Last updated January 2026
Florida’s theft laws changed in 2019, raising the felony threshold from $300 to $750 — but prosecutors still overcharge many cases. Under Florida Statute §812.014, “grand theft” occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued above that amount.
The result? What was once a misdemeanor can now be a third-degree felony, punishable by years in prison and permanent record damage. Understanding how prosecutors calculate “value” is the key to defending your case.
⚖️ Florida’s Felony Theft Tiers
The law classifies grand theft by property value:
$750–$20,000: Third-degree felony — up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine.
$20,000–$100,000: Second-degree felony — up to 15 years in prison.
Over $100,000: First-degree felony — up to 30 years and $10,000 fine.
Items like firearms, motor vehicles, and law enforcement equipment can trigger automatic felony charges regardless of value. Learn how those enhancements apply in Florida Burglary Law: What Counts as Burglary and What Doesn’t.
đź’Ľ How Prosecutors Prove Value
Value is the most contested element of any grand theft case. The State often relies on retail estimates or replacement cost instead of fair market value. A skilled Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can challenge inflated valuations and seek reduction to petit theft or dismissal.
Similar valuation issues are discussed in Grand Theft Florida $750+: What Counts and What Doesn’t.
🧠Defenses That Work
Defenses depend on whether the State can prove both intent and ownership:
Lack of intent: You believed the property was yours or borrowed with permission.
Value dispute: The property was worth less than $750.
Mistaken identity: Poor surveillance or unreliable witnesses.
Restitution agreements: Paying back the alleged loss can lead to case dismissal.
Learn how these tactics work in other theft cases through Theft Charges in Florida: How to Protect Your Record.
đź”— Collateral Consequences
A felony theft conviction can affect voting rights, employment, and professional licenses. If your case ends in dismissal, review Fort Lauderdale Record Sealing & Expungement to keep your record clean.
For official statute language and updates, see the Florida Senate Theft Statute page.
âť“ FAQs
1. Is all theft over $750 a felony in Florida?
Yes, but only if prosecutors can prove actual value above that amount.
2. Can a felony theft be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes. Challenging the property’s value or intent often results in charge reduction.
3. Will I go to jail for grand theft?
Not necessarily. Diversion, restitution, and plea negotiation can prevent incarceration.
4. How long does a theft case take in Broward County?
Most theft cases resolve within 3–6 months through pre-trial motions and discovery.
5. Can I expunge a grand theft charge?
Yes — if the case is dismissed, dropped, or resolved without a conviction.
đź’¬ Contact a Florida Grand Theft Defense Attorney Today
Accused of grand theft in Florida? Don’t face it alone.
Contact Michael White, P.A. today for a free consultation with a former prosecutor who challenges inflated valuations and protects your future.
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