FDLE: Fewer crimes statewide, but murder up in Jax

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida's 2014 annual crime report released Wednesday shows the state's crime rate dropped 4.9 percent compared to last year. But the numbers also show Jacksonville still leads the state in murder and is fifth in the state in violent crime.

The total number of crimes fell 3.6 percent from last year, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which translates into 25,476 fewer crimes than in 2013.

Recommended Videos



Overall, the number of violent crimes dropped 0.7 percent, while nonviolent crime fell 4.1 percent. Robbery and burglary fell slightly.

County-by-county data | Data broken down by county/city agency

Overall, domestic violence offenses were down 1 percent from 2013. Domestic violence murders were up 24 deaths last year while domestic violence manslaughter was down five deaths. 

The FDLE shows there were 96 murders in Duval County in 2014, or 10.8 per 100,000 population. Miami-Dade County had  more than twice as many murders, but its murder rate was 8.1 per 100,000 residents.

"I am proud today to stand with our state's law enforcement community to celebrate Florida's 44 year low crime rate," Gov. Rick Scott said. "This news is made possible by the brave men and women who protect our communities and risk their lives every day to ensure our families are safe."

The number of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty increased in 2014 to six deaths. Four officers died after being shot and two were killed by vehicles. 

FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

All but six of Florida's 402 law enforcement agencies participated in the 2014 Uniform Crime Report, representing 99.7 percent of the state's population.