Florida, with its vibrant cities, lush landscapes, and a touch of the exotic, provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling detective stories. This curated list of 10 detective films set in Florida will take you on a journey through the Sunshine State's darker corners, where crime, mystery, and suspense intertwine. Whether you're a fan of classic noir or modern thrillers, these films showcase the state's unique atmosphere, making each investigation a memorable adventure.

The Mean Season (1985)
Description: A Miami reporter gets caught up in a serial killer's game when he starts receiving letters from the murderer. The film uses Florida's diverse landscapes to enhance the tension.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by John Katzenbach titled "In the Heat of the Summer."


Bad Boys (1995)
Description: This action-packed buddy cop film set in Miami features Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives on a high-stakes case. The vibrant cityscape of Florida is a character in itself.
Fact: The film was Michael Bay's directorial debut and helped launch Will Smith's film career.


The Birdcage (1996)
Description: This comedy-drama involves a drag club owner and his partner in Miami, who must pretend to be straight to meet their son's future in-laws. The film's detective-like plot revolves around maintaining the charade.
Fact: The film is a remake of the French film "La Cage aux Folles," and Robin Williams and Nathan Lane give memorable performances.


Out of Time (2003)
Description: Denzel Washington plays a police chief in a small Florida town who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. The film's twisty plot keeps you guessing until the very end.
Fact: The film was shot in Florida, specifically in the cities of Miami and Key West, to capture the authentic feel of the state.


The In-Laws (2003)
Description: A comedic take on the detective genre, where two fathers-in-law get embroiled in an international conspiracy, with scenes set in Florida adding to the film's chaotic charm.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1979 film of the same name, with Albert Brooks and Michael Douglas in the lead roles.


The Big Bounce (2004)
Description: Set in the picturesque beaches of Florida, this adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel involves a drifter, a judge's mistress, and a shady land deal, all wrapped up in a comedic yet suspenseful package.
Fact: This was the second adaptation of Leonard's novel; the first was in


The Florida Project (2017)
Description: While not a traditional detective film, this movie explores the underbelly of Florida's tourist industry through the eyes of a young girl, with a motel manager acting as a detective of sorts, uncovering the lives around him.
Fact: The film was shot on location at a real motel near Disney World, giving it an authentic feel.


Body Heat (1981)
Description: This neo-noir classic captures the sultry heat of Florida, where a lawyer gets entangled in a deadly love affair that leads to murder. The film's setting in a fictional Florida town adds to the steamy, oppressive atmosphere.
Fact: The film was inspired by the classic film noir "Double Indemnity." The director, Lawrence Kasdan, wrote the script in just 10 days.


Miami Blues (1990)
Description: Alec Baldwin stars as a sociopathic ex-convict in Miami, whose actions draw the attention of a quirky detective. The film's dark humor and Florida setting make it a unique entry in the detective genre.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Charles Willeford, who also wrote the screenplay.


The Matador (2005)
Description: While not exclusively set in Florida, this film features scenes in Miami where a hitman's life intersects with a businessman, leading to a darkly comedic investigation of morality and friendship.
Fact: Pierce Brosnan plays against type as the hitman, showcasing his range beyond James Bond.
