🚨 Florida Crisis: #1 State Nationally, 135,317 Identity Theft Reports (2025 YTD)

Florida ranks #1 nationally for identity theft with 135,317 reports in just Q1-Q3 2025—already at 117.0% of 2024's full-year total of 115,840. 496 Florida residents become victims every single day.

How common is identity theft in Florida? (2026 Update)

Analysis of Florida fraud statistics based on official YTD FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data (Current until Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, 2025)

Last Updated: January 09, 2026

National Ranking

#1

By per-capita rate (617/100K)

Total Reports 2025 YTD

135,317

Q1-Q3 2025 (117.0% of 2024)

Total Reports 2024

115,840

Full year 2024

Reports per 100K

617

Above national avg (285)

Daily Victims (2025 YTD)

496

One every 2.9 minutes

State Population

22.6M

Understanding Florida's identity theft crisis

Florida faces an identity theft crisis, ranking #1 nationally by per-capita rate (617 reports per 100K) with 135,317 identity theft reports in just Q1-Q3 2025—already at 117.0% of 2024's full-year total of 115,840. This represents approximately 496 new victims every single day across Florida, with one new victim every 2.9 minutes around the clock. For comprehensive national context, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report. All data is based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data.

The concentration of identity theft in Florida reflects the state's unique vulnerabilities and risk factors affecting the state's 22.6 million residents. Comprehensive identity theft protection is essential for Florida residents.

Why Florida ranks #1 in identity theft statistics

Critical Factor: Retiree Population Meets International Gateway Status

Florida's 617 reports per 100,000 residents in 2025 YTD—the highest rate in the nation—stems from a dangerous convergence of factors. The state's 22.6 million residents include the nation's highest concentration of seniors (21.3% aged 65+1), who maintain decades of established credit and substantial retirement savings. As a major international gateway with three of the nation's busiest cruise ports2 and international airports, Florida processes millions of tourists and temporary residents annually, creating expanded opportunities for document theft and payment card skimming.

Alarming 16.8% Year-Over-Year Surge: Florida didn't just maintain its #1 ranking—it accelerated dramatically. The state's identity theft reports surged from 115,840 in 2024 to 135,317 in 2025 YTD, representing a concerning acceleration in criminal targeting of Florida residents.

Tourism Industry Vulnerability: Florida's $112 billion tourism economy3 creates unique exposure. The 137.6 million annual visitors4 generate massive volumes of temporary payment card transactions at hotels, restaurants, and attractions—prime targets for skimming devices and data breaches. The transient nature of tourism makes fraud detection slower, as victims often don't discover fraudulent charges until returning home.

Investment Scam Magnet: Florida's concentration of affluent retirees with liquid assets makes it a prime target for cryptocurrency schemes, fake investment platforms, and imposter investment advisors targeting residents seeking to maximize retirement income.

Regional Awareness Gap: Despite Florida's extreme risk, YouGov data shows only 63.1% of South region respondents worry most about identity theft5. This represents a dangerous disconnect—Florida's actual victimization rate (617 per 100K) far exceeds the regional worry level, suggesting many residents underestimate their risk until becoming victims.

By income & socioeconomic status

Identity theft in Florida cuts across income levels but manifests differently:

High-Income (>$150K): Targeted for sophisticated fraud—wire transfer scams, investment fraud, real estate title theft, business identity theft. High-income residents maintain higher credit limits and account balances, making them attractive targets.

Mid-Income ($40K-$100K): Highest volume of victims. Have established credit but may lack resources for premium monitoring services. Actively use credit for mortgages, auto loans, education—all fraud vectors.

Lower-Income (<$40K): Disproportionately impacted by government benefits fraud, particularly SNAP fraud, unemployment fraud, and healthcare fraud. May have less financial cushion to absorb losses and fewer resources for recovery.

For comparison, see how Florida compares to other high-risk states like Georgia.

Fraud patterns and identity theft statistics

Most common types of identity theft in Florida (2025)

Based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data for Florida, the following identity theft types are most prevalent:

Identity Theft Type 2025 YTD Reports % of Total
Credit Card Fraud 76,016 56.2%
Other Identity Theft 41,402 30.6%
Loan or Lease Fraud 21,183 15.7%
Bank Fraud 6,684 4.9%
Phone or Utilities Fraud 5,783 4.3%
Employment or Tax-Related Fraud 3,191 2.4%
Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,318 1.7%

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Florida Identity Theft Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Year-over-year comparison (2024 vs 2025 YTD)

Florida reported 135,317 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, compared to 115,840 reports for the full year 2024. This represents 117.0% of the 2024 total in just three quarters, indicating Florida is on track to exceed 2024's numbers.

