FL H1145

Increases minimum monetary thresholds for theft charges by lowering the values required for felony prosecution: grand theft third degree now requires $300 or more (previously $1,000) and petit theft first degree now requires $100 or more (previously $600).

Authorizes law enforcement officers to issue a notice to appear instead of making an arrest for retail theft when the stolen merchandise value is less than $1,000 and the offender has no previous criminal convictions.

Allows state attorneys to establish retail theft diversion programs to divert qualifying offenders from prosecution, with participants required to complete educational programs, make restitution, and pay a fee not exceeding $250.

Participants who fail to complete diversion program conditions may be prosecuted for retail theft; those who complete the program avoid criminal prosecution.

Effective date: July 1, 2016.