Grand Theft in Florida – Breaking it Down

In Florida, grand theft has a far different meaning than other states. Although other states may define grand theft as the theft of anything over $1000, Florida has a lower threshold for felony grand theft: $750. This was recently changed, as the threshold had been $300 for many years. In any event, this means that if you steal something valued over $750, you may be charged with felony grand theft. 

According to Florida statute chapter 812, theft occurs when a person knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the other person of a right to a property or a benefit from the property. 

Felony grand theft is broken into three degrees: 

• 3rd Degree Grand Theft: The property or money taken must be valued at $7500 but less than $20,000. 
• 2nd Degree Grand Theft: The property must be worth $20,000 but less than $100,000.
• 1st Degree Grand Theft: The property is worth $100,000 or more. 

To break this down further, grand theft can include more than just personal property or money. It can also include regardless of the actual value of the item: 

• Any motor vehicle
• Commercial animals and/or their equipment or care items (for example, taking a horse and horse trailer, or even just taking the horse).
• Firearms
• Fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
• A controlled substance
• A Will
• A stop sign
• Any property taken from a dwelling, if worth more than $100

It is important to note that Florida Law makes it criminal to “temporarily deprive” the rightful owner or possessor of the property. Thus, even if you took property without permission, but later returned it, the crime of grand theft would still be complete.