Florida bill targeting ‘porch pirates’ and retail theft passes the House

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill cracking down on retail theft and “porch pirates” passed the Florida House of Representatives Thursday.

HB 549, Rep. Bob Rommel, R-Naples, is carrying the bill in the House. Companion legislation in the Senate is being brought by Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City.

The bill would make it a third degree felony for an individual who joins five or more people in retail theft, a second degree if the same group encourages others to join in through social media, and a first degree felony for any repeat offenders who have already been convicted of the same crime within a one year time period.

Additionally, the punishment for criminals who steal delivery packages from private properties, commonly known as “porch pirates,” will be a felony if the package is valued at or above $40. Currently, the law enforces punishments of a felony if the product is valued at $100 or above.

Earlier in the month, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his support for cracking down on retail thieves.

DeSantis said that over $100 billion was lost in 2022 due to retail theft, which he said was due to policies failing to disincentivize that behavior.

Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie, voted against the bill and explained his reasoning during debate.

“I don’t like this bill. You know, I don’t think anybody likes porch piracy. I think we all understand that. And, you know, it’s it’s a major problem. But at the same point in time, lowering the threshold on a grand theft down to $40 – I don’t see how that’s right,” Gottlieb said.

Gottlieb, who is a criminal defense attorney, said he believes “some of these crimes are so minor in terms of the amount that’s taken.”

In closing, Rommel said he wants to make sure people understand if they commit smash and grab crimes in Florida, “you’re gonna have to pay the price.”

He noted stealing from mailboxes is already a felony.

Rommel said he hopes the bill will discourage people from stealing.

“I’m trying to protect our economy. I’m trying to protect our businesses and our jobs,” Rommel said.