Halloween warning: October is Florida’s highest-risk month for home burglaries
As Halloween draws near, new figures point to a sobering trend across Florida: October is the most dangerous month of the year for residential break-ins. While the state’s overall burglary rate sits below the national average, experts are urging Floridians to take extra precautions as trick-or-treating and seasonal parties leave many homes temporarily unattended.
Fresh analysis of FBI Crime Data Explorer records ranks Florida 36th nationwide for average monthly residential burglaries per 100,000 residents, at 7.62—about 33% lower than the U.S. average of 11.36. But the month-by-month picture tells a sharper story. Over a recent 12-month span, Florida averaged 731 home burglaries per month; in October, that number surged to 864, the highest of the year.
The timing matters. On Halloween night, neighborhoods are in motion: families out on candy routes, adults at gatherings, porch lights flickering on and off. For opportunistic offenders, those patterns can translate into vulnerable windows—darkened homes, predictable absences, and doors briefly left unlocked. Nationally, July is the most common peak for residential burglaries, topping the charts in 19 states, while September is generally the quietest. Florida breaks that mold with an October spike, aligning with Illinois and Nebraska.
“Seven out of the top ten states are in the southern region of the U.S., suggesting a generally higher risk of residential burglary,” said Sam Bitar, a spokesperson for S-Line Contractors. “Regional differences may reflect law enforcement resources, housing types, and economic pressures. Regardless of where your state ranks, simple measures—visible cameras, strong door and window locks, and good exterior lighting—can reduce risk.”
Contextualizing Florida’s figures is key. The state’s per-capita burglary burden remains lower than many peers, even as seasonal dynamics shift the risk profile. That means targeted, temporary vigilance can make a measurable difference. Law enforcement officials typically recommend a blend of deterrence and community attention: leave lights and a TV on when heading out, set smart plugs and timers, lock side gates, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye out. Posting post-Halloween photos after returning home—rather than broadcasting that the house is empty—also reduces exposure.
Methodologically, the analysis compared each state’s residential burglary counts over the most recent 12-month period to its population, producing a per-100,000 monthly average for fair comparisons. States were then ranked from highest to lowest. Florida’s October outlier stands as a clear call to action: enjoy the holiday spirit, but lock up, light up, and look out for your block.
