Grand Theft

Grand theft is a felony offense in Florida. This means that a convicted offender can serve between 5 and 30 years in prison and be forced to pay a fine ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Frequently, a person accused of grand theft can face diversion or probation if this is their first offense.

Under Florida law, grand theft offenses are classified as different felonies depending on the circumstances and factors involved at the time of the crime:

• For a grand theft to be considered a third-degree felony, the property stolen must be valued between $1,000 and $20,000. A third-degree felony carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Stealing a firearm, stop sign, fire extinguisher, testamentary instruments (will, codicil), motor vehicle, commercially farmed animal, and any controlled substance can also result in third-degree felony charges.
• For a grand theft to be considered a second-degree felony, the property stolen must be valued between $20,000 and $100,000. A second-degree felony is punishable by a maximum of fifteen years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Theft of law enforcement or emergency medical equipment valued over $300 and cargo entering interstate or intrastate commerce valued less than $50,000 can also be prosecuted as second-degree felonies.
• For a grand theft to be considered a first-degree felony, the property stolen must be worth more than $100,000. It is also possible to be charged with a first-degree felony if the offender steals cargo entering interstate or intrastate commerce worth over $50,000 and causes more than $1,000 in property damage while committing the offense. First-degree felonies are punishable by up to thirty years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

Along with incarceration and a fine,  a person convicted of grand theft may be placed on probation and be required to take an anti-theft course, the CORRP program, undergo a mental health and substance abuse evaluation, attend treatment if necessary and report monthly to probation.