Live in Brevard County, Florida? Have questions about the difference between theft, burglary, and robbery?
Theft
Florida Statute 812.014 – theft is committed when a person or persons knowingly uses, obtains, or attempts to obtain or use the property of another person with the intent to temporarily or permanently either:
- Deprive the rightful owner of the property itself or benefit(s) of the property;
- Appropriate the property for his/her own use or benefit, or for the use or benefit of any other person not legally entitled to it
Burglary
Florida Statute 810.02 – burglary is a property crime that involves trespassing onto a property where they are not authorized to be on.
The statute defines burglary as:
- The entering of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance with the intent to commit an offense, unless said premises was open to the public; or
- Remaining in a conveyance, structure, or dwelling after permission was withdrawn and with the intent to commit an offense, or to commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony as per State Statute 776.08.
Robbery
Under Florida law, a robbery is a property crime distinct from burglary and theft in that it requires the use of threat of force or force. Under Florida Statute 812.13, robbery is defined as a means of taking property or money (including larceny) from the custody of another person with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive that owner of that property, money or benefit thereof, and using violence, force, assault or threat of force in doing so.
