🏛️ Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft in Florida: What You Need to Know
If you’re arrested for theft in Florida, you may not immediately know what you’re up against. Is it a misdemeanor—or a felony? The answer matters. It impacts your sentence, your future, and how your case is handled.
Understanding the differences between misdemeanor and felony theft charges is the first step toward building your defense. At Michael White, P.A., we help clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida fight theft charges and avoid life-altering penalties.
🎥 Watch our video below to understand how early legal help can reduce the risk of jail time and protect your record.
⚖️Factors Defining Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft in Florida
Two major factors determine how the state classifies a theft charge:
- The value of the property
- The type of property or victim involved
Arrested for Theft in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?
🛍️ Misdemeanor Theft Charges in Florida
Misdemeanor theft is considered a less serious offense, often involving:
- 🔹 Property worth less than $750
- 🔹 Non-retail or petty theft situations
🔍 Examples:
- Stealing a $500 jacket from a store = Misdemeanor
- Taking a used laptop valued under $750 = Likely a misdemeanor
📝 Note: It’s often harder for prosecutors to prove the value of personal items (like used electronics), which can work in your favor.
📂 Types of Misdemeanor Theft Charges
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Property worth less than $100
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $500.
- First-degree misdemeanor:Property worth $100–$749
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- ➡️ Sentences are served in county jail, not federal or state prison.
🎯 If you’re facing a misdemeanor theft charge in Fort Lauderdale, don’t go it alone. A defense attorney can often reduce or eliminate jail time.
🔒 Felony Theft Charges in Florida
Felony theft, also known as grand theft, involves more valuable property or aggravated circumstances.
🔍 What Qualifies as a Felony Theft?
- Property valued at $750 or more
- Theft from certain protected victims or institutions
- Repeated offenses or prior convictions
📁 Common Felony Levels:
- Third-degree felony: Property valued at $750–$19,999
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Second-degree felony: Property valued at $20,000 or more
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
🧑⚖️ Felony charges involve jury trials and federal sentencing guidelines, and convictions can carry long-term consequences, including loss of civil rights.
🚨 Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer—Even for Misdemeanor Theft
Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can:
- Leave you with a criminal record
- Hurt your chances of getting a job or apartment
- Make it harder to obtain professional licenses
- Disqualify you from record sealing or expungement
Did You Know:
Retail Theft Losses in Florida (2022):Florida retailers experienced significant losses due to theft, amounting to approximately $302.05 per capita. This figure is 12.2% lower than the average among U.S. states
🧠 Charged with Theft in South Florida? We Can Help.
At Michael White, P.A., we aggressively defend people charged with both misdemeanor and felony theft throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing serious prison time, we’ll walk you through your options, fight to get charges reduced, and protect your future.
📞 Call (954) 710-0925 for a free consultation today. We’re here 24/7 to help you through it.
💬 FAQs: Theft Charges in Florida
Q: Is shoplifting always a misdemeanor in Florida?
A: Not always. If the value is $750 or more, it becomes felony shoplifting (grand theft).
Q: Will I go to jail for a misdemeanor theft charge?
A: Jail is possible, but an attorney may help you avoid it—especially for first-time offenders.
Q: Can felony theft charges be reduced to misdemeanors?
A: Yes. A defense attorney can negotiate a charge reduction based on evidence, criminal history, and other factors.
