Last updated January 2026
Updated for 2025 — Former Prosecutor. Local Strategy. Proven Results.
Florida consistently ranks among the top states for identity theft, fraud, and felony theft investigations. And in Broward County, prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases — even when the facts involve misunderstandings, workplace disputes, or simple mistakes.
According to 2025 FLHSMV and Attorney General data:
Identity theft cases increased 7% statewide
Fraud complaints rose to 1,500+ per 100,000 residents
Felony retail theft arrests (organized or high-value theft) increased sharply across South Florida
If you’ve been accused of theft or fraud in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, or anywhere in Broward County, the stakes are high — your freedom, career, and record are all on the line.
That’s where Michael White, P.A. steps in.
⚖️ Theft & Fraud Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know
Under Florida Statute § 812.014,
theft is defined as knowingly obtaining or using another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it — permanently or temporarily.
Florida prosecutors consider:
💰 Value of the property
📜 Your prior criminal history
🔫 Whether the item is specially protected (firearms, vehicles, controlled substances, emergency equipment)
🏪 Whether the conduct involved a business or employer
Possible Penalties Include:
Up to 30 years in prison (first-degree felony theft)
Fines up to $10,000
Restitution
Probation or community service
A permanent criminal record impacting jobs, housing, and immigration
To understand how theft is classified:
👉 What’s the Difference Between Theft, Larceny & Fraud?
👉 How Florida Classifies Theft & Grand Theft
📦 Types of Grand Theft in Florida (Updated 2025 Thresholds)
Florida divides grand theft into three felony degrees:
🟦 Third-Degree Grand Theft
Property worth $750–$19,999
(or theft of certain protected items regardless of value)
🟧 Second-Degree Grand Theft
Property worth $20,000–$99,999
🟥 First-Degree Grand Theft
Property worth $100,000+, or involving
A motor vehicle
Major property damage
Cargo or commercial goods
Some items — such as firearms, stop signs, controlled substances, and emergency medical equipment — automatically elevate the charge to a felony.
🔑 Theft Charges in Florida: Felony vs. Misdemeanor
One of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions in theft cases is whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. In Florida, that distinction usually turns on property value — but not always.
When Theft Is a Misdemeanor
Theft is typically charged as petit theft when the property involved is valued at less than $750 and does not fall into a specially protected category.
Petit theft charges are usually misdemeanors, but repeat offenses can still carry serious consequences, including jail time and a permanent criminal record.
When Theft Becomes a Felony
Theft becomes grand theft — a felony — when:
The value of the property is $750 or more, or
The property is considered specially protected under Florida law, regardless of value
Examples of items that automatically elevate theft to a felony include:
Firearms
Motor vehicles
Controlled substances
Emergency medical equipment
Certain government or infrastructure property
Felony theft charges can expose you to:
State prison time
Substantial fines
Probation and restitution
Long-term consequences for employment, housing, and professional licenses
Because value disputes and item classifications are frequently challenged, felony theft cases often turn on evidence quality, valuation methods, and prosecutorial discretion — not just the arrest paperwork.
👉 Learn more: Can Theft Charges Be Dropped or Reduced in Florida?
👉 Comparison: Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida
⚖️ Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida (Quick Breakdown)
Florida law divides theft offenses into petit theft and grand theft, primarily based on the value of the property and the type of item involved.
Petit Theft
Property value under $750
Typically charged as a misdemeanor
Common in shoplifting and minor retail theft cases
Often eligible for diversion or pretrial intervention for first-time offenders
Grand Theft
Property value $750 or more, or
Theft of protected items regardless of value
Charged as a felony (third, second, or first degree)
Penalties increase sharply as value increases or when special items are involved
While the distinction seems straightforward, valuation disputes, bundled items, retail pricing tactics, and alleged intent often complicate these cases. Many grand theft arrests can be reduced to petit theft — or dismissed entirely — with early legal intervention.
👉 Detailed comparison: Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida
👉 Defense strategy: Grand Theft Auto & Firearm Theft Charges
🧭 Charged With Theft or Fraud in Fort Lauderdale? Steps to Take
If you’re under investigation or recently arrested:
1️⃣ Stay Silent
Do not try to “clear up” the situation with police or store security.
2️⃣ Call Michael White, P.A. Immediately
Early intervention is critical, especially before formal charges are filed.
3️⃣ Allow Your Attorney to Speak for You
We communicate directly with detectives and prosecutors.
4️⃣ Begin Building Your Defense Immediately
Preserving texts, emails, receipts, and digital records can change everything.
Common early defense strategies include:
Challenging whether you intended to steal
Disputing ownership or misunderstanding
Contesting the value of the property
Investigating store surveillance and loss-prevention methods
Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
Exploring Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for first-time offenders
👉 Learn about Florida’s PTI program: How PTI Works in Florida
🔍 Common Defenses in Theft & Fraud Cases
Every case is unique, but frequent defense themes include:
Lack of criminal intent
Value disputes (value inflated by loss prevention; outdated pricing; combined items)
Mistaken identity or misidentification
No proof you exercised control over the property
Entrapment or overreach by store personnel
Clerical or accounting errors mistaken as fraud
Weak or inconsistent witness statements
Illegal search, seizure, or detention
When value is inflated, we bring in expert witnesses to challenge appraisals and loss-prevention numbers.
🕵️♂️ Broward-Specific Insights (What the Public Doesn’t Know)
Broward has one of the strictest retail theft units in Florida
Loss-prevention employees frequently overcharge or exaggerate intent.
Value inflation is common
Chain stores sometimes include unrelated items or use “full retail” instead of fair market value.
Clerk and LP testimony is often flawed
Video typically tells a different story.
Early negotiation is key
Many cases resolve favorably when defense counsel contacts the SAO before filing.
❓ Theft & Fraud Defense FAQs – Fort Lauderdale
What’s the difference between petit theft and grand theft in Florida?
Petit theft = property under $750
Grand theft = $750+, or certain items regardless of value
👉 See: Thresholds Explained
Can I go to jail for writing a bad check in Florida?
Yes. Under § 832.05 (Worthless Checks), bad checks can be misdemeanors or felonies.
Is PTI available for theft and fraud cases?
Often, yes — especially for first-time, non-violent offenders. A successful PTI results in dismissal.
Will a theft or fraud charge stay on my record?
Unless dismissed or later sealed/expunged, it stays on your record.
👉 Learn about Sealing & Expungement in Florida
Can these charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes — with PTI, suppression motions, value challenges, or insufficient evidence.
📞 Call a Fort Lauderdale Theft & Fraud Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face theft or fraud charges alone. At Michael White, P.A., we move fast to protect your freedom, reputation, and your future.
📍 Serving Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and all of Broward County.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free case review online.