{"id":372515,"date":"2017-12-13T17:54:40","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T22:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-auto-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:35:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:35:22","slug":"florida-auto-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-auto-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Auto Theft Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The state of <\/span>Florida<\/span> treats all motor vehicle<\/span> theft as a felony, regardless of the car’s value. Whether you’re accused of taking a luxury sports car or a beat-up sedan, the laws in Florida<\/span> automatically classify it as grand theft<\/span>. Understanding how Florida<\/span> classifies these charges is crucial when you’re dealing with auto theft charges<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Florida<\/span> has unique auto theft laws<\/span>. Regardless of the value of the vehicle<\/span> involved, the law considers the crime as grand theft<\/span> or, at a minimum, a third-degree felony<\/span>. If you are facing auto theft charges<\/span> in Florida<\/span>, it is crucial to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a>. They can examine your case and supply crucial legal advice<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Florida<\/span> Considers Motor Vehicle<\/span> Theft<\/h2>\n

Florida<\/span> Statute<\/span><\/a> defines theft as knowingly taking or using someone else’s property with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the vehicle owner<\/span> of its use or benefits. This applies to any motor vehicle<\/span>, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats with motors, and other motorized vehicles<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How Florida<\/span> Classifies Auto Theft Charges<\/span><\/h2>\n

Florida<\/span> classifies\u00a0motor vehicle<\/span>\u00a0theft crimes<\/span>\u00a0into degrees based on the vehicle’s value and the method of theft. Regardless of the degree, all auto theft charges<\/span> are felonies.<\/p>\n

Third-Degree Felony<\/span><\/h3>\n

Florida<\/span> Statute<\/span> automatically classifies the stealing of any motor vehicle<\/span> as grand theft<\/span> of the third degree<\/span>. This applies regardless of the market value<\/span> of the car involved.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re convicted of a felony of the third-degree<\/span>, you may face:<\/p>\n