Every summer, Florida’s beaches transform into international hotspots, drawing millions of travelers eager for sunshine, surf, and nightlife. In 2024, the state hosted a record 35 million summer visitors, adding to 156 million annual tourists and the 23.3 million residents already on the roads. While this boom has fueled Florida’s economy to the tune of $131 billion, it has also fueled another, more troubling trend — dangerous roads near Florida’s most visited beaches.
A new study from The Schiller Kessler Group reveals that Florida’s most popular coastal counties, home to South Beach, Clearwater, Daytona, Palm Beach, and Pompano Beach, not only welcome the most tourists but also suffer some of the highest rates of car accidents and fatalities in the state. The overlap suggests that tourism, while essential to Florida’s economy, also creates unique public safety risks that demand urgent attention.
Florida’s Crash Landscape: Beaches and Danger Overlap
In 2023, Florida recorded 395,175 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 252,285 injuries and 3,396 deaths. Of these fatalities:
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839 deaths (25%) involved alcohol
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349 deaths (10.3%) involved speeding
The five most visited beach counties — Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Volusia, and Broward — accounted for 955 fatalities, or 28% of the statewide total, despite making up only 7.5% of Florida’s 67 counties.
With over 800 miles of shoreline, Florida’s beaches remain the centerpiece of its tourism industry, but they also represent some of its most dangerous driving zones.
Who’s Most at Risk?
The study highlights striking demographic patterns:
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Men accounted for 75% of crash fatalities (694 deaths) compared to 25% for women (233).
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Drivers aged 25–34 led all age groups with 175 fatalities, a result of long driving hours, social travel, and higher rates of risky behavior.
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Other vulnerable groups included 35–44-year-olds (140 deaths) and 55–64-year-olds (132 deaths).
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Older adults (65+) also saw high fatality numbers due to fragility, while teen drivers (16–20) accounted for 70 deaths, largely due to inexperience.
Dangerous Times: When Accidents Peak
Traffic fatalities across the five beach counties were highest in March (106 deaths), coinciding with Spring Break crowds. May (98) and February (91) also saw elevated crash numbers. By contrast, June (56) and August (49) were the safest months.
Evenings posed the greatest danger, with 6–10 PM accounting for the majority of fatalities. The single deadliest time of day was 10–11 PM, when fatigue, alcohol use, and low visibility combined to produce 31 fatalities. Late-night driving, especially near nightlife-heavy areas like Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, remains a consistent risk factor for both tourists and locals.
Vehicles Involved in Florida Beach Accidents
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Motorcycles were the deadliest vehicles in proportion to use, accounting for 196 fatalities.
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Passenger cars contributed to 168 deaths, while SUVs (64) and pickup trucks (35) also ranked high.
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Honda, Toyota, and Chevrolet vehicles appeared most frequently in fatal crash data. Popular motorcycle brands such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and BMW also recorded more than 90 deaths combined, underscoring rider vulnerability.
Causes of Fatal Crashes in Beach Counties
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Alcohol was the leading cause in every county studied, with Miami-Dade recording the highest number of alcohol-related deaths (73).
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Speeding was another major factor, especially in Miami-Dade (30) and Palm Beach (29).
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Distracted driving was notably high in Volusia County, where cellphone use and inattention nearly matched speeding deaths.
Tourism, Traffic, and Safety: The Balancing Act
The overlap of Florida’s busiest beaches with its deadliest driving zones underscores the challenges of balancing tourism growth with public safety. Congested roads, distracted visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, and alcohol-fueled nightlife all contribute to these higher risks, particularly in popular counties like Miami-Dade and Broward.
“Florida’s beaches are world-class destinations, but the influx of visitors puts extraordinary strain on road safety,” said a spokesperson for The Schiller Kessler Group. “The data shows that alcohol and speeding remain the biggest threats — and addressing those behaviors could save hundreds of lives each year and keep the beaches safe for residents and tourists alike.”
The Schiller Kessler Group: Fighting for Safer Roads
The Schiller Kessler Group is committed to helping crash victims and their families seek justice after negligent accidents. With offices statewide and a 24/7 free consultation policy, the firm ensures that clients pay no fees unless their case is won.
