list of safest cities in Florida to live in Oviedo. It has a community-friendly outlook with a strong police department. Its schools are some of the best in the state and great for higher education.

• Violent Crimes- 1.31
• Property Crimes- 6.84
• Law Enforcement- 1.43

Satellite Beach is another safe place for families in the state of Florida. As the name suggests, the place is known for its beaches and whale sightings. The community in the state is very tight-knit, and coupled with great schools, it is a great place to live.

• Violent Crimes- 0.98
• Property Crimes- 6.15
• Law Enforcement- 3.21

North Palm Beach is a sunny, beautiful town with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place for fishing and boating with a big marina filled with large yachts. The area has strong law enforcement with a family-oriented community.

• Violent Crimes- 1.47
• Property Crimes- 8.5
• Law Enforcement- 1.5

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Florida’s hurricane season starts in June and concludes before the start of December. There are no safest towns in FL that are immune against them. However, there are some safe spots:

1. Orlando- Orlando is inland and is less susceptible to being directly hit by hurricanes.

2. Jacksonville- It is located on the coast; however, its geography helps deflect hurricane winds.

3. Kissimmee- Located in Central Florida, the city is located inland and safe against hurricane surges.

If you're looking in areas like Kissimmee, it's worth knowing whether VA loans are assumable — this could save you thousands and lock in better rates.

4. Gainesville- The university town is located inland than other areas. So, it experiences less severe hurricanes. 

These areas are less vulnerable during hurricane season due to their inland location or geographic features. However, their crime rates are higher compared to other areas on this list.

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Marco Island, Satellite Beach, and Sanibel are among Florida’s safest coastal towns — each reporting low crime, strong law enforcement, and hurricane readiness. These spots prove that beachfront living doesn’t have to mean risk.

🔎 Bonus: Satellite Beach ranks high in law enforcement presence (3.21 officers per 1,000) — rare for a beach town.

Yes — Davenport is one of the quieter Orlando-area suburbs gaining attention for its family appeal. With low violent crime, proximity to Disney jobs, and new master-planned communities, it's a strategic choice for those wanting affordable peace with city access.

Arcadia offers small-town charm and lower cost of living, but crime rates vary by neighborhood. It’s ideal for retirees or rural-seeking families — just be sure to check localized neighborhood data before committing.

Absolutely. Coral Springs consistently ranks in Florida’s top cities for safety, diversity, and quality of life. Its strict zoning laws and responsive police force make it one of the best-kept suburban secrets near Miami.

Florida’s hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. But storm activity peaks from mid-August to late October, so inland cities like Orlando and Ocala offer more protection during those months.

If you're looking for size + safety, Weston is your best bet. It has:

• A population over 70,000
• A violent crime rate of just 0.46
• Strong community policing and A-rated schools
• Big-city amenities, small-town peace of mind.

Florida ranks safer than high-crime states like New Mexico, Alaska, and Louisiana, especially in suburban and inland towns. While some metro areas have challenges, cities like Parkland and Marco Island are statistically safer than 95% of U.S. cities.

While national rankings shift yearly, Parkland, FL often ranks among the safest small cities in the U.S. — thanks to its ultra-low violent crime, high-income residents, and strong civic involvement.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in Florida with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

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