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You are here: Home > Theft & Fraud > πŸ›‘ What Is Grand Theft in Florida? Degrees, Penalties & Defense

πŸ›‘ What Is Grand Theft in Florida? Degrees, Penalties & Defense

Last updated November 2025

In Florida, taking property worth $750 or more can get you charged with grand theftβ€”a felony that can land you in state prison. But not all grand theft charges are the same.

The degree of the charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the alleged theft. Here’s how Florida defines grand theftβ€”and how we defend clients accused of it.

πŸ”Ή What Is Considered Grand Theft in Florida?

Under Fla. Stat. § 812.014, grand theft is defined as:

Knowingly obtaining or using the property of another with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive them of it.

To qualify as grand theft, the property must be valued at $750 or more. The higher the value, the more serious the charge.

πŸ”Ή What Are the Degrees of Grand Theft?

Florida splits grand theft into three felony levels:

  • Third-Degree Grand Theft:
    πŸ’° $750–$20,000
    βš–οΈ Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine

  • Second-Degree Grand Theft:
    πŸ’° $20,000–$100,000
    βš–οΈ Up to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fine

  • First-Degree Grand Theft:
    πŸ’° $100,000+ or special items (e.g., emergency vehicles)
    βš–οΈ Up to 30 years in prison

πŸ“Œ Related:Theft & Fraud Defense in Fort Lauderdale

πŸ”Ή Examples of Grand Theft Charges

You may face a grand theft charge in cases like:

  • Stealing high-value merchandise from a store

  • Auto theft

  • Construction site theft

  • Taking someone’s firearm (automatically grand theft under Florida law)

πŸ“Œ Related:Can a Theft Charge Affect Employment in Florida?

πŸ”Ή What Defenses Are Available?

At Michael White, P.A., we’ve successfully challenged grand theft charges by raising:

  • ❌ Lack of intent (e.g., misunderstanding, miscommunication)

  • πŸ“‰ Property value disputes (e.g., it wasn’t worth $750)

  • βœ… Consent of the owner

  • ⚠️ Unlawful search or Miranda violations

  • πŸ” Mistaken identity or bad surveillance footage

βœ… Why You Need a Defense Lawyer

These are felony charges—not citations, not misdemeanors. A conviction could derail your career, housing, and immigration status.

We build defenses early, negotiate pre-trial resolutions like diversion or charge reduction, and push back hard on weak State evidence.

πŸ“ž Arrested for Grand Theft in Florida?

Call now for a free consultation. We’ll review the charges, investigate your defenses, and fight for dismissal or a favorable outcome.

πŸ™‹‍♂️ What People Ask About Florida Grand Theft Charges

Q1: What is grand theft in Florida?

πŸ›‘ Stealing property worth $750 or more with intent to deprive the owner. It’s charged as a felony.

Q2: What’s the penalty for grand theft?

βš–οΈ Penalties range from 5 to 30 years in prison, depending on the property’s value and circumstances.

Q3: Can a grand theft charge be dropped or reduced?

βœ… Yes. We may argue for reduced charges (petit theft), diversion, or dismissal based on facts or constitutional violations.

Q4: Is grand theft always a felony?

πŸ” Yes. Unlike petit theft, all degrees of grand theft are felonies under Florida law.

Q5: Does the value of the stolen item matter?

πŸ’° Absolutely. The difference between a third-degree and first-degree felony often comes down to property valuation.

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