{"id":372633,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-11-03T12:39:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T17:39:52","slug":"florida-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Theft Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, 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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Florida<\/span> law<\/span> defines theft as intentionally taking another’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. The charges are split into two main categories based on the property’s value: petit theft<\/span> (a misdemeanor), and grand theft<\/span> (a felony). Penalties vary based on the value and type of property<\/span> stolen, ranging from small fines for low-value items to significant prison time for high-value property.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Like most other jurisdictions, the state of <\/span>Florida<\/span> has criminal statutes specifically addressing theft and other related offenses. While the theft of property<\/span> may not seem like a big deal to some people, it is a serious crime. A conviction can result in possible jail time<\/span>, fines, and community service<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Florida<\/span>‘s theft laws<\/span><\/a> can be complex and difficult to understand if you’re unfamiliar with them. There are several degrees of theft in Florida<\/span>, with each carrying different criminal penalties. In this article, we’ll explain Florida<\/span>‘s laws<\/span> regarding these theft offenses<\/span>, including the potential penalties and defenses to these crimes.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing theft charges<\/span>, consider contacting a local criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> for help. Having an attorney can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.<\/p>\n

How Does the State of <\/span>Florida<\/span> Define Theft?<\/h2>\n

Florida<\/span> laws<\/span> use the term “theft” to describe a variety of property crimes, including larceny, stealing, misappropriation, conversion, and other offenses. In simple terms, theft<\/a> involves the unauthorized taking or use of another person’s property<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Given that Florida<\/span>‘s criminal code outlines numerous levels of theft, it’s crucial to understand the differences between them and the associated penalties for these criminal offenses. Certain Florida<\/span> statutes<\/span> sections<\/span><\/a> define theft, including the penalties<\/a> and possible defenses.<\/p>\n

Under Florida<\/span> law<\/span><\/a>, A person commits theft if they knowingly obtain or use the property of another with the intent to either:<\/p>\n