Earlier today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference to propose additional measures for the Florida Legislature to thwart a national uptick in retail theft, “porch pirates” and organized crime.
During the press conference, DeSantis cited other areas of the country run by Democratic governors and mayors, such as New York and California, where criminals boldly steal items in broad daylight due to relaxed laws for retail theft.
“If you commit a crime in Florida, you are going to be held accountable,” DeSantis said. “We will not tolerate retail crime, porch pirates and the lawlessness that they allow in California and New York.”
According to an official statement from DeSantis, shoplifting in Florida has decreased by 30% since he took office. To continue the positive momentum DeSantis proposed the following adjustments regarding criminal penalties for theft.
- Third-degree felony if you commit retail theft with five or more individuals.
- Second-degree felony if criminals use social media to solicit others to participate in retail theft.
- First-degree felony if an individual commits retail theft with a firearm or has already had two or more prior convictions of retail theft.
- Reducing the stolen property value necessary to charge criminals with a felony for stealing delivered packages.
According to a recent national study by Forbes:
- 41% of small business retailers said the value of items stolen in 2023 has increased compared to previous years.
- 75% of small business retailers reported monthly losses between $500 and $2,500 due to theft.
- 85% of small business retailers said they experience theft at least once a year, and just 5% of small business retailers report never experiencing theft.
- Increasing prices (64%) was the most popular measure small business retailers reported implementing to reduce theft.
