Last updated November 2025
Charged with theft? You may be facing more than just a slap on the wrist. In Florida, the dollar amount matters — a lot. If the value allegedly stolen hits certain thresholds, the State can charge you with a felony known as grand theft.
So how much is grand theft in Florida? Hereβs what you need to know before stepping foot in court.
π Florida Grand Theft Law: The Basics
Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft becomes grand theft when the property taken is worth $750 or more.
π΅ Grand Theft Thresholds:
$750–$19,999 β 3rd-degree felony (up to 5 years prison)
$20,000–$99,999 β 2nd-degree felony (up to 15 years prison)
$100,000+ β 1st-degree felony (up to 30 years prison)
These penalties can increase if the theft involves:
Law enforcement or emergency vehicles
Cargo or shipping containers
Guns, controlled substances, or construction equipment
π‘οΈ Defenses to Grand Theft in Florida
At Michael White, P.A., we donβt just negotiate β we fight. As a former prosecutor, Michael knows what to look for and how to expose weak evidence.
Common defenses include:
πΉ Mistake of Value
Was the property really worth more than $750? We challenge appraisals, depreciation, and estimates.
πΉ Lack of Intent to Steal
If you had permission or believed the property was yours, the State can’t prove criminal intent.
πΉ False Accusations
Many grand theft cases arise from bitter breakups, business disputes, or family conflicts. We investigate motives.
πΉ Identity or Witness Issues
Surveillance footage? Eyewitness ID? We scrutinize every claim and file suppression motions where appropriate.
β Why Clients Hire Michael White
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Former prosecutor who handled complex theft and fraud cases
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Skilled in early dismissal strategies and aggressive pretrial motions
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Trusted by students, professionals, and tourists facing life-changing accusations
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Clear communication and strategic defense β start to finish
π Charged with Grand Theft in Florida? Don’t Face a Felony Alone.
Felony theft can ruin your record β even for a first offense. We fight for dismissals, diversions, and second chances.
β Frequently Asked Questions
π΅ How much do you have to steal for it to be grand theft in Florida?
$750. Anything less is usually petit theft. The amount is based on the fair market value at the time of the offense.
π Can I go to jail for grand theft if it’s my first offense?
Yes, but alternatives like diversion or probation may be possible — especially with an experienced attorney.
π Can grand theft charges be dropped or reduced?
Absolutely. We often negotiate felony charges down to misdemeanors or push for outright dismissal.
ποΈ Does shoplifting count as grand theft?
It can. If the total value is $750 or more — especially from high-end stores — the State can file it as a felony.
π Can I seal or expunge a grand theft charge?
Possibly. If your case is dismissed or resolved without a conviction, you may be eligible to seal the record.