By Juliana OctaviniSecurity in Orlando is a subject that many Brazilian tourists end up underestimating, and I fully understand why. After all, just land in the city to find clean streets, well organized attractions, impeccable hotels and an environment that conveys tranquility. It feels like being in a place where nothing bad can happen.
But reality is a little different. Although Orlando be one of the most prepared cities in the world to receive visitors, she also attracts millions of tourists every year — and along with them ill-intentioned people who see opportunities in distracted travelers.
That doesn't mean you should travel in fear. On the contrary. With some simple measures and a little more attention, you can enjoy the journey with much more tranquility. In this guide, I will share tips, care and real situations that show why it is worth keeping an eye on during your stay.
Orlando security: situations that made me more attentive
Throughout my travels to Orlando, I have experienced some situations that have made me redouble my attention and realize that no tourist destination is completely risk-free.
One of them happened in a hotel. A group of tourists had left the windows of the room open while going out for a walk. When they returned, they discovered what part of the purchases they had made had been stolen.
On another occasion, my husband and I — we still didn’t have our daughter — were standing in the parking lot of a gas station, having a coffee we had just bought at the convenience store. That's when two boys got off a bus and headed for the station. From the first moment, something caught our attention: they kept watching us.
Instinctively, we also began to observe them. There was something about their attitude that put us on alert. The two entered the convenience store, but seconds later, they came back looking at us. Then they walked down the street, boarded the first bus that passed and left.
We may never know what his intentions were, but the feeling that we escaped from an unpleasant situation. I have the impression that the fact that we're watching each of their movements has made them give up whatever plan they might have.
It was precisely through experiences like these that I learned an important lesson: regardless of how safe a city seems to be, keeping an eye on what happens around it remains one of the best ways to prevent it.
Security in Orlando hotels: the basics that many people ignore
One of the first mistakes tourists make is to completely relax as they enter the hotel. Logic seems to make sense: you paid dearly, you're on a known network, there are cameras everywhere. But there are situations that go unnoticed and that can ruin your trip.
Watch who knocks on your door
Orange County Sheriff's Office itself alert: never open the bedroom door without knowing exactly who's outside. If the person says he's a hotel employee, call the front desk before opening the door and confirm if anyone has been sent. Criminals have already impersonated employees to enter unsuspecting guest rooms.
Also, keep an eye on fliers sliding under the door. This is a classic blow in Orlando: delivery materials or fake services are distributed in hotel corridors to collect credit card data. The Orange County Sheriff advises that legitimate hotels do not leave unsolicited materials without the logo and official name of the establishment. Therefore, any suspicious pamphlet should be confirmed at reception before any call or request.
Keep your belongings carefully
Never leave documents, money, cameras or electronics in sight inside the room or inside the parked car. Always use the safe available in the room or the safe from reception. Also, when using the hotel's pool or common areas, never leave the key to the unaccompanied room.
Another important tip: Once you enter the room, refer to the emergency map posted to the door and identify the exits. That goes for both fires and any other unexpected situation. And remember to always use the bolt — not just the simple lock.
Care in outlet parking, shopping malls and markets
Parking lot is one of the most vulnerable spots for any tourist. Whether at Vineland Premium Outlets, Florida Mall, The Mall at Millenia or the big supermarkets like Walmart and Target, scams and thefts happen more often than they seem.
Leave nothing visible inside the car
That's the golden rule of security in Orlando and there's no exception. Bags, cameras, shopping bags, clothes, passports and any other item that looks valuable inside the car are an invitation to break and entering. Put everything in the trunk before you reach your destination -- not on arrival, because someone might be watching you. I mean, put your belongings away before you leave the hotel.
Prefer lighted and busy spaces
Orange County Sheriff also recommends parking in well-lit areas with flow of people. Thieves prefer isolated spots where they can act without witnesses. When you get back to the car, go with the key in your hand and check the inside before entering. If you notice anything suspicious around, don't hesitate: press the horn and draw attention.
Another important recommendation is to stay alert if you find any foreign objects attached to your vehicle, such as a handkerchief, paper or any other item hanging from the rearview mirror or doorknob.
If that happens, avoid stopping immediately to check. The safest is to follow to a busy place or to your destination before analyzing the situation. In some accounts of scams, criminals use objects placed in cars to distract drivers and create an opportunity for theft or robbery.
When removing the object, try using a plastic bag or other material that avoids direct contact and discards it properly. And if you notice any suspicious situation or feel that your safety may be at risk, don't hesitate to trigger the police.
Beware of approaches while you are in the car
If someone approaches your vehicle suspiciously while you are standing — either in a parking lot or at a traffic light — use the horn continuously to draw attention and do not open the window. That tip, even, is on the Orange County Sheriff's official tour guide.
Card Cloning at Gas Stations: A Real Risk in Florida
This is one of the most serious security alerts for people driving to Orlando. Florida is one of the states with the highest rate of skimming — the practice of installing illegal devices at payment terminals to capture your card data. And gas stations are the criminals' favorite targets.
