Fla. Stat. § 812.014
Petit Theft
Petit theft is the misdemeanor tier of Florida theft — property under $750. But a prior record can turn even a shoplifting charge into a felony. Here are the lines that matter.
Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183).
Last reviewed: June 2026
The Dollar Tiers
Florida sorts theft by the value of what was taken. Under § 812.014, petit theft is the misdemeanor tier — property worth less than $750.
The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 812.014 — Theft
"A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to … deprive the other person of a right to the property."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
Petit Theft — Value Tiers
Under $100: Petit theft, second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days).
$100 to under $750: Petit theft, first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
$750 or more: Becomes grand theft — a felony.
$100 to under $750: Petit theft, first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
$750 or more: Becomes grand theft — a felony.
How Priors Change It
The value tier is not the whole story. Under § 812.014(3), a person with two or more prior theft convictions who commits any new petit theft can be charged with a third-degree felony — regardless of how small the value. Certain items (like firearms) are also grand theft regardless of value.
What a Defense Attorney Looks For
- Intent. Theft requires intent to deprive — a genuine mistake or claim of right is a defense.
- Valuation. Pushing the value below a threshold can lower the charge.
- Diversion programs that keep a first offense off your record.
- Whether prior convictions truly qualify for the felony enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between petit theft and grand theft in Florida?
The line is $750. Under § 812.014, theft of property worth less than $750 is petit theft (a misdemeanor); $750 or more is grand theft (a felony). Certain items are grand theft regardless of value.
Can shoplifting be a felony in Florida?
Yes. Shoplifting under $750 is normally petit theft, but it becomes a third-degree felony if you have two or more prior theft convictions, or if the item is on the "regardless of value" list.
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. § 812.014 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.