Stealing in Florida doesn’t just mean shoplifting. Depending on the value of the property, a theft charge can quickly become a felony—with penalties that include prison, fines, and a permanent felony record.
Here’s what you need to know about felony theft in Florida, including how it’s charged, what defenses apply, and how to fight back.
🔹 What Is Felony Theft in Florida?
Under Florida Statutes § 812.014, theft becomes a felony when:
The value of the stolen property is $750 or more
The property was taken from a dwelling or school
The item is a firearm, vehicle, or controlled substance
🧠 This includes things like:
Stealing a phone, laptop, or designer bag
Taking property from a roommate or Airbnb
Swiping merchandise during a retail theft scheme
📌 Related: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer
🔹 Degrees of Felony Theft in Florida
| Charge | Value | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Third Degree Felony | $750–$19,999 | Up to 5 years prison & $5,000 fine |
| Second Degree Felony | $20,000–$99,999 | Up to 15 years prison & $10,000 fine |
| First Degree Felony | $100,000+ or cargo theft | Up to 30 years prison & $10,000 fine |
Even the lowest level felony theft can:
Disqualify you from jobs
Restrict firearm rights
Show up permanently on background checks
🔹 Defenses to Felony Theft Charges
You don’t have to be convicted. An experienced attorney may use defenses such as:
❌ Lack of intent to permanently deprive
🧾 Mistaken ownership or permission
📉 Low property value (pushes it below felony threshold)
🧍♂️ Co-defendant blame shifting
🕵️♂️ Illegal search or seizure (suppression)
🔹 Can Felony Theft Be Reduced or Dropped?
Yes—especially if it’s:
Your first offense
The property is returned or restitution is made
There’s no clear video, confession, or witness testimony
A lawyer can negotiate for:
Diversion (pretrial intervention)
Charge reduction to misdemeanor theft
📌 Related: Record Sealing & Expungement in Florida
✅ Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
Felony charges don’t just go away. Early legal action can mean:
Avoiding a felony altogether
Keeping your record clean
Preventing a conviction that follows you forever
At Michael White, P.A., we fight felony theft cases head-on—in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, and throughout Broward County.
📞 Arrested for Felony Theft in Florida?
📞 Call now for a free case review. Let’s protect your rights—and your future.
🙋♂️ What People Ask About Felony Theft in Florida
Q1: What makes theft a felony in Florida?
💰 Theft becomes a felony if the value is \$750 or more, or if specific property types (like firearms or controlled substances) are involved.
Q2: Can a felony theft charge be dropped?
✅ Yes. It may be dismissed, reduced, or diverted—especially for first-time offenders.
Q3: Can I go to jail for felony theft even on a first offense?
⚖️ Possibly, but many cases are resolved without jail if handled early and strategically.
Q4: Can a felony theft conviction be expunged?
🛑 No. But if you avoid conviction (e.g., charge reduced or dismissed), you may be eligible to seal your record.
Q5: What’s the difference between grand theft and felony theft?
🧠 Grand theft is a type of felony theft in Florida, typically starting at $750 in value and divided into degrees.