Pam Bondi Unveils Bill Intended to Stop Retail Theft in Florida

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a legislative proposal intended to stop organized retail theft, a type of organized crime she says leaves consumers paying higher prices as a result of businesses losses.

According to a press release issued by her office, the National Retail Federation estimates retailers lose more than $30 billion per year to retail theft, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation considers retail theft a gateway crime committed by major crime rings that use the proceeds to fund other illegal activity. In a typical retail theft scheme, criminals steal thousands of dollars worth of products over a period of time and often sell them at flea markets or online.

The legislative proposal sponsored by Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, (HB 1173) and Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, (SB 1404) would enhance the penalties for a violation of Florida Statute 817.034(4)(a) by increasing the sentencing scoring guidelines for an organized retail theft offense that exceeds $50,000. The enhanced penalties align the sentencing of organized retail theft charges with first-degree grand theft. As a result, a person convicted of retail theft at $50,000 or more would face a baseline sentence of 21 months in prison.

Organized retail crime is a highly sophisticated operation that involves the large-scale theft of everyday consumer items by professional shoplifters, stated Bondi. The legislation will give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools needed to arrest and prosecute these individuals, so consumers dont have to bear the financial brunt of this illegal activity.

Millions of dollars are being stolen from businesses in Florida every year by organizing retail fraud. In order to crack down on this illegal industry, our laws against such offences need to be strengthened," the release quotes Stargel. "I am excited to sponsor legislation that enhances the Florida Communications Fraud Act and to work with Attorney General Bondi in addressing this issue on behalf of Floridas businesses and consumers."

This legislation offers significant protection to both businesses and consumers who ultimately (bear)the costs associated with organized retail crime," Spano is quoted. "I commend Attorney General Bondi for taking the lead on this initiative and look forward to championing House Bill 1173 in the Florida House."