For comprehensive national context and trends, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report.

2025 YTD Florida trends by age group

Identity theft victimization varies significantly by age, with different age groups facing distinct fraud patterns and loss amounts.

Age Group Reports Median Loss Total Losses % Reporting Loss Risk Level
19 and Under 2,207 $150 $1.8M 45.8% Moderate
20 - 29 10,456 $400 $12.9M 34.8% Moderate
30 - 39 13,198 $497 $35.4M 33.3% Moderate
40 - 49 13,692 $518 $50.2M 32.3% Moderate
50 - 59 13,831 $688 $74.5M 30.1% Moderate
60 - 69 16,834 $750 $92.8M 25.6% Highest Volume
70 - 79 13,358 $1,099 $86.1M 23.6% Moderate
80 and Over 3,964 $2,000 $30.0M 23.8% Moderate

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Florida Age & Fraud Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Who is at risk of identity theft in Florida?

Seniors and Retirees (Highest Risk): Florida's 4.7 million residents aged 65+6 face compounded vulnerability. Elder-targeted fraud includes romance scams and tech support scams that specifically target seniors' unfamiliarity with technology, with scammers impersonating Microsoft, Apple, and Norton support to steal credentials.

High-Net-Worth Retirees: The concentration of affluent retirees in areas like Naples, Boca Raton, and Sarasota makes these areas prime targets for business email compromise and wire transfer fraud. Real estate fraud often targets retirement home purchases where scammers intercept wire transfer instructions during closing.

International Travelers and Snowbirds: Florida's seasonal residents and frequent international travelers face elevated risk. The 1.5 million "snowbirds"7 who maintain dual residences create gaps in mail monitoring and account oversight, while international travelers' passport and payment card information becomes vulnerable at borders and tourist areas.

Small Business Owners in Tourism Sector: Florida's 2.8 million small businesses8, many in hospitality and retail, face business imposter scams. These schemes target business owners with fake invoices, supplier imposters, and fraudulent payment requests during high-volume tourist seasons.

Job Seekers in Growing Markets: Florida's rapidly growing economy (population increased 1.9% in 20249) creates opportunities for employment fraud. Job scams target new residents and remote workers with fake job postings, recruitment fees, and work-from-home schemes requiring upfront equipment purchases.

Spanish-Speaking Communities: Florida's 5.7 million Hispanic residents10 face government imposter scams in Spanish. These scams often involve fake IRS agents, immigration officials, or Social Security Administration representatives threatening deportation or benefit loss to extract payment or personal information.

How to protect yourself from fraud in Florida

Florida-Specific Legal Protections: Florida Statute 817.568 provides strong identity theft protections. Victims can place security freezes on credit reports for free and can place fraud alerts lasting 90 days. The law requires businesses to properly dispose of personal information and restricts Social Security number display. Contact the Florida Attorney General's Office at (866) 966-7226 or visit myfloridalegal.com to file complaints.

Combat Credit Card Fraud: With credit card fraud rates elevated, enable real-time transaction alerts through your card issuer's mobile app. Use virtual card numbers for online purchases and set spending limits on cards used at tourist areas. Review statements within 24 hours of visiting high-risk locations like theme parks, cruise terminals, and beach resorts where skimming is prevalent.

Investment Scam Prevention: Before investing, verify advisors through FINRA's BrokerCheck and Florida's Office of Financial Regulation. Florida law requires investment advisors to register with the state—never invest with unregistered individuals. Refuse pressure to invest immediately, and independently verify "guaranteed returns" claims. Investment opportunities found through social media or unsolicited contact are almost always fraudulent.

Senior-Specific Protections: Florida's seniors should register with the Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov) and use call-blocking apps like Nomorobo. Never provide remote computer access to unsolicited callers claiming to be tech support. Romance scam victims should report to local police immediately and file reports with the FTC. Consider appointing a trusted contact on financial accounts who receives alerts for unusual activity.

Business Owner Safeguards: Implement payment verification procedures requiring two-person authorization for wire transfers over $10,000. Verify all vendor payment changes through previously established phone numbers, never through email alone. Train employees to recognize business email compromise attempts, which often impersonate executives requesting urgent wire transfers.