In December 2025, the U.S. Secret Service conducted an operation in partnership with local authorities visiting more than 850 establishments in the counties of Orange, Osceola and Seminole — just the Orlando region. Over 7,340 payment terminals, ATMs and gas pumps were inspected. At the end of the operation, 16 illegal cloning devices were found, avoiding estimated loss of $16.7 million to consumers in the region.
How to protect yourself from cloning at stations
So to protect yourself, follow these guidelines from the American Secret Service:
Inspect the card reader before using it. If you are loose, uncalibrated or look different from the terminal next door, do not use. Always prefer approach payment technology (tap-to-pay), either with the physical card or with the phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you need to insert the card, choose credit instead of debit — so you avoid typing the PIN, which can be captured by mini hidden cameras above the keyboard. Prefer the bombs closest to the entrance of the station, as criminals tend to install the devices in the most isolated bombs. And always make sure the terminal's safety seal is intact and there's no sign of breach.
A practical tip: if possible, pay inside the post, on the counter, using card or money. It is much less common to find skimmers in terminals with present attendant.
Hits with tickets to the parks: care redoubled
Another very common danger in Orlando is the blows with tickets to the theme parks. False tickets to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld have already been targeted by several police operations in Orange County. In a registered case, a woman was arrested for selling fake tickets for values far below the market. In another, one man stole Universal physical tickets in convenience stores and resold them in Craigslist with counterfeit receipts, harming at least 55 people.
Where to buy tickets safely in Orlando
The rule is simple: Always buy your tickets directly on the park's official website or at authorized dealers. Orange County Sheriff himself advises that a cheap purchase on unknown sites or with street vendors can leave the tourist without any recourse if the ticket is invalid at the gate.
Some warning signs to identify fake tickets or scammers: prices far below normal (sometimes half the official price), sale via social networks or classified as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, pressure to pay immediately via Zelle, Venmo or bank transfer, and lack of clear information on validity and covered parks.
To check which are authorized dealers, you can Access the official Orange County Sheriff's Office guide.
Beware of timeshare offers
Very common on International Drive and Route 192, this scam works like this: someone approaches you with the promise of free tickets to a theme park or a resort period for free. In return, just watch a "quick 90-minute presentation" on timeshares. In practice, this presentation lasts three to four hours with highly trained salesmen not to let you leave without signing a contract. So distrust any offer that seems too good to be true.
Security in Orlando theme parks
Orlando parks have an impressive security structure. TOPS — Tourist-Oriented Policing Sectors — is an exclusive program maintained by Orange County Sheriff's Office with 150 police officers and agents dedicated to patrolling the 202 km2 of the tourist area, including International Drive and Lake Buena Vista.
Still, within the parks there are risks that deserve attention.
Belongs and wallets
Rows and crowded attractions are the perfect environment for pickpockets. Avoid carrying a wallet in your back pocket. Prefer packs or backpacks with double closure and hidden zippers. Inside toys, use the cabinets available to store valuable belongings — never leave them in the attraction seat or on the platform unsupervised.
Security in Orlando attractions
Before boarding any attraction, read the health and height warnings displayed at the entrance. This includes restrictions on heart problems, high blood pressure, pregnancy, spinal problems, and epilepsy. If after an attraction you feel any malaise, seek immediately an employee — all are trained in first aid.
Care for children: a topic that no parent can ignore
Those who travel with children to Orlando know how easy it is for a child to get lost in the crowds of parks. Guys, this is a serious matter that requires careful planning.
Before entering the park
Take a picture of the child first thing in the morning with the clothes she's wearing. This greatly facilitates communication with the park staff in case of separation. Also, write your mobile number on the child’s arm with a permanent pen, or invest in identification bracelets. For very young children, there are temporary safety tattoos (Safety Tat) for that purpose.
The Orange County Sheriff also recommends giving a hotel business card for the child to keep in his pocket — so he will know the address and phone number where you are staying.
Combine a meeting point
Before entering any park, combine a fixed meeting point with everyone in the group. Teach the child to identify park employees (using name badges and state of origin), but make it very clear that she should not leave the park with anyone, even if she appears to be an employee. Teach also to look for a cop or a mother with children if you feel that you are in danger.
If the child gets lost
Tell an official or police officer immediately. Parks have strict protocols for lost children — Disney World, for example, has blue umbrella stations scattered around the park just to gather lost children with their families.
In case of an emergency, call 911. If there is a suspected kidnapping, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) can activate Missing Child Alert. You can also trigger the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by number 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Attention also in shopping malls, outlets and supermarkets
The same care goes for shopping malls, outlets, restaurants, supermarkets and any other place with great circulation of people. If I can give you some advice, this is it: never lose sight of your son, no matter where you are.
Many people believe that Florida is totally safe when it comes to the disappearance of children, but the reality is that such cases happen anywhere in the world. Just observe the posters of missing children that are often displayed in shops (such as Walmart, for example) to realize that this is a problem taken very seriously by the authorities.
So keep your children close and set clear rules during the rides. I myself am extremely careful with my daughter. I don't let her go into more isolated areas alone, such as toilets or indoor children's spaces, not even inside the theme parks. Over the years, I have been following reports in local news and social networks that have further strengthened this attitude.
