Gov. DeSantis talks about retail theft and porch piracy in Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about retail theft and porch piracy in Florida during a press conference in Stuart.

Attorney General Ashley Moody joined DeSantis during the press conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Walgreens, 5800 SE Federal Highway.

DeSantis began the conference by remarking on the prevalent issue of retail theft across the country while mentioning how unforgiving Florida is when dealing with theft-related crimes.

“In 2022 alone, $112 billion in retail theft, New York City has seen shoplifting increase by 63%, Los Angeles up 81%,” said DeSantis. “The theft will reflect on the consumers as they’ll see an increase in prices to compensate.”

He then mentioned the signing of House Bill 549, which aims to reduce the minimum threshold for grand theft of the third degree and create new grand theft offenses.

HB 549 will upgrade several offenses related to retail theft as a measure to disincentivize people from stealing from businesses and/or porch piracy.

The bill will provide enhanced criminal penalties for committing petit theft in the first-degree and having certain previous convictions.

The bill will prohibit the solicitation of retail theft through social media platforms.

DeSantis then shifted the podium to Attorney General Ashley Moody, who praised DeSantis and the signing of the house bill.

“I’m proud to brag on Gov. DeSantis’ behalf by strengthening the law against retail theft since taking office,” said Moody. “Along with legislative leaders, we have strengthened the law passed when he first took office and added porch piracy to it.”

Moody states that 44% of Americans have been victimized by porch piracy, along with $8 billion of merchandise stolen in 2023.

DeSantis then returned to the podium to conclude his speech and to sign the bill into law.