As shoppers are about to storm the stores across Florida when Black Friday comes the day after Thanksgiving, Attorney General James Uthmeier is introducing a special unit to combat retail theft.
Uthmeier announced Friday he’s established a Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force. The unit is designed to combat organized retail theft in the state.
“Instead of having toothpaste locked behind plexiglass like California and New York, we are taking decisive action to combat organized retail theft,” said Uthmeier. “Shoppers suffer when retail thefts drive up prices. This partnership between law enforcement and the Florida Retail Federation will help keep prices down and put criminals behind bars.”
The Task Force will enable local law enforcement agencies with resources and drops jurisdictional barriers to allow them to close cases. It also promotes collaboration between agencies to eliminate barriers that could stunt some investigations of crimes that cross municipalities.
“Anyone who chooses to commit a crime in Florida will be dealt with swiftly,” said Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay. “The task force will strengthen our ability to get criminals off the street even faster by ensuring seamless coordination among law enforcement partners across the state.”
Retailers are encouraged by the move by the Attorney General’s Office. R. Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said the Task Force is welcomed.
“The Florida Retail Federation is grateful for the bold leadership of Attorney General James Uthmeier and our law enforcement partners in combating organized retail theft,” Shalley said. “The cross-agency collaboration made possible by this task force not only brings criminals to justice, but also protects Florida businesses, retail team members and consumers.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 549 in 2024 which calls for stiffer penalties for organized retail theft and called for prison terms for up to three decades for repeat offenders. Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has nailed 52 convictions on those charges since that measure went into effect.
