Florida Governor Ron DeSantis authorized a robust crackdown against retail theft on Tuesday, enacting legislation aimed at thwarting the wave of organized crime sweeping through the Sunshine State. The new law, which comes amidst a surge in brazen shoplifting and organized theft rings, seeks to address rampant “smash-and-grab” operations leaving store shelves barren, as well as “porch piracy”
Under House Bill 549, thieves who steal items from stores or loot packages off front porches will face stricter penalties, including longer jail sentences for repeat offenders and those orchestrating large-scale theft operations. The governor called specific attention to the spillover effect of such crimes, highlighting the societal degradation that follows.
“It also just has a demoralizing effect on people when you go in and you want to buy toothpaste and it’s like Fort Knox because it’s all under lock and key for basic items. You gotta get a clerk to come and open it and all this stuff just to do basic shopping. That is not something that is good for quality of life,” DeSantis said. “And then of course if you can have people come in and just steal retail and walk out, that creates a contempt for the rule of law that has a spillover effect in areas far beyond retail theft.”
Retail stores shouldn’t have to keep toothpaste under lock-and-key due to fear of shoplifting… https://t.co/zK3EAIZHT6
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) April 9, 2024
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He also made a promise to those who have had packages stolen from their homes, declaring that “If you order something and they leave it at your front door, you come home from work or you bring your kids home from school, the package is gonna be there, and if it’s not, someone is gonna have hell to pay for stealing it.”
During a signing ceremony for the law, DeSantis leveled a pointed critique at the leniency and complacency of “leftist jurisdictions” towards criminal activity. In states like California and New York, progressive approaches to crime have allowed repeat offenders to remain on the street, leading to skyrocketing crime.
According to DeSantis’ office, HB 549 institutes the following:
- A third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, if criminals commit retail theft with five or more individuals.
- A second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, if criminals commit retail theft with five or more individuals and use social media to solicit others to participate in the theft.
- A first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, if a criminal commits retail theft with a firearm or with two or more prior convictions of retail theft.
- The ability to charge a felony for multiple retail thefts occurring in the span of 120 days, which is an increase from 30 days.
- Theft of property in an amount less than $40 is a first-degree misdemeanor.
- A subsequent violation is a third-degree felony.
- Theft of property valued at $40 or more is a third-degree felony.
Florida is cracking down on retail theft. pic.twitter.com/r1vGYDHohv
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 9, 2024
“Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keep our residents and businesses safe,” said DeSantis. “If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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