In Florida, where palm trees sway and the sun shines bright, Governor Ron DeSantis recently made a big decision. He signed a new rule to tackle two pesky problems: stealing from stores and swiping packages from doorsteps.
This isn’t just any law – it’s like putting up a strong shield to protect people’s stuff. So, what does this mean for folks in Florida? Let’s break it down and see how it could make a difference in keeping things safe and sound.
Gov. DeSantis Signs A New Retail Theft Law And Porch Piracy
Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 549 today, strengthening the penalties for porch piracy, and retail theft, and inciting looting on social media.
Retail theft is rife in blue jurisdictions and is becoming a national issue because of planned looting instances organized by social media. Retailers around the country claim to have lost $112 billion in 2022 alone.
The three cities where theft has increased the most are New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. In contrast, shoplifting in Florida has dropped by 30% since Governor DeSantis became office.
Governor Ron DeSantis, “Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keep our residents and businesses safe. If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is a law-and-order state, and our policies combating organized retail theft are another shining example of how we are leading the nation. Grateful for Gov. DeSantis signing this important piece of legislation into law, as well as for the work of Rep. Rommel and Sen. Trumbull this Session to keep building a Stronger, Safer Florida.”
Representative Bob Rommel said, “Some of the most iconic cities in our country turn a blind eye to retail theft and allow it to continue, costing jobs and higher prices. We have also seen porch pirates target residents by stealing packages, often containing important medications, right off their property. In Florida, we are holding these criminals accountable for their lawlessness.”
The following are instituted by HB 549:
- Retail theft is a third-degree felony that carries a maximum five-year prison sentence for offenders who perpetrate the crime with five or more accomplices.
- If criminals conduct retail theft with five or more people and use social media to entice others to engage in the theft, they face a second-degree felony with a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.
- Retail theft with a firearm or with two or more prior convictions for the same offense is a first-degree felony, carrying a maximum sentence of thirty years in prison.
- Now, if someone keeps stealing from stores repeatedly within 120 days, they can be charged with a felony. This is a change from before when it was only within 30 days. So, the law has become stricter to crack down on serial thieves.
In addition, HB 549 toughens the penalties for porch piracy in the following ways:
- Less than $40 worth of property theft is a first-degree misdemeanor.
- A third-degree felony is committed after the first offense.
- A third-degree felony is committed when property valued at $40 or more is stolen.
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