Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 812.014 · Source: Florida Legislature
Understanding Larceny (Theft) in Florida
In Florida, the legal term "larceny" is codified under the broad umbrella of "theft" under Florida Statute § 812.014. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the accused knowingly obtained or used another person’s property with the specific intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of their right to the property or its benefits. Florida law does not distinguish between different traditional forms of larceny, such as embezzlement or larceny by trick; instead, all unlawful takings are prosecuted under this single consolidated theft statute, ranging from shoplifting to the unauthorized diversion of corporate funds.
The severity of a theft charge in Florida is primarily dictated by the fair market value of the property stolen. Petit theft involves property valued under $750 and is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Once the stolen property reaches or exceeds $750, the offense escalates to grand theft, which is a felony. However, Florida law also elevates theft to a felony regardless of monetary value if the stolen item is of a specific type—such as a firearm, a motor vehicle, a fire extinguisher, or commercially farmed animals—or if the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions on their record.
Bail and Pretrial Release for Florida Theft Charges
Bail amounts for theft offenses in Florida vary significantly based on the graded severity of the charge. While a first-time petit theft arrest often qualifies for release on recognizance (ROR) or a low standard bond under local county bond schedules, grand theft charges carry much higher financial hurdles. For high-value grand theft or cases involving stolen firearms, judges frequently impose substantial cash or surety bonds during the first appearance hearing. Additionally, if the theft involved grand retail theft or coordinated retail theft, the court may impose specific pretrial release conditions, such as a "stay-away" order prohibiting the defendant from returning to the physical location of the alleged offense.