FL H0491

Amends Florida theft law (s. 812.014) to impose a mandatory $10,000 fine for theft of commercially farmed animals (equine, avian, bovine, swine, or other grazing animals), bee colonies of registered beekeepers, or aquaculture species from certified facilities.

Elevates theft charges to second-degree felony when property valued at $5,000-$20,000 is stolen during a gubernatorial emergency declaration if the theft is facilitated by emergency conditions (civil unrest, power outages, curfews, evacuations, or reduced first responder presence).

Provides enhanced sentencing for emergency-related theft offenses by ranking them one level above standard offense rankings under sentencing guidelines.

Reenacts s. 932.701(1)(a) to incorporate amendments into the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act definition of "contraband article" relating to aquaculture product theft.

Takes effect October 1, 2018.