Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Tuesday seeking to prevent “smash and grab” thefts and “porch piracy.” The legislation (HB 549) will, in part, make it a third-degree felony to act in concert with five or more people to overwhelm merchants and steal items.
The measure, which will take effect July 1, also will make it a second-degree felony to solicit other people through social media to participate in retail theft.
During an appearance at a Walgreens store in Stuart, DeSantis criticized laws in other states, such as California. “This retail theft ring is a total scam,” DeSantis said. “You have liberal laws and these people are exploiting that to basically further themselves, knowing that they can loot a certain amount without really facing any significant penalties.”
Read: Report: Florida Gov. DeSantis Ready To Help Raise Money For Trump’s Campaign
“If you commit a crime in Florida, you are going to be held accountable,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will not tolerate retail crime, porch pirates, and the lawlessness that they allow in California and New York.”
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and we take action when we see concerning crime trends that could harm Floridians,” said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. “We are leaders in the fight against organized retail theft, and I’m thrilled to stand with Governor DeSantis today to continue our goal of stopping theft by supporting legislation to stamp out porch piracy.”
In high-crime states like New York, retailers lost more than $4 billion, while shoplifting has increased by 63% in New York City alone. To combat this growing problem and to ensure it does not come to Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is building on previous actions by proposing the following:
- 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.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Goes After Child Predatory Groomers, Sexual Offenders
“Governor DeSantis continues to strengthen Florida laws to fight organized retail theft, cracking down on the kind of professional shoplifting that we’ve seen plague other states,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “He is ensuring Florida will stay safe for families, prosperous for our businesses and a paradise for our visitors.”
The legislation also will toughen criminal penalties for stealing items off porches, known as porch piracy.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.