Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 812.13 · Source: Florida Legislature
Understanding Robbery in Florida
Under Florida Statute Section 812.13, robbery is defined as the taking of money or other property from the person or custody of another, with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the property. What distinguishes robbery from simple theft is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear during the course of the taking. The law specifies that the force used can occur before, during, or even after the physical taking, provided that the force and the taking are part of one continuous transaction.
The severity of a robbery charge in Florida escalates based on the presence of weapons. If the offender carries no weapon, it is charged as a second-degree felony. If the offender carries a weapon, it becomes a first-degree felony. If the offender carries a firearm or other deadly weapon during the commission of the offense, the charge rises to a first-degree felony punishable by life, which also triggers Florida's strict "10-20-Life" mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines under Florida Statute Section 775.087.
Pretrial Release and Bail for Florida Robbery Charges
Because robbery is classified as a violent felony under Florida law, securing pretrial release can be highly complex. If a firearm was discharged or a victim suffered great bodily harm, the court may hold a Nebbia hearing to ensure the funds used for bail originate from legitimate sources, rather than criminal activity. Judges frequently impose strict non-monetary conditions on robbery defendants, such as mandatory GPS monitoring, strict curfews, and absolute "no-contact" orders protecting the alleged victims and co-defendants.