Florida’s Fight Against “Porch Pirates” During the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings excitement as packages arrive with gifts from loved ones. But this also makes it prime time for “porch pirates”—thieves who steal packages left on doorsteps. As online shopping continues to grow, especially during the holidays, package theft has skyrocketed in Florida and across the nation. In response, Florida’s state legislature and various local governments are working to combat this growing issue.

Florida’s Approach to Tackling Package Theft

While Florida has yet to pass laws specifically targeting “porch piracy,” general theft statutes cover this type of crime. Theft of a package from a private property typically falls under standard theft laws. In Florida, the value of the stolen item determines the severity of the charge:

Petit Theft: Theft of property valued at less than $750 is generally considered a misdemeanor and may lead to up to one year in jail and fines.

Grand Theft: For packages valued above $750, the charge escalates to grand theft, a felony in Florida, carrying more severe penalties that could include prison time and significant fines.

Recognizing the increase in package theft, some legislators have proposed bills to create specific penalties for porch piracy. Such laws, if enacted, would address package theft as a distinct crime with unique penalties, sending a clear message to would-be thieves.

County and Municipal Efforts to Curb Porch Piracy

In the absence of specific state legislation, several Florida counties and cities are finding their own ways to address the issue. Local law enforcement agencies are working to increase patrols and use more targeted surveillance in high-risk neighborhoods. Some municipalities even set up “bait packages” equipped with GPS trackers to catch thieves in the act. These efforts not only act as a deterrent but also increase the chances of catching offenders.

Additionally, many local police departments provide residents with tips on package security, including scheduling deliveries, using lockboxes, or having packages sent to secure pick-up locations.

Consequences for Those Caught Stealing Packages

Porch piracy may seem like a low-stakes crime to some, but those who are caught often face significant consequences. With enhanced surveillance tools and community cooperation, more thieves are being caught, leading to criminal records that can have a lasting impact. The consequences include:

Criminal Record: Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can appear on a criminal record, which can impact future employment and housing opportunities.

Higher Penalties for Repeat Offenders: In Florida, repeated theft offenses can escalate to felony charges with longer sentences and larger fines. This means that a seemingly “small” crime can quickly spiral into a life-changing legal issue.

Probation or Jail Time: For grand theft, convicted offenders face potential jail time and may be required to undergo probation, which can impact their daily lives long after the holiday season ends.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Packages

While laws and law enforcement work to curb this issue, residents can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of package theft:

Use secure delivery options: Many carriers offer services to schedule deliveries for times when you’re home or to have packages delivered to a local store for pick-up.

Consider a security camera: Having a visible security camera can deter thieves and provide valuable evidence in case of theft.

Network with neighbors: If you know you won’t be home when a package arrives, ask a trusted neighbor to grab it for you.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Porch Piracy Legislation

Florida’s lawmakers are likely to keep an eye on this growing issue as online shopping continues to rise. Specific laws addressing porch piracy could give law enforcement additional tools to combat this seasonal crime, and residents hope that increased penalties will reduce the temptation for would-be thieves.

In the meantime, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect your deliveries. The holiday season should be a time of joy—not a time to worry about whether your packages will be there when you get home.

By working together, law enforcement, local communities, and residents can make this season a little safer for all.

 Mark D. McMann

McMann, P.A.

1700 South Florida Ave.

Lakeland, Florida 33803

863-393-9010

 www.mcmannpa.com