🚨 Charged With Grand Theft in Florida?
If you’ve been accused of grand theft in Florida, you could be facing a felony conviction—even if no violence occurred and the value wasn’t massive.
But not all theft is grand theft—and not all grand theft is a serious prison case.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re charged with third-degree grand theft in Florida.
⚖️ Legal Definition: Third-Degree Grand Theft
Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft becomes third-degree grand theft when the stolen property is valued at:
$750 to $19,999, or
Is a firearm, motor vehicle, stop sign, or commercial farm animal, or
Includes emergency medical or law enforcement equipment worth $300+
📋 Penalties for 3rd Degree Grand Theft in Florida
Third-degree grand theft is classified as a third-degree felony, which means:
Up to 5 years in prison
Up to 5 years of probation
Up to $5,000 in fines
A permanent felony conviction on your record
💡 Real-World Examples
Stealing a smartphone worth $1,200 from someone’s bag
Taking tools or electronics from a construction site
Shoplifting high-end merchandise during a return scam
Removing catalytic converters (considered grand theft auto parts)
🔍 Grand Theft vs. Petit Theft in Florida
Petit Theft: under $750 → misdemeanor
Grand Theft: \$750 or more → felony
Sometimes, the difference between a felony and misdemeanor is a few dollars. That’s why a criminal defense lawyer should challenge the valuation of the alleged property at every turn.
🛡️ Can These Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes. At Michael White, P.A., we fight to:
Challenge the alleged value of the property
Prove lack of intent to permanently deprive
Argue mistaken identity or misunderstanding
Negotiate for reduced charges, like misdemeanor theft or diversion programs
📌 Related Reading:
📞 Accused of Grand Theft? Act Fast.
Florida prosecutors take theft seriously. A third-degree felony conviction can impact your freedom, your record, and your future.
Let us fight back before the charges stick.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a confidential case review.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⚖️ What is considered 3rd degree grand theft in Florida?
Third-degree grand theft occurs when someone steals property valued between $750 and $20,000, or certain protected items like firearms, motor vehicles, or emergency equipment. It’s classified as a third-degree felony under Florida law.
🚨 What are the penalties for third-degree grand theft?
If convicted, you face:
Up to 5 years in prison
Up to $5,000 in fines
Felony probation
A permanent criminal record
Even without prior offenses, this charge can carry serious, long-term consequences.
💸 Can the value of the item be challenged?
Yes. Your lawyer can dispute whether the item was truly worth $750 or more, which can mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. Valuation is often a critical defense angle in theft cases.
🧠 Can 3rd degree grand theft charges be dropped or reduced?
Absolutely. Many cases are resolved with reduced charges, entry into a diversion program, or even dismissal—especially for first-time offenders or when there are issues with identification, intent, or valuation.
🧑⚖️ Is third-degree grand theft considered a violent crime?
No. It’s a property crime, not a violent one. However, it still carries felony-level penalties and can affect employment, housing, and your future if not properly defended.