What to do when something is stolen in Florida

Florida at a glance

Statute text checked on leg.state.fl.us. Laws change; confirm the current version before relying on it.

Florida by the numbers

These figures count reports made to federal agencies, so they measure what was reported, not every theft. National context is on the theft statistics page.

Reporting a theft in Florida

Florida gives the public something many states do not: a direct view into the state's own stolen property records. Before you use it, file a report. Call 911 if the theft is in progress or anyone is in danger; otherwise contact the police department or sheriff's office where the theft happened. A report creates the case number that insurers, the motor vehicle agency and pawn investigators will ask for, and it is what places your property into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), the statewide database that officers check during traffic stops and pawn inspections.

Some agencies take reports online. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, for example, accepts online reports for non-emergency thefts and vehicle burglaries in its jurisdiction when there is no known suspect and the loss is $4,999.99 or less. Stolen firearms, motor vehicles and trailers must be reported by phone or in person. Rules differ by department, so check your local agency's site. Our stolen property guide lists what to gather before you call.

Florida theft law and the felony threshold

Under Florida Statutes § 812.014, theft becomes grand theft, a felony, when the property is worth $750 or more. Below that line it is petit theft, a misdemeanor. The value tiers are:

• Petit theft, second degree: the lowest-value thefts.
• Petit theft, first degree: $100 to under $750.
• Grand theft, third degree: $750 to under $20,000.
• Grand theft, second degree: $20,000 to under $100,000.
• Grand theft, first degree: $100,000 or more.

Value is not the only trigger. Theft of a firearm, a will or a motor vehicle is third-degree grand theft whatever the item is worth, and a person with two or more prior theft convictions can face a felony charge for a petit theft.

Stolen vehicles and license plates in Florida

In Florida, stealing a motor vehicle is a felony regardless of value: the statute classifies it as third-degree grand theft. Report a stolen car to local police immediately, then call your insurer.

Once the report is entered, the vehicle appears in the FDLE Public Access System, which lets anyone search FCIC records by VIN, plate or owner-applied number. The same system covers stolen vehicle parts, plates, decals, boats, boat parts and guns, and it refreshes every 24 hours. FDLE cautions that a result is not confirmation that an item is stolen and is not probable cause; verify any match with the reporting agency, and do not try to recover property yourself.

For a stolen license plate, procedures from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles place responsibility on the registrant to report the plate to law enforcement, and a police report or case number is required when the plate cannot be surrendered. A recovered plate is not to be put back on a vehicle. See our stolen vehicle guide and how to check if an item is stolen.

Pawn shops and secondhand sales

Florida's secondhand dealer law sets fixed holding periods that give owners and police a window to find stolen goods. Under Florida Statutes § 538.06, a dealer may not dispose of most goods for 15 calendar days after acquiring them. The hold is 30 calendar days for precious metals, gemstones, jewelry, antiques and art, and for anything bought through an automated kiosk. If you spot your property at a shop, do not confront the dealer; give the item details to the officer handling your case.

Identity theft and fraud help in Florida

The Florida Attorney General's identity theft page offers an ID Theft Victim Kit, guidance on working with law enforcement, and links to credit report security freezes and federal resources. Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and to local police, and send scams and deceptive business practices to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection division. If a gun was taken, Florida does not require owners to report it, according to the Giffords Law Center, but a prompt police report protects you if the firearm is later misused; see our stolen firearm guide and identity theft checklist.

Checklists for what was stolen

Each guide opens with a checklist in the order to act, with a free printable PDF.

• Domain names
• Identity theft
• Vehicles
• Social media and email
• SIM swap and phone numbers
• Stolen phones
• Bicycles and e-bikes
• Packages and mail
• Wallets, cards and checks
• Passports
• Firearms
• Art and collectibles
• Cryptocurrency

This page is general information about Florida, not legal advice. For your situation, consult an attorney licensed in Florida.