In Florida, stealing a firearm is automatically charged as grand theft, no matter the gun’s value. Even a $200 pistol from a pawn shop can result in a felony conviction and years in prison.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re accused of firearm theft—and how we fight these charges.
🔹 Why Is Stealing a Gun Always Grand Theft in Florida?
Under Fla. Stat. § 812.014(2)(c)5, the theft of a firearm is classified as third-degree grand theft—regardless of value.
That means:
A gun worth $100 = felony
Prosecutors don’t need to prove the gun was expensive
Gun theft always escalates a case beyond misdemeanor petit theft
📌 Related:What Is Grand Theft in Florida?
🔹 Penalties for Grand Theft of a Firearm
Third-degree felony
Up to 5 years in prison
$5,000 fine
Up to 5 years of probation
Possible loss of firearm rights under federal law
📌 Related:Florida Grand Theft Penalties & Defenses
🔹 Common Scenarios That Lead to Gun Theft Charges
Taking a gun from a car or glove box
Stealing from a friend or relative’s home
Grabbing a weapon during a burglary
Possessing a gun that was reported stolen
Buying a stolen firearm unknowingly
Even if the firearm wasn’t loaded or used, possession or concealment can lead to arrest and prosecution.
⚖️ Legal Defenses for Firearm Theft Charges
We’ve successfully defended grand theft firearm cases by raising:
❌ Lack of knowledge that the item was a firearm
🛑 No intent to permanently deprive the owner
🔍 Lack of proof of ownership or value
⚠️ Unlawful search or seizure of the weapon
🔁 Mistaken identity or no fingerprints linking the theft
📞 Accused of Stealing a Firearm in Fort Lauderdale?
You need a serious defense. Gun charges draw heavy scrutiny from prosecutors and judges—especially when tied to probation or other offenses.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 to protect your rights and fight for dismissal or reduction.
🙋♂️ Common Questions About Grand Theft Firearm in Florida
Q1: Is stealing a gun a felony in Florida?
✅ Yes. Stealing a firearm is automatically a third-degree felony—even if it’s low in value.
Q2: Do police have to prove how much the gun is worth?
🔫 No. Unlike most theft charges, the value doesn’t matter—firearm theft is always grand theft by statute.
Q3: Can I be charged if I didn’t know it was a gun?
⚖️ Possibly—but your attorney may argue lack of knowledge or intent, especially in cases involving bags, boxes, or mixed stolen items.
Q4: What if I bought a stolen gun unknowingly?
🧾 You can still be arrested, but a strong defense may show you didn’t know it was stolen—potentially avoiding conviction.
Q5: Can I lose my gun rights if convicted?
🚫 Yes. A felony conviction for grand theft firearm can strip you of your right to own or possess firearms under federal law.