Riding Into Risk: Florida’s Deadliest Counties for Motorcyclists

 A new study reveals that Hamilton County leads Florida in motorcycle fatality rates.

A new study by Florida-based personal injury law firm Blakeley Law Firm  analyzed motorcycle crash data from 2019 to 2023 across all Florida counties. Using population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau and crash data sourced from the Crash Data and Analysis (CDAN) query tool, the study calculated motorcycle fatality rates per 100,000 residents to identify the most dangerous counties for motorcyclists.

Hamilton County ranks first in Florida for motorcycle fatality rates, reporting 11 deaths per 100,000 residents — more than two and a half times the statewide average of 4.16. Between 2019 and 2023, Hamilton County had a population of 13,635 and recorded an average of 1.5 motorcycle fatalities annually.

Gilchrist County takes the second spot in Florida for motorcycle fatality rates, with 10.69 deaths per 100,000 residents — exceeding the state average of 4.16 by more than two and a half times. During the years 2019 to 2023, the county’s population totaled 18,710, where an average of two motorcycle deaths occurred each year.

Franklin County lands in third place for motorcycle fatality rates across Florida, reporting 8.08 deaths per 100,000 residents — nearly double the state’s average of 4.16. Over the five-year span from 2019 to 2023, the county had a population of 12,382, and recorded an annual average of one motorcycle-related fatality.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Blakeley Law Firm commented:

“This analysis highlights the troubling frequency of motorcycle fatalities in certain Florida counties, revealing a persistent threat to rider safety across the state. Behind every number is a person whose life was tragically cut short or forever altered.”

“The elevated fatality rates in these regions point to deeper concerns — from inadequate road design and lack of dedicated motorcycle lanes to poor driver awareness and enforcement gaps.”

“To better protect motorcyclists, it’s essential for transportation officials and community leaders to invest in safer infrastructure, promote driver education programs, and enforce stricter compliance with traffic laws that prioritize two-wheeler safety.”

Glades County secures the fourth spot among Florida counties for motorcycle fatality rates, with 7.87 deaths per 100,000 residents — 89.18% above the statewide average of 4.16. Between 2019 and 2023, the county reported a population of 12,699, within which an average of one motorcycle fatality occurred annually.

DeSoto County holds the fifth-highest motorcycle fatality rate in Florida, with 7.86 deaths per 100,000 residents —88.94% higher than the statewide average of 4.16. From 2019 to 2023, the county had a population of 35,638, during which it experienced an annual average of 2.8 motorcycle-related deaths.

Calhoun County (6th) reported 7.3 motorcycle fatalities per 100,000 residents, followed by Volusia County (7th) at 6.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents, Gulf County (8th) at 6.8 fatalities per 100,000 residents, Putnam County (9th) at 6.4 fatalities per 100,000 residents, and Union County (10th) at 6.4 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

The study was conducted by Blakeley Law Firm, P.A., a Florida-based personal injury law firm representing clients injured in motor vehicle accidents or those who have lost loved ones due to negligence. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death claims.