Fla. Stat. § 812.019
Dealing in
Stolen Property
Selling or trafficking stolen goods is often charged more harshly than the theft itself — a second-degree felony. Here is what the State must prove and how it’s defended.
Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183).
Last reviewed: June 2026
What the Statute Covers
Under § 812.019, it is a crime to traffic in — or endeavor to traffic in — property you know or should know is stolen. Organizing or directing others to traffic in stolen property is an even higher, first-degree felony.
The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 812.019 — Dealing in Stolen Property
"Any person who traffics in, or endeavors to traffic in, property that he or she knows or should know was stolen shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
Notably, the "should know" standard means the State does not need to prove you had actual knowledge — circumstances suggesting the goods were stolen (a deep discount, no paperwork) can be enough.
The Actual Penalties
Dealing in Stolen Property — Penalties
Trafficking (second-degree felony): up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.
Organizing/initiating trafficking (first-degree felony): up to 30 years.
Often charged alongside — and more seriously than — the underlying theft.
Organizing/initiating trafficking (first-degree felony): up to 30 years.
Often charged alongside — and more seriously than — the underlying theft.
What a Defense Attorney Looks For
- Knowledge. Whether you knew or should have known the property was stolen — the central issue.
- Intent to traffic versus mere possession, which may support a lesser charge.
- The "should know" inference and whether the circumstances truly support it.
- Entrapment in sting operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dealing in stolen property worse than theft in Florida?
Often, yes. Dealing in stolen property under § 812.019 is a second-degree felony (up to 15 years), which can be more serious than the underlying theft. Organizing trafficking is a first-degree felony.
Do prosecutors have to prove I knew the property was stolen?
Not necessarily actual knowledge. The statute uses a "knows or should know" standard, so circumstances suggesting the goods were stolen — like a suspiciously low price or missing paperwork — can support a charge.
Charged Under This Statute?
A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.
This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 812.019 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.