The Most Disaster-Prone Cities in Florida

There’s much to love about Florida. The days are warm, and the sun is always shining; there are theme parks and fun activities to enjoy, and the people and culture are top-notch. However, like all other states, Florida also has some issues to consider, including the risk of a number of weather phenomena that can cause harm and property damage. Before you decide to move, we’d like you to know which areas have the most risk with this list of the most disaster-prone cities in Florida. 

When you look at the data presented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you’ll see that many cities in The Sunshine State can pose risks. For instance, in Parkland, FL, there’s the potential for various disasters, including tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and a chance of dangerous lightning. Then there’s Pompano Beach, FL, a tourist hotspot with many sights to see and things to do. But, go at the wrong time, and you could experience wildfires, tornadoes, hail, and the potential for an earthquake. 

Other cities, such as Boynton Beach, Sunrise, and Boca Raton, also have their share of risks. Of course, disasters can happen anywhere, so you don’t necessarily need to avoid these places like the plague, but it’s good to be informed.

When disaster strikes, it’s okay to be afraid, which is why, in some cities, the potential for bad weather and other issues has caused population decline. For instance, between 2017 and 2022, Panama City, FL, experienced a 6.6% decline, and Wellington, FL, experienced a 2.3% decline. These are all facts to consider if you’re thinking about moving to Florida. These are not the only aspects that factor into your decision, but they’re important nonetheless. We just want you to make the best decision for you and your family. (Also See 10 Pros and 10 Cons of Living in Florida)

To determine the most disaster-prone cities in Florida, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on natural hazard risk for U.S. census tracts from the March 2023 FEMA National Risk Index dataset. Cities were ranked based on the average National Risk Index score – a composite risk score of 18 natural hazards: avalanche, coastal flooding, cold wave, drought, earthquake, hail, heat wave, hurricane, ice storm, landslide, lightning, riverine flooding, strong wind, tornado, tsunami, volcanic activity, wildfire, and winter weather – for all census tracts within their borders. Data were aggregated from the census tract level to the city level using spatial boundary definitions from the U.S. Census Bureau’s TIGER/Line program. Supplemental data on the total value of all owner-occupied homes and population are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Only places with at least 25,000 residents were considered.

50. Bradenton, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.0%
• Total population: 55,795

49. Hollywood, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.7/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $15.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +2.0%
• Total population: 152,764

48. Cooper City, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.7/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -3.0%
• Total population: 34,046

47. Boynton Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.7/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $6.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +7.5%
• Total population: 80,068

46. Coconut Creek, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.8/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.4 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -2.7%
• Total population: 57,574

45. Pembroke Pines, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.8/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $16.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +2.4%
• Total population: 170,472

44. Bonita Springs, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 91.9/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $10.6 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.0%
• Total population: 53,945

43. Navarre, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.7 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +13.9%
• Total population: 38,829

42. Miami Lakes, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -1.3%
• Total population: 30,621

41. Dania Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +0.6%
• Total population: 31,700

40. Pompano Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $9.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.0%
• Total population: 111,790

39. Merritt Island, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -5.7%
• Total population: 34,300

38. South Bradenton, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.5/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $0.9 million
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +2.1%
• Total population: 25,471

37. Oakland Park, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.5/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.4 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -0.1%
• Total population: 44,056

36. Sunrise, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $7.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.6%
• Total population: 96,510

35. Greenacres, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.7/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.4 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +9.6%
• Total population: 43,651

34. Miramar, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.7/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $12.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -0.9%
• Total population: 135,158

33. Lake Worth Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.8/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: NA
• Total population: 42,188

32. Doral, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 92.9/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $5.7 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +33.1%
• Total population: 74,891

31. Coral Springs, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.2/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $12.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +2.8%
• Total population: 133,801

30. Riviera Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +10.5%
• Total population: 37,668

29. Wesley Chapel, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $6.5 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +28.8%
• Total population: 68,814

28. Ferry Pass, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $1.5 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -3.2%
• Total population: 32,447

27. Boca Raton, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.4/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $25.4 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.3%
• Total population: 97,980

26. Titusville, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 93.9/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.3 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +8.0%
• Total population: 48,595

25. Royal Palm Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.0/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.7 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +3.2%
• Total population: 38,874

24. Lakewood Ranch, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $7.3 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: NA
• Total population: 34,346

23. Immokalee, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.2/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $0.6 million
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +8.0%
• Total population: 27,753

22. Palm Bay, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.2/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $8.1 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +12.7%
• Total population: 121,513

21. Davie, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.2/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $12.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.2%
• Total population: 105,821

20. Land O’ Lakes, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.5/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +13.5%
• Total population: 40,843

19. East Lake-Orient Park, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $1.1 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +8.4%
• Total population: 29,243

18. Weston, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $10.3 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -2.5%
• Total population: 68,029

17. Deerfield Beach, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 94.9/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $6.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +8.8%
• Total population: 86,455

16. Fish Hawk, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.0/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $3.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +42.3%
• Total population: 25,179

15. Wellington, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $9.4 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -2.3%
• Total population: 61,373

14. Palm City, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +5.8%
• Total population: 25,957

13. Sebastian, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.5 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +5.6%
• Total population: 25,266

12. Vero Beach South, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +24.7%
• Total population: 29,965

11. Wright, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $1.7 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +12.5%
• Total population: 26,272

10. Port St. Lucie, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $19.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +17.8%
• Total population: 210,520

9. Horizon West, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 95.9/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $6.0 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +131.0%
• Total population: 58,595

8. Rockledge, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 96.0/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.6 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +4.9%
• Total population: 27,808

7. West Melbourne, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 96.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.5 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +28.9%
• Total population: 26,762

6. Melbourne, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 96.2/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $6.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +6.7%
• Total population: 84,982

5. Crestview, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 96.8/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $1.7 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +18.4%
• Total population: 27,427

4. Panama City, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 97.1/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $2.2 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: -6.6%
• Total population: 34,254

3. Key West, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 97.6/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $4.8 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +3.0%
• Total population: 26,078

2. Fort Pierce, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 98.0/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $1.9 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +6.6%
• Total population: 47,153

1. Parkland, FL

• FEMA National Risk Index score: 99.3/100
• Total value of owner-occupied homes: $8.1 billion
• Population change, 2017 to 2022: +20.5%
• Total population: 34,832