Florida ranks at the bottom of LGBTQ+ safety list. What report says makes the state unsafe
Home security and safety blog SafeHome.org released their annual report of the best and worst states for LGBTQ+ safety, noting hate crimes have risen for the fourth year in a row and 71% of LGBTQ+ adults have avoided a public space due to fear of discrimination or violence.
Experts ranked the 50 states on a composite safety score comprising a law score and a hate crime score. A 'law score' was calculated based on pro- and anti-equality laws in each state. A 'hate crime score' was also calculated based on an analysis of the incidence of hate crimes against any group falling within the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
Florida has dominated headlines over the last few years when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, from controversial legislation to discourse over pride events. In this year's ranking, Florida has fallen to the bottom of the list, despite being in the 35th slot just two years ago.
The Sunshine State placed dead last as America's worst state for LGBTQ+ safety with a score of 35.69 out of 100.
"Under Governor Ron DeSantis, the Sunshine State has become increasingly cloudy for the LGBTQ+ community. He's signed laws including a 'Don't Say Gay' initiative to restrict scholastic discussion of sexual orientation (then censured Disney for its opposition to the bill), a limit on access to gender-affirming care, and the criminalization of prohibited bathroom use by transgender citizens," the report states.
The report further cites that LGBTQ+ advocates and human rights organizations have previously issued a travel advisory for the state due to legislation. Additionally, Florida has the lowest percentage of hate crime reporting in the country with 44% of law enforcement agencies submitting hate crime data to the FBI in 2023.
Out of the 588 anti-LGBTQ bills the American Civil Liberties Union was tracking, seven were in Florida, including:
H.B. 731/S.B. 1710 - Died in committee in both the Senate and the House; would have prohibited spending on DEI initiatives and applying for federal health care grants that include DEI.
H.B. 1495/S.B. 440 - Never moved past the committee phase in the Senate and was never heard in the House; would have prohibited workplaces from requiring employees to use preferred pronouns.
H.B. 1307 - Postponed indefinitely; would revise provisions relating to DOE, FCS institutions, state universities, & K-20 education system.
S.B. 100/H.B. 75 - Postponed indefinitely; would have banned Pride flags flying on government buildings.
In a 2023 survey, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) found that 80% of transgender or nonbinary Floridians either want to move away or have already made plans to do so. It also highlighted that 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ Floridians share the same sentiments.
In their own words, HRC shared quotes from respondents, some writing they felt they were losing their basic rights and ability to exist in public spaces.
However, the study also highlighted those who wanted to stay and fight in their home state. It showed that 11.7% LGBTQ+ adults, and 6.5% transgender and non-binary adults, were committed to fighting back against gender affirming care bans, through voting out and speaking out against politicians who enacted these bans.
"I spoke on the Capitol steps but this is what we do … we fight, we don't stand down, we stand up because we know the power of staying vigilant," drag queen Latrice Royale told the USA TODAY Florida Network in 2024 when asked in an interview about LGBTQ+ activism in their home state.
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Tennesse
Utah
South Dakota
Alabama
Kansas
Nebraska
Georgia
For the second year in a row, the tiny New England state earned an A+ for LGBTQ+ safety.
"The Ocean State has the nation's most straightforward motto: 'Hope', and supplies that to its LGBTQ+ citizens via various legal protections, progressive healthcare, and vibrant community support," the report detailed. "Rhode Island's score was also boosted by its stellar hate crime reporting participation rate. Ninety-eight percent of law enforcement agencies in the state reported hate crimes to the FBI, more than any other state."
It also notes Rhode Island set trends by providing benefits to same-sex partners in 2001, recognizing same-sex civil unions in 2011, and marriages in 2013, two years before the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision.
See the top 10 best states for the LGBTQ+ safety:
Rhode Island
California
Delaware
Connecticut
Nevada
New Hampshire
Minnesota
Virginia
Maine
Colorado
Pride Month 2025 certainly looks different compared to recent years, which is leading some attendees to wonder if it's safe to attend this year. And unfortunately, there's not an exact answer.
According to NBC News, severalEuropean countries have issued official cautions for LGBTQ travelers visiting the U.S. and some LGBTQ rights groups have either pulled out of participation or called for a boycott of international Pride events.
Despite a slew of anti-legislation across several red states this year alone, several Pride organizers told the Guardian that the show will still go on, especially in light of the political hostility the community is facing.
'It's incredibly rewarding to see tens of thousands of attendees. It's very easy to feel isolated and alone in deep red states like Idaho with people living in relatively isolated areas and incredibly regressive legislatures targeting the LGBTQ community," Donald Williamson, executive director of Idaho's Boise Pride, told the outlet.
LGBTQ+ news source Them released a list of safety advice for those heading to Pride events, including:
Stay Hydrated And Bring Snacks
Have a Group or Buddy to Check In With
Practice Drug Safety and Harm Reduction
Know Your Protest Safety Basics
Understand Active Shooter Danger and Safety Tips
Have a Plan In Case You Need to Leave
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Pride Month 2025: Why Florida ranks last for LGBTQ+ people safety
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