Marine-Related Property Crimes

The Florida Keys are a popular destination due to the many opportunities for boating, fishing and scuba diving.  But those who would consider stealing boats, boating equipment, dive gear or fishing gear would be wise to rethink their plans, considering the possible penalties for being convicted of such crimes.

Florida Statutes

According to Florida Statutes, a person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property or appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property. 

According to Florida Statutes, a person commits burglary by entering a dwelling, a structure or a conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the defendant is licensed or invited to enter; or notwithstanding a licensed or invited entry, remaining in a dwelling, structure or conveyance surreptitiously with the intent to commit an offense therein, after permission to remain therein has been withdrawn, with the intent to commit an offense therein; or to commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony. 

According to Florida Statutes, trespass of a structure or conveyance is when whoever, without being authorized, licensed or invited, willfully enters or remains in any structure or conveyance or, having been authorized, licensed or invited, is warned by the owner or lessee of the premises, or by a person authorized by the owner or lessee, to depart and refuses to do so. 

Possible Charges 

Petit Theft

Petit theft of the first degree is a first-degree misdemeanor. This is if the property stolen is valued at $100 or more but less than $300.

Grand Theft

  • Grand theft of the third degree is a third-degree felony. This is if the property stolen is valued at $300 or more but less than $5,000; if the property stolen is valued at $5,000 or more but less than $10,000; or if the property stolen is valued at $10,000 or more but less than $20,000. 
  • Grand theft of the second degree is a second-degree felony. This is if the property stolen is valued at stole is valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000. 
  • Grand theft of the first degree is a first-degree felony. This is if the property stolen is valued at $100,000 or more.

Burglary of a Conveyance

  • Burglary of a conveyance (vessel) is a third-degree felony when an offender enters a conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein and there is not another person in the conveyance at the time. 
  • Burglary of a conveyance (vessel) is a second-degree when an offender enters a conveyance and there is another person in the conveyance at the time.

Trespass of Conveyance

  • Trespass of a conveyance (vessel) is a second-degree misdemeanor if the conveyance is unoccupied. 
  • Trespass in a conveyance (vessel) is a first-degree misdemeanor if there a human being in the conveyance when the offender trespassed, attempted to trespass or was in the conveyance.

Possible Penalties 

Petit Theft

Conviction for petit theft of $100 to $300 value is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Grand Theft

  • Conviction for third-degree grand theft is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.
  • Conviction for second-degree grand theft is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  • Conviction for first-degree grand theft is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Burglary of a Conveyance

  • Conviction for third-degree burglary of a conveyance (vessel unoccupied) is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
  • Conviction for second-degree burglary of a conveyance (vessel occupied) is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Trespass of Conveyance

  • Conviction for second-degree trespass of a conveyance (vessel unoccupied) is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
  • Conviction for first-degree trespass of a conveyance (vessel occupied) is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.