Last updated November 2025
If you’re facing grand theft charges in Florida, the statute that controls your fate is Fla. Stat. § 812.014.
But knowing the statute isn’t enough — prosecutors interpret it aggressively, and small assumptions can turn a misdemeanor into a felony.
Here’s what the law actually says, how prosecutors build these cases, and how we challenge them.
🔹 What Is Florida Statute § 812.014?
Florida’s theft law — Fla. Stat. § 812.014 — defines theft as:
“Knowingly obtaining or using the property of another with intent to deprive the person of a right to the property or benefit from it.”
The statute applies to:
Petit theft (misdemeanor)
Grand theft (felony) — based primarily on property value thresholds
You can learn more about how Florida classifies theft in our post:
🔹 When Does Theft Become Grand Theft?
A theft becomes grand theft — a felony — when:
The property is worth $750 or more
The item is a legally designated special item (firearm, motor vehicle, stop sign, controlled substance, etc.)
The theft causes $1,000+ in damage
Florida divides grand theft into 3 felony levels:
📘 Third-Degree Felony Grand Theft
Value $750–$19,999
📙 Second-Degree Felony Grand Theft
Value $20,000–$99,999
📕 First-Degree Felony Grand Theft
Value $100,000+, or involving:
Motor vehicles used to commit the crime
Major property damage
Cargo theft
📌 Related: Grand Theft Degrees in Florida
🔹 What Other Laws Interact With § 812.014?
You may also face enhancements or overlap with:
Burglary (if the theft involves unlawful entry)
Firearm charges (if a gun was stolen)
Organized fraud (if part of a scheme)
- Criminal mischief (if property is damaged)
Scheme to defraud / § 817.034
Dealing in stolen property / § 812.019
We routinely file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, exclude prejudicial items, or sever unrelated charges.
For broader defense strategies, see:
👉 Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
⚖️ How We Challenge Charges Under § 812.014
Grand theft cases are not as straightforward as prosecutors claim.
We often attack:
🧮 Inflated property values
The State must prove value beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge:
Inflated store estimates
Replacement value vs. fair market value
Unsupported verbal guesses from alleged victims
📦 Ownership disputes
Shared property, borrowed property, or mistaken ownership claims can kill the State’s theory.
🧠 Lack of intent
Intent to permanently deprive is a required element.
🚓 Unlawful stops or searches
If evidence was obtained during a bad stop, all recovered property may be suppressed.
🔍 Weak, circumstantial, or missing evidence
Video gaps, inconsistent witness statements, or flawed investigative work may allow dismissal or charge reduction.
📞 Facing Grand Theft Charges In Florida?
Early intervention gives you the best shot at suppressed evidence, reduced charges, or even dismissal.
As a former prosecutor, I understand exactly how the State evaluates theft cases — and how to break them down.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a free consultation.
🙋♂️ Common Questions About Florida’s Grand Theft Law
Q1️⃣ What statute governs grand theft in Florida?
Fla. Stat. § 812.014 governs all theft offenses, including petit and grand theft.
Q2️⃣ Is every theft over $750 a felony?
Yes. Theft ≥ $750 is charged as grand theft (felony).
Q3️⃣ Can theft charges be enhanced under other laws?
Yes. Burglary, firearm, fraud scheme, and criminal mischief charges can all enhance penalties.
Q4️⃣ How does the State prove property value?
Invoices, receipts, testimony, expert appraisal, or market comparisons. If the State can’t prove value, we can push for misdemeanor reduction.
Q5️⃣ Are there defenses to grand theft in Florida?
Absolutely. Lack of intent, ownership disputes, illegal searches, and weak evidence often lead to dismissal or reduction.