United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Fort Lauderdale scores 76/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Fort Lauderdale is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
76
/ 100
Safer than ~81% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile overall crime is moderate, the homicide rate is at the US average, suggesting a risk of violent crime.
Pickpocketing
ModerateCrowded tourist areas, beaches, and entertainment districts may present opportunities for pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously optimistic
65/100
While official data indicates a generally safe environment, some traveler sentiment may be influenced by news of isolated incidents and the general perception of crime rates in the US.
Yes — Fort Lauderdale is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions.
Fort Lauderdale presents a low risk for most travelers, with strong official guidance and low rates of terrorism and sexual violence. However, visitors should be aware of the city's homicide rate, which is on par with the US average, and exercise caution regarding road safety and potential petty crime.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Fort Lauderdale is generally a safe destination for travelers, with official government advisories from Canada and the UK recommending normal security precautions. The composite safety index is high, indicating it is safer than most countries globally, and specific risks like terrorism and sexual violence are very low. The city also benefits from good air quality and readily available healthcare facilities.
However, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings. The homicide rate in Fort Lauderdale is comparable to the US average, suggesting a moderate risk of violent crime, particularly in certain areas. Road traffic safety is also a concern, with a higher-than-average death rate, so caution is advised when driving or crossing streets. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in crowded tourist spots like beaches and entertainment districts.
Recent reports from June 2026 highlighted a concerning near-miss incident involving a commercial flight and a training aircraft over the city, underscoring the importance of vigilance even in seemingly routine travel. While protests have occurred in the broader South Florida region, including Fort Lauderdale, they have not been reported as directly impacting tourist safety. There have also been instances of drug smuggling interdictions near the city, though these are unlikely to affect the average traveler.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions. This includes being aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas and after dark, and avoiding the display of valuables. Using reputable transportation services is recommended. While the city is generally safe, being informed about local conditions and any potential disruptions will contribute to a more secure experience.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Fort Lauderdale districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Fort Lauderdale safety map.
Broward Boulevard (West of I-95)avoidAreas here have higher crime rates and are best avoided.
Fort Lauderdale BeachcautionBusy tourist area, be aware of petty crime like pickpocketing.
Downtown Fort LauderdalecautionCan be busy, exercise normal precautions, especially after dark.
Las Olas BoulevardsaferGenerally safe and upscale, popular with tourists.
Victoria ParksaferResidential area, generally considered safe.
Wilton ManorssaferKnown for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and generally safe atmosphere.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
While overall crime is moderate, the homicide rate is at the US average, suggesting a risk of violent crime.
After dark, be most careful around Broward Boulevard (West of I-95), Fort Lauderdale Beach, Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Fort Lauderdale's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Fort Lauderdale is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. Fort Lauderdale presents a low risk for most travelers, with strong official guidance and low rates of terrorism and sexual violence. However, visitors should be aware of the city's homicide rate, which is on par with the US average, and exercise caution regarding road safety and potential petty crime. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Broward Boulevard (West of I-95) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Fort Lauderdale ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 76/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: fort-lauderdale.json (CC BY 4.0).