It may seem overzealous to some people, but when it comes to the safety of our children, I would rather err by overcare than by lack of it.
Alerts to the nature of Florida
Orlando isn't just parks and malls. Florida has a fauna that can surprise — and scare — those who are not used to it. So it's also worth having some security attention when it comes to nature when you're in Orlando.
Alligators: much more common than you think
Florida state law forbids killing, owning or molesting alligators. However, more important than that: they are in virtually every lake and canal in the region, including residential areas and golf courses. So never swim in natural lakes, especially at night. Never feed or approach an alligator and never leave children or pets unsupervised near the water. This is a valuable safety tip especially for those renting a house in Orlando.
Other natural risks
Snakes are also common in Florida and may appear in areas of vegetation, trails and even residential backyards.
In addition, the hurricane season goes from June to November — so if you go in that period, follow the weather report carefully. I did a full story on the hurricane season in Orlando in 2026It's worth checking out!
Lightnings are extremely common in the summer, so at the thunder signal, seek shelter immediately. Finally, watch out for heat: temperatures above 35°C with high humidity can cause rapid sunstroke. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and take breaks in the air conditioning throughout the day.
General safety tips for tourists in Orlando
Besides everything we've seen, there are some general tips that make a difference in the day-to-day travel.
When driving, keep all the doors locked and the windows closed. Avoid walking with GPS on the dashboard — it is a frequent target in parked cars. When you reach an unknown location, ask the hotel staff for directions before leaving — they know the safe areas and those to be avoided.
Avoid displaying original documents unnecessarily. Walking around with a copy of the passport and leaving the original in the hotel safe is a highly recommended practice. If you are a victim of theft or any crime, you may register an online report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office (ocso.com), which may be necessary to trigger the travel insurance.
Save these numbers on your phone before travelling:
- Emergency (police, firemen, ambulance): 911
- Orange County Sheriff: (407) 836-4357
- Sheriff of Osceola County (Kissimmee/Disney area): (407) 348-2222
- Florida Highway Patrol: *FHP or *347
- NCMEC – Missing children: 1-800-843-5678
And if you want to plan even further, check out our full guide on where to shop in Orlando safely in the main outlets and malls of the city.
Conclusion: Orlando is safe, but attention is your best ally
When it comes to safety, Orlando is undoubtedly one of the most well-structured tourist destinations in the United States. The city invests heavily in the protection of residents and visitors, with widely recognized policing and monitoring systems. Still, as in any great international destination, some basic care makes all the difference. Keeping your attention and acting with common sense remain the best ways to ensure a quiet and unanticipated journey.
I hope this guide will help you travel with much more tranquility — and that all your energy will be saved to enjoy every detail of this incredible journey. If you have any questions or want to tell us some experience you lived there, leave it to the comments! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram #Jorn's going to leave to get into everything about Orlando.
Fonts security queries in Orlando
- Orange County Sheriff's Office – Tourist Safety: https://www.ocso.com/tourist-safety/
- Visit Orlando – Security (English version): https://en.visitorlando.com/security/
- U.S. Secret Service – Operation anti-skimming in Orlando (ten. 2025): https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2025/12/us-secret-service-orlando-field-office-card-skimmers
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Card Skimmers: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Scams-and-Fraud/Card-Skimmers
- Florida Sheriffs Association – Missing Child Prevention Tips: https://flsheriffs.org/blog/entry/public-safety-tip-missing-children-prevention-tips/
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Missing Child Alert: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/amber-plan/missing-child-alert
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – Florida: https://www.missingkids.org/footer/about/florida
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https://myfwc.com/
- OrlandoParksGuy – Top 5 Orlando Travel Scams: https://orlandoparksguy.com/blog/top-5-orlando-travel-scams-exposed
- Southwest Orlando Bulletin – How Safe Is Orlando (2025): https://www.southwestorlandobulletin.com/how-safe-is-orlando/
- Osceola County Sheriff's Office: https://www.osceolasheriff.org/
- TripAdvisor – Orlando Health & Safety: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g34515-s206/Orlando:Florida:Health.And.Safety.html
FAQ - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON SECURITY IN ORLAND
Yes! Orlando is well structured to welcome tourists and has dedicated tourist policing. However, as in any great international destiny, attention must be paid.
Contact the card issuing bank immediately to block it and contest the transactions. Then record an occurrence report on the Orange County Sheriff's website (ocso.com) — this document may be required by travel insurance. Also notify the operator of your travel insurance as soon as possible.
Always purchase directly from the park's official website or from authorized dealers. Distrust prices far below normal, social media sales, and bank transfer payments or Zelle. False tickets have no refund and you only find out the problem at the park gate, without any recourse.
Immediately inform a park official or a police officer. Parks have specific protocols for lost children. So before you go in, take a picture of the child in the day's clothing, write your cell phone number on her arm and combine a fixed meeting point with the group. In emergencies, call 911.
It's not recommended. Practically all of Florida's natural lakes and canals have alligators, and accidents happen more often than they seem. Also avoid leaving children and pets unsupervised near any natural body of water, especially at dawn and at dusk, when alligators are more active.
