TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Florida's crime rate last year was its lowest since the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) started tracking crime statistics in 1971.
The state's annual crime report for 2014 was released Wednesday. The total number of crimes last year fell 3.6 percent from 2013. Nonviolent crimes were down 4.1 percent, and violent crimes fell 0.7 percent.
A few categories with increases included the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty (six) and domestic violence murders (up by 24).
Though murder and sex offenses were up slightly, robbery, burglary and domestic violence offenses dropped.
"I am proud today to stand with our state's law enforcement community to celebrate Florida's 44 year low crime rate," Governor Rick Scott said in a statement. "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. Florida's low crime rate contributes to the state's economic growth and momentum. It's truly a reason why more and more people are visiting and moving to the Sunshine State to live their dreams."
To see the full annual crime report, as well as a county-by-county breakdown, check out: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/FSAC/UCR/UCR-Home.aspx.
