Car Hopping in Florida

A Serious Crime with Heavy Consequences

In Florida, car hopping—the act of prowling neighborhoods or parking lots, tugging on vehicle door handles to find unlocked cars, and stealing items inside—may seem like a petty prank to some, especially young people.

This crime, often dismissed as minor mischief

carries severe legal consequences under Florida law.

What many assume is a misdemeanor can quickly escalate to a felony, specifically burglary of a conveyance or theft, with each vehicle targeted stacking additional charges. This blog dives into the seriousness of car hopping, why it’s a risky choice for young offenders, the Florida statutes governing these crimes, and how multiple attempts or thefts can lead to life-altering penalties, including second-degree felonies in some cases.

Why Young People Car Hop and Misjudge the Consequences

Car hopping appeals to teenagers and young adults for various reasons: thrill-seeking, peer pressure, or the lure of quick cash from stealing items like loose change, electronics, or sunglasses. Often, the stolen goods are low-value—think a $10 phone charger or a pair of earbuds—offering little long-term benefit to the offender.

Many young people mistakenly believe that because the items are “small,” the crime is minor, akin to a misdemeanor or a slap on the wrist. However, Florida’s criminal justice system doesn’t see it that way. The state prioritizes property crimes to protect communities, and state attorneys prosecute vehicle burglaries aggressively, especially when they occur in sprees.

The Legal Reality: Burglary of a Conveyance, Not Just Theft

Under Florida Statute § 810.02, burglary of a conveyance is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in a vehicle (a “conveyance”) with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. This is the cornerstone of car hopping charges. Here’s why it’s serious:

• Felony Classification: Entering an unlocked vehicle with intent to steal is a third-degree felony, even if nothing is taken. If the vehicle is locked and the offender breaks in, it can escalate to a second-degree felony under certain circumstances, such as causing damage or using a weapon.

• Maximum Penalties: A third-degree felony carries up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and 5 years of probation. A second-degree felony—possible if the burglary involves breaking a window or other aggravating factors—can lead to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and 15 years of probation.

• Theft Charges: If items are stolen, additional charges under Florida Statute § 812.014 apply. Petit theft (items under $750) is a misdemeanor, but grand theft (items $750 or more) is a felony, with penalties scaling by value—up to 7 years in prison for third-degree grand theft ($750-$20,000).

Each Vehicle Is a Separate Felony: Stacking Charges

One of the most shocking aspects of car hopping is how quickly charges multiply. Each vehicle targeted—whether the offender successfully enters, attempts to enter, or steals from it—counts as a separate felony charge in the same criminal case. For example:

• Scenario: A young person tries handles on 10 cars in a parking lot, enters 5 unlocked vehicles, and steals items from 3. Even if they walk away with just a backpack and some change, they could face:

  • 5 counts of burglary of a conveyance (one for each vehicle entered, all third-degree felonies).

  • 3 counts of petit theft (if items stolen are low-value).

  • 5 counts of attempted burglary (for the vehicles they tried but didn’t enter, also third-degree felonies).

• Total Exposure: With 5 burglary counts alone, that’s a potential 25 years in prison (5 years per count, served consecutively if the judge is strict). Add attempted burglary charges, and the sentence could climb higher.

Florida’s state attorneys often file every possible charge to reflect the scope of the crime spree. In a 2020 case in Broward County, a teenager faced 12 felony counts for hitting a dozen cars in one night, despite stealing less than $200 in total. The court imposed 3 years of probation and restitution, but jail time was on the table.

This stacking effect turns a single night of bad decisions into a lifelong felony record.

Second-Degree Felonies: When Car Hopping Gets Worse

While most car hopping cases start as third-degree felonies, certain actions can elevate charges to a second-degree felony under Florida Statute § 810.02(3)(b):

• Breaking into a Locked Vehicle: Forcing entry (e.g., smashing a window or prying a door) increases the severity.

• Armed Burglary: Carrying a weapon, even if not used, during the crime.

• Damage or Assault: Causing significant property damage or encountering a vehicle occupant.

A second-degree felony conviction means up to 15 years in prison per count, a devastating outcome for young offenders. For example, a 2021 Orlando case saw a 19-year-old charged with second-degree felony burglary after breaking into a locked car and stealing a laptop. He faced 7 years due to prior offenses.

Long-Term Consequences for Young Offenders

For teenagers and young adults, the stakes are high. A felony conviction for car hopping can:

• Limit job prospects (most employers run background checks).

• Restrict housing options (landlords often reject felons).

• Bar access to student loans or professional licenses.

• Result in a permanent criminal record, unless expunged (rare for felonies).

Florida’s juvenile justice system may offer diversion programs for first-time offenders, like community service or restitution, but repeat offenders or those charged as adults face adult penalties.

Parents should warn older children: one night of car hopping can derail their future.

Why Florida Cracks Down

Vehicle burglaries are rampant in Florida, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement reporting over 60,000 burglary offenses in 2023, many involving vehicles. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa see spikes in car hopping due to dense populations and tourism. Unlocked cars are low-hanging fruit—75% of vehicle burglaries in Wilton Manors (2020) involved unlocked doors. Law enforcement uses sting operations, surveillance, and community alerts to catch offenders, while prosecutors aim to deter future crimes through harsh penalties.

Protect Yourself and Educate Others

To avoid car hopping trouble:

• Lock your car: Always double-check doors.

• Hide valuables: Don’t leave items in plain sight.

• Park smart: Use well-lit areas or garages.

• Educate kids: Teach teens the risks of vehicle prowling.

  
  

For parents, talk to your children about peer pressure and the felony consequences

 of seemingly “small” crimes. One bad choice can lead to years of regret.

Key Florida Statutes

• Burglary of a Conveyance: Florida Statute § 810.02 – Defines burglary as entering a vehicle with intent to commit a crime. Third-degree felony (5 years/$5,000) or second-degree felony (15 years/$10,000) if aggravated.

• Theft: Florida Statute § 812.014 – Covers petit theft (misdemeanor, up to 1 year/$1,000) and grand theft (felony, up to 7 years/$5,000 for third-degree).

One impulsive night can lead to a criminal record, jail time, and a future full of closed doors.

Stay informed, stay safe, and keep those cars locked.

Final Warning

Car hopping isn’t a harmless prank—it’s a felony crime in Florida that can stack charges faster than you can say “unlocked door.” Each vehicle is a new count, potentially adding 5-15 years per charge to a sentence. Young people, parents, and communities need to understand the gravity of vehicle burglary and theft.

Mark D. McMann

McMann, P.A.

1700 South Florida Ave.

Lakeland, Florida 33803

863-393-9010

 www.mcmannpa.com