What are the penalties for grand theft in Florida?

Penalties range from 5 years to 30 years in prison depending on the degree of the charge — third, second, or first-degree felony.

Can a grand theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. If the value is borderline or if the facts support a lack of intent or ownership confusion, we can often push for a reduction to petit theft or diversion.

Do I have to pay restitution for grand theft?

Possibly. Restitution is often negotiated as part of a plea or diversion deal to avoid a felony conviction or jail time.

Can I go to jail for grand theft if it’s my first offense?

Yes — but many first-time offenders avoid jail through strong legal defense, pretrial diversion, or a negotiated resolution. Early legal help is critical.

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💰 Florida Grand Theft Charges: What You’re Up Against

Last updated November 2025

🚨 Charged With Grand Theft in Florida? This Is a Felony

Florida doesn’t just treat theft as a mistake — it prosecutes it aggressively. If the property involved is valued at $750 or more, you’re looking at a felony charge, even if it’s your first arrest.

Whether you’re accused of stealing merchandise, equipment, money, or something completely digital, you need an experienced Florida grand theft defense lawyer to step in fast and fight for your future.

At Michael White, P.A., we represent clients across South Florida charged with grand theft, scheme to defraud, embezzlement, and more. As a former prosecutor, I know how to challenge intent, weaken value claims, and stop a felony conviction before it happens.

🚨 Charged With Grand Theft in Florida? This Is a Felony

Under Florida Statute § 812.014, grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at:

$750–$20,000 → Third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison)
$20,000–$100,000 → Second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison)
$100,000 or more → First-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison)

Even a third-degree felony can carry a permanent record, restitution, and loss of professional licensing.

🛡️ How a Grand Theft Defense Lawyer in Florida Builds Your Case

Our defense approach focuses on breaking the prosecution’s claim in key areas:

🔹 Proving lack of intent to permanently deprive
🔹 Challenging the value of the item (to reduce to petit theft)
🔹 Demonstrating ownership or mistaken identity
🔹 Suppressing illegally obtained evidence
🔹 Negotiating pretrial diversion or resolution without a felony

✅ Why Clients Hire Michael White

✅ Former prosecutor with grand theft and fraud trial experience
✅ Trusted by professionals, students, and small business owners
✅ Hands-on advocacy with strategic, record-saving results
✅ Familiar with diversion, restitution-based outcomes, and charge reductions

📞 Charged With Grand Theft? We Can Help You Fight Back.

Don’t let a moment define your future. We’ll fight for dismissal — or at least for a second chance. We’ve successfully handled countless theft cases in South Florida.

📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a consultation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🧑‍⚖️ Is grand theft a felony in Florida?

Yes. Any theft over \\\\\\\$750 is a felony. The degree depends on the value of the property involved.

⚖️ Can grand theft charges be reduced?

Often, yes — especially if the value is close to $750 or intent is unclear. We frequently push for reductions to petit theft or civil resolutions.

📉 What if I didn’t mean to steal?

Lack of intent is a strong defense. If the act was accidental, misunderstood, or not intended to deprive, that can help your case.

📄 Will I have to pay restitution?

Possibly. Restitution is often negotiated as part of a diversion or plea to avoid a felony conviction.

🚨 Can I go to jail for grand theft?

Yes — but many clients avoid jail through diversion, reduced charges, or probation, especially with experienced defense.