DeSantis Supports New Legislation to Crack Down on Retail Theft

In an effort to boost more law and order in the state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came out supporting legislation to “protect Floridians from retail theft and porch pirates.” 

The proposed legislation would crack down on porch privacy, a type of theft where an individual will take packages left outside doors by couriers, often valuable items. The legislation would make it a second-degree felony for porch pirates who steal property at over 20 dwellings. It would also make it a second-degree felony to steal any property valued at $100 or more. For items stolen and valued between $40 - $100, a third-degree felony will be assessed. 

The legislation would tackle retail theft in the Sunshine State as well. If an individual were to undergo armed robbery with a firearm, then they would be charged with a first-degree felony. On top of this, any individual who commits retail theft and violates a person 65 years or older will also be charged with a first-degree felony. Lastly, if someone has a prior conviction of retail theft and commits the act again, then they will be automatically charged with at least a third-degree felony.

According to Gov. DeSantis, if anyone uses social media to recruit others to participate in retail theft, then they will be charged with a second-degree felony. Also, if retail theft includes 5 or more people then that will be categorized as a third-degree felony.

Going even further, the proposed legislation would “require criminals to pay restitution, including value of merchandise and cost of repairing damage.”

This comes after the Florida Governor has continually sought to reduce crime in the state. DeSantis often cites Florida as being the “law and order” state.

The Governor noted on his social media that shoplifting has decreased by 30% in the state since he took office. He juxtaposed the Sunshine State with New York, claiming that, “In New York City alone, shoplifting increased 63% in one year.”

DeSantis held a press conference late Tuesday night to discuss his support for the legislation. Again, the Governor criticized New York for being weak on crime. He noted that many people are heading to states like New York to commit retail theft, and then are coming down to states like Florida to spend the money. The Governor claims that the reason for this is because if the thieves committed retail theft in Florida, then “they would go to jail.”