Florida’s driving conditions continue to receive poor marks, with four of its cities—Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami—ranking among the worst for drivers in the U.S. According to a recent study by Clever Real Estate, Jacksonville tops the list, marking the second consecutive year Florida has been dubbed the worst state for drivers.
The Clever study used various metrics to evaluate the 50 largest metro areas in the country, including fatal accidents, DUI charges, speeding, and other traffic violations.
Jacksonville, in particular, showed troubling statistics. In 2023, the city recorded 3.8 drunk driving deaths per 100,000 residents, up from 2.9 the previous year.
Additionally, Jacksonville has 68% more fatal accidents than the average major U.S. city, with 14.5 fatal wrecks per 100,000 people. This dangerous environment also leads to higher auto insurance premiums, with residents paying $2,745 annually, which is 40% more than the average.
Tampa also faces significant issues, especially regarding cyclist safety. The city has the highest rate of fatal collisions between drivers and cyclists, with 1.3 per 100,000 residents, five times more than the average city studied.
Supporting Clever’s findings, a February study by Forbes also highlighted driving problems in Florida, ranking Tampa and Jacksonville among the worst cities for drivers.
The Clever study also noted other problematic areas outside Florida, including Riverside and Sacramento in California, and Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee. Conversely, New York City, Boston, and Minneapolis were praised for having the best drivers among major U.S. metro areas.
Driving in Florida remains hazardous, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and awareness to reduce accidents and improve overall driving conditions.