FL S0836

Creates Florida statute 812.0146 to reclassify theft offenses committed against 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations, applying enhanced penalties when the offender knows or has reason to believe the victim is a qualifying nonprofit

Theft of $50,000 or more from a qualifying nonprofit is reclassified as a first-degree felony; theft of $10,000 to less than $50,000 is a second-degree felony; theft of $300 to less than $10,000 is a third-degree felony

Persons convicted of stealing more than $1,000 from a 501(c)(3) organization must be ordered to make restitution to the victim and perform up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fine or sentence imposed

Restitution and community service requirements are mandatory and cannot substitute for other penalties such as fines or imprisonment

Sponsored by Senator Powell and the Committee on Criminal Justice, with an effective date of October 1, 2023