Snowbird and Travel Protections: Before leaving for the season, set up USPS mail forwarding or hold services. Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates to prevent legitimate transactions from being flagged. Use credit monitoring services that alert you to new account openings regardless of your location. Place fraud alerts on credit reports before extended travel periods.

Document Security in Public Spaces: At Florida's crowded beaches, theme parks, and cruise terminals, never leave belongings unattended. Use hotel room safes for passports and backup payment cards. When using public Wi-Fi at airports or tourist spots, avoid accessing banking sites or entering sensitive information. Use mobile hotspots or VPNs for secure connections.

Florida-Specific Resources: File identity theft reports with local police and obtain report numbers for credit bureaus. Contact Florida's Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at (866) 966-7226. Report fraud to the FTC at identitytheft.gov. For seniors, the Department of Elder Affairs provides assistance at (800) 963-5337. Cruise passengers should report port-related theft to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Recommended response to unusual credit activity

If you notice unusual credit activity or want to proactively protect against new account fraud, credit freezes prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Contact all three bureaus:

  • Experian: (888) 397-3742
  • Equifax: (800) 685-1111
  • TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Free, reversible, doesn't affect credit scores, can be temporarily lifted for legitimate credit applications. For ongoing protection, consider credit monitoring from all three bureaus.

Comprehensive identity theft protection for Florida residents

With identity theft rates significantly above the national average, Florida residents need comprehensive protection. OmniWatch provides monitoring and recovery services designed for high-risk areas.

Up to $2M Identity Theft Insurance: Covers legal fees, lost wages, and fraud-related expenses—peace of mind for high-loss scenarios

Credit Monitoring: Monitors Experian, Equifax, AND TransUnion—catches fraud regardless of which bureau criminals target

Dark Web Surveillance: Scans criminal marketplaces for your exposed data—critical in breach-heavy environments

Real-Time Alerts: 24-hour notification for faster detection and response

White-Glove Recovery: Dedicated, U.S.-based fraud specialists available 24/7 to guide victims through complex recovery process

VPN Encryption: Protects online transactions—essential for extensive e-commerce activity

AI-Powered Scam Detection: Analyzes communications to detect scam patterns—critical for social media-active populations

Property Title Monitoring: Tracks changes to property titles—essential for expensive real estate markets

View Plans & Pricing Start Free Dark Web Scan

How to report identity theft in Florida

Immediate actions (first 48 hours)

Step 1: Document Everything

  • Screenshot all fraudulent transactions
  • Save emails, texts, or calls from fraudsters
  • Create dedicated folder for all identity theft documentation
  • Start detailed timeline of events

Step 2: Place Fraud Alerts

Call any one credit bureau to place fraud alert (they notify the other two). Makes identity theft harder for criminals and entitles you to free credit reports.

Step 3: File Reports

Step 4: Contact Affected Institutions

  • Close compromised accounts immediately
  • Dispute fraudulent charges in writing—verbal disputes aren't legally sufficient
  • Request fraud affidavits from financial institutions
  • Change ALL passwords and PINs, even for accounts not obviously affected

Week 1-2: Secure your identity

Freeze Credit Reports: Contact all three bureaus to freeze reports. Free, reversible, prevents new accounts.

Request Extended Fraud Alert: With police report, you're entitled to 7-year fraud alert (vs. standard 1-year).

Review All Credit Reports: Order reports from all three bureaus. Examine every account, inquiry, and personal information entry. Dispute all fraud vectors.

Month 1-3: Deep clean & monitor

Close All Fraudulent Accounts: Send certified letters to creditors disputing charges. Include copy of FTC report and police report. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Monitor Aggressively: Check credit reports regularly for an extended period. Review bank/credit statements weekly. Set up account alerts for all transactions over $50.

Address Specific Fraud Types:

  • Tax Fraud: File Form 14039 with IRS, request Identity Protection PIN for future filings at IRS.gov
  • Medical Fraud: Request medical records, dispute charges with insurance companies
  • Real Estate/Mortgage Fraud: Alert title companies, mortgage servicers; may require attorney. Home title monitoring can help prevent future incidents
  • Employment Fraud: Contact employers where fraudulent employment occurred, file with Social Security Administration at SSA.gov

Long-term recovery

Identity theft recovery timelines vary significantly by case complexity. Simple cases involving a single credit card may resolve relatively quickly, while moderate cases with multiple accounts typically require more extensive documentation and follow-up. Complex cases involving criminal identity theft, tax fraud, or real estate fraud can take substantially longer to resolve.

