©2024 The News Service of Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill that seeks to prevent “smash and grab” thefts and “porch piracy.”
The legislation (HB 549) will, in part, make it a third-degree felony to act in concert with five or more people to overwhelm merchants and steal items.
The measure, which will take effect July 1, also will make it a second-degree felony to solicit other people through social media to participate in retail theft.
During an appearance at a Walgreens store in Stuart, DeSantis criticized laws in other states, such as California.
“This retail theft ring is a total scam,” DeSantis said. “You have liberal laws and these people are exploiting that to basically further themselves, knowing that they can loot a certain amount without really facing any significant penalties.”
The legislation also will toughen criminal penalties for stealing items off porches, known as porch piracy.
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