DeSantis Announces New Legislation to Combat Retail Theft and Porch Piracy in Florida

The new laws, signed at a Walgreens in Stuart, Florida, aim to significantly increase penalties for retail theft and 'porch piracy', targeting organized crime and ensuring consumer protection.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed HB 549, a comprehensive bill designed to crack down on retail theft and 'porch piracy', amid rising concerns over organized retail crime.
The legislation introduces harsher penalties for crimes involving retail theft, including making it a third-degree felony to commit retail theft with five or more individuals and a second-degree felony when using social media to coordinate such activities.
DeSantis criticized policies in states like California and New York, attributing their rise in retail theft rates to lenient laws and calling for stricter enforcement to protect both retailers and consumers.
Since DeSantis took office, Florida has seen a 30% reduction in shoplifting, contrasting with significant increases in states with more lenient policies towards retail theft.
The new laws also address the growing issue of 'porch piracy', with increased penalties for stealing packages from porches, aiming to ensure the safety and security of consumers' deliveries.