If you’re facing grand theft charges in Florida, the statute that controls your fate is Fla. Stat. § 812.014. But understanding this law takes more than reading the statute—it takes knowing how prosecutors interpret it and how we challenge it in court.
Here’s a breakdown of Florida’s grand theft laws and how they apply in real cases.
🔹 What Is Florida Statute § 812.014?
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.”
It covers:
Petit theft (misdemeanor)
Grand theft (felony) — based primarily on property value thresholds
📌 Related:What Is Grand Theft in Florida?
🔹 When Does Theft Become Grand Theft?
Theft becomes a felony—grand theft—when:
The property is worth $750 or more
The item is a firearm, motor vehicle, stop sign, controlled substance, or other specially listed item
The theft causes $1,000+ in damage
Florida law further classifies grand theft into:
Third-degree felony: $750–$19,999
Second-degree felony: $20,000–$99,999
First-degree felony: $100,000+, or involving vehicles or major damage
📌 Related:Grand Theft Degrees in Florida
🔹 What Other Laws Interact With § 812.014?
You may also face enhancements or overlap with:
Burglary statutes if the theft occurred during unlawful entry
Firearm charges if a gun was stolen
Organized fraud if theft occurred as part of a scheme
We often use motions to sever charges or suppress unlawfully obtained evidence under related statutes.
⚖️ How We Challenge Charges Under § 812.014
Florida’s theft statute leaves room for interpretation. We challenge:
Value inflation by the State
Ownership disputes
Lack of intent to permanently deprive
Unlawful stops, searches, or seizures
Weak or circumstantial evidence
📞 Facing Grand Theft Charges Under Florida Law?
Don’t wait until arraignment. We analyze your case under § 812.014 and all related laws to uncover the best path forward.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 today for a strategic defense.
🙋♂️ Common Questions About Florida’s Grand Theft Law
Q1: What law governs grand theft in Florida?
📜 Fla. Stat. § 812.014 defines theft offenses, including grand theft based on property value, item type, and damage caused.
Q2: Is every theft over $750 a felony?
✅ Yes. Theft of property valued at \$750 or more is charged as grand theft—a felony under Florida law.
Q3: Can theft charges be enhanced under other statutes?
🔗 Yes. If the theft involves a burglary, firearm, or fraud scheme, additional felony charges may apply.
Q4: How is property value proven under § 812.014?
🧾 Through receipts, testimony, appraisals, or market comparisons. If the State can’t prove value, we may push for charge reduction.
Q5: Are there defenses to grand theft under this statute?
⚖️ Yes. Lack of intent, disputes over ownership, improper police conduct, or weak evidence can all lead to dropped or reduced charges.