MIAMI.- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a new law to combat shoplifting and package theft from homes, with an increase in penalties for these crimes, including those organized through social networks.
According to the governor’s office, this measure responds to the national challenge that represented a loss of $112 billion in 2022, highlighting that in Florida this type of crime was reduced by 30% under the DeSantis administration.
The law imposes severe punishments of up to 30 years in prison, depending on the severity and circumstances of the theft.
“Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions (among which he mentioned cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington) and keep our residents and businesses safe,” said DeSantis, who warned that “if you steal in Florida , we will catch you and prosecute you.”
What the law stipulates
Under the new rule (HB 549), a third-degree felony would be punishable by up to 5 years in prison if offenders commit robbery at a business in groups of five or more people.
A second-degree felony, meanwhile, would get a sentence of up to 15 years in prison if a gang of five or more people commit a robbery and use social media to solicit others to participate in the crime.
The most extreme scenario contemplates 30 years of deprivation of liberty and will be considered a first-degree serious crime if a criminal commits robbery in a business with a firearm after having two or more previous convictions for the same crime.
“Florida is a state of law and order, and our policies combating organized retail theft are another shining example of how we are leading the nation,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody when referring to the new legal provision.
Package theft
Regarding the theft of packages from homes, a crime known as ‘porch piracy,’ the law establishes that theft of property for an amount less than $40 would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
Likewise, a subsequent rape would be prosecuted as a third-degree felony, while residential larceny valued at $40 or more would be prosecuted as a third-degree felony.
Justification of the standard
Bob Rommel, sponsor of the bill in the Florida House of Representatives, noted that “some of our country’s most iconic cities turn a blind eye to retail theft and allow it to continue, costing jobs and higher prices.”
Additionally, he said, “We have seen porch pirates attack residents by stealing packages, often containing important medications, directly off their property. In Florida, we hold these criminals accountable for their illegality.”
The implementation of video surveillance systems in homes has played a crucial role in highlighting the growing phenomenon of theft of packages delivered to homes, an offense that has intensified significantly in cities in Miami-Dade County.
The use of cameras has not only contributed to documenting the incidence of these criminal acts, but has also strengthened residential security measures, allowing a more effective response to this type of theft that affects numerous homes.