When to Seek Professional Help:

  • Criminal charges filed in your name
  • Multiple fraud types occurring simultaneously
  • Real estate fraud involving property titles
  • Creditors refusing to remove fraudulent accounts
  • Cases exceeding $50,000 in total losses
  • Business identity theft

Florida identity theft resources

State resources

Florida Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division: (866) 966-7226

https://www.myfloridalegal.com/consumer - File complaints, access victim assistance, fraud education

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: ((800) 435-7352)

https://www.fdacs.gov - Consumer protection, fraud reporting

Federal resources

FTC Identity Theft Hotline: IdentityTheft.gov or (877) 438-4338

Social Security Fraud Hotline: (800) 269-0271 | Visit SSA.gov to create a My Social Security account

IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit: (800) 908-4490 | Request an IP PIN at IRS.gov

Credit bureaus (fraud alerts & freezes)

Place fraud alerts and freezes with all three bureaus:

  • Experian: (888) 397-3742
  • Equifax: (800) 685-1111
  • TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Support services

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): (888) 400-5530 - Free victim assistance with live counselors. Visit idtheftcenter.org for resources

Frequently asked questions

Why does Florida rank #1 nationally for identity theft?

Florida ranks #1 nationally with 617 reports per 100K residents in 2025 YTD. The state's unique risk factors contribute to elevated identity theft rates.

What are the most common types of identity theft in Florida?

Credit card fraud, loan/lease fraud, and other identity theft categories are the most common types reported in Florida.

How many identity theft reports were filed in Florida in 2025?

Florida reported 135,317 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, already at 117.0% of 2024's full-year total of 115,840.

What should I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Florida?

Immediately file reports with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov, your local police department, and the Florida Attorney General. Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus and freeze your credit reports.

Are there state-specific identity theft laws in Florida?

Yes. Florida has specific identity theft laws. Check with the Florida Attorney General's office for details on state-specific protections and reporting requirements.

How can I protect myself from identity theft in Florida?

Given Florida's #1 ranking, comprehensive protection is essential. Use credit freezes, enable transaction alerts, monitor credit reports regularly, and consider identity theft protection services designed for high-risk areas.

Sources & Citations

All identity theft and fraud data in this report comes from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book unless otherwise cited below.

1 Florida Senior Population: U.S. Census Bureau, "2023 American Community Survey" (2024). Florida has 21.3% of its population aged 65 and older, the highest percentage of any state in the nation.

2 Florida Cruise Ports: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), "2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report" (2024); Port Everglades, Port of Miami, and Port Canaveral collectively rank among the busiest cruise ports globally, handling over 8 million cruise passengers annually.

3 Florida Tourism Economy: Visit Florida, "2024 Florida Visitor Study" (2024). Florida's tourism industry generated approximately $112 billion in economic impact in 2023, making it one of the state's largest economic sectors.

4 Florida Annual Visitors: Visit Florida, "2024 Preliminary Tourism Statistics" (2024). Florida welcomed approximately 137.6 million domestic and international visitors in 2023, maintaining its position as one of the world's top tourist destinations.

5 Regional Identity Theft Worry Data: YouGov consumer survey data (2024); Federal Trade Commission, "Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book" (2025). South region worry data reflects consumer survey responses about identity theft concerns.

6 Florida Population Aged 65+: U.S. Census Bureau, "2023 American Community Survey" (2024). Florida has approximately 4.7 million residents aged 65 and older, representing the largest senior population of any state.

7 Florida Snowbird Population: University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, "Florida Population Studies" (2024). An estimated 1.5 million seasonal residents ("snowbirds") maintain dual residences, typically spending winters in Florida.

8 Florida Small Businesses: U.S. Small Business Administration, "Small Business Profile: Florida" (2024). Florida has approximately 2.8 million small businesses, many concentrated in the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

9 Florida Population Growth: U.S. Census Bureau, "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population" (2024). Florida's population grew by approximately 1.9% in 2024, adding over 400,000 residents and maintaining its position among the fastest-growing states.

10 Florida Hispanic Population: U.S. Census Bureau, "2023 American Community Survey" (2024). Florida has approximately 5.7 million Hispanic or Latino residents, representing about 26% of the state's total population.