In Tallahassee, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis introduced legislative measures to address the rising issue of retail theft and porch piracy nationwide. In 2022, retailers faced a staggering $112 billion in losses due to theft, notably escalating in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Since DeSantis assumed office, shoplifting in Florida has decreased by 30%. DeSantis emphasizes accountability for crime in Florida, vowing zero tolerance for retail crime and porch piracy akin to the lawlessness in California and New York.

Attorney General Ashley Moody underscores Florida's commitment to law and order, pledging action against concerning crime trends that could jeopardize Floridians' safety. Moody applauds the state's leadership in combatting organized retail theft, supporting DeSantis's legislative efforts.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass commends DeSantis's efforts to strengthen laws against organized retail theft, safeguarding families, businesses, and visitors in Florida.

A recent Forbes study reveals alarming statistics for small businesses, with increasing theft losses and widespread theft occurrences. In high-crime states like New York, retailers suffered over $4 billion in losses, with a 63% surge in shoplifting in New York City alone.

In response, Governor DeSantis proposes legislative actions to address the issue:

• Making retail theft a third-degree felony if committed with five or more individuals.

• Elevating the offense to a second-degree felony if social media is used to solicit participation.

• Upgrading to a first-degree felony if the theft involves a firearm or if the perpetrator has prior retail theft convictions.

• Lowering the threshold for charging porch pirates with a felony, particularly for stolen package values.