Florida natural disaster risk
Florida ranks #46 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are hurricane, lightning, riverine flooding.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Florida's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | 2,738,356 | 99.6 | Very High |
| Broward County | 1,977,129 | 99.5 | Relatively High |
| Palm Beach County | 1,533,806 | 99.2 | Relatively High |
| Hillsborough County | 1,522,748 | 98.8 | Relatively High |
| Orange County | 1,471,937 | 98.4 | Relatively High |
| Duval County | 1,023,153 | 97.2 | Relatively High |
| Pinellas County | 963,481 | 98.2 | Relatively High |
| Lee County | 817,666 | 99.0 | Relatively High |
| Polk County | 790,694 | 96.5 | Relatively High |
| Brevard County | 632,780 | 98.4 | Relatively High |
| Pasco County | 611,444 | 96.0 | Relatively High |
| Volusia County | 579,622 | 96.2 | Relatively High |
| Seminole County | 481,470 | 91.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sarasota County | 459,547 | 98.2 | Relatively High |
| Manatee County | 429,792 | 97.6 | Relatively High |
| Osceola County | 427,415 | 92.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lake County | 412,924 | 91.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Marion County | 400,078 | 94.7 | Relatively High |
| Collier County | 398,291 | 98.9 | Relatively High |
| St. Lucie County | 360,500 | 96.1 | Relatively High |
| Escambia County | 325,923 | 95.1 | Relatively High |
| St. Johns County | 306,934 | 87.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Leon County | 297,542 | 93.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Alachua County | 285,492 | 90.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clay County | 227,584 | 81.1 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Florida
- Baker County 13.3
- Bradford County 36.9
- Wakulla County 46.7
- Nassau County 59.3
- Washington County 59.4
- Taylor County 65.4
- Levy County 66.1
- Hardee County 69.2
Cities in Florida
- Miami, FL risk 99.5
- Tampa, FL risk 97.5
- Orlando, FL risk 95.3
- Jacksonville, FL risk 89.8
- Sarasota, FL risk 97.9
- Cape Coral, FL risk 99
- Lakeland, FL risk 96.5
- Daytona Beach, FL risk 93.9
- Palm Bay, FL risk 98.4
- Port St. Lucie, FL risk 95.4
- Pensacola, FL risk 92.8
- Ocala, FL risk 94.7
- Naples, FL risk 98.9
- Gainesville, FL risk 84
- Crestview, FL risk 91.4
- Panama City, FL risk 89.7
- Punta Gorda, FL risk 95.2
- The Villages, FL risk 87.6
Frequently asked questions
Is Florida safe from natural disasters?
Florida's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 95.3 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #46 of 51 from safest. About 79% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Florida?
The highest relative risks in Florida are hurricane, lightning, riverine flooding (national percentile scores 98, 98, 93).
Where is the safest place to live in Florida?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Baker County, Bradford County, Wakulla County.