Governor Ron DeSantis is now urging legislators in Florida to increase penalties for retail larceny as a deterrent. Tuesday morning, during a news conference at the Cape Coral Police Department, DeSantis made the announcement.
As of now, criminals will only be charged with a felony if they commit five distinct retail thefts within forty-five days, according to the governor.
DeSantis stated that he desires penalties that are sufficiently severe to deter future retail larceny.
“If you commit a crime in Florida, you are going to be held accountable. We will not tolerate retail crime, porch pirates and the lawlessness that they allow in California and New York.” DeSantis said
Additionally, legislators are attempting to establish a crime known as aggregated retail theft, according to DeSantis. It would be a felony of the first degree.
As per the governor’s statement, individuals who commit retail theft while armed or who have received two or more prior convictions for retail theft may be subject to an aggregated retail theft charge.
In an effort to deter porch pirates, the governor has also increased the penalties for parcel theft from doorsteps.
DeSantis expressed optimism that during this legislative session, Florida lawmakers will be able to increase the penalties for retail larceny.
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