Practice Areas If you have been the victim of theft, Florida law provides you with the opportunity to make a claim for three-times the amount of your actual damages, plus all costs and fees associated with making such a claim. Florida’s civil theft statute, found in Chapter 772, provides the procedure for making a claim against a person who commits theft. The attorneys at The Brand Law Firm are familiar with the legal and procedural requirements for filing a claim under the civil theft statute and can help you recover your damages plus additional amounts provided under the statute. The statute also allows recovery for elderly or disabled individuals who have been the victims of exploitation. We have also utilized the civil theft statute in situations where individuals and small business owners have been the victims of fraud. If you believe that you have been the victim of theft, fraud or exploitation, it is important that you contact an attorney so that they can take the correct steps to preserve your right to make a claim under the civil theft statute. Please contact one of our attorney today at 877-407-BRAND
The section of the civil theft statute which describes the procedure and other issues related to filing a claim is as follows:
TITLE. 45 (Chs. 766-774)
CHAPTER 772. CIVIL REMEDIES FOR CRIMINAL ACTS
Fla. Stat. §. 772.11 Civil remedy for theft or exploitation.
(1) Any person who proves by clear and convincing evidence that he or she has been injured in any fashion by reason of any violation of ss. 812.012-812.037 or s. 825.103(1) has a cause of action for threefold the actual damages sustained and, in any such action, is entitled to minimum damages in the amount of $200, and reasonable attorney's fees and court costs in the trial and appellate courts. Before filing an action for damages under this section, the person claiming injury must make a written demand for $200 or the treble damage amount of the person liable for damages under this section. If the person to whom a written demand is made complies with such demand within 30 days after receipt of the demand, that person shall be given a written release from further civil liability for the specific act of theft or exploitation by the person making the written demand. Any person who has a cause of action under this section may recover the damages allowed under this section from the parents or legal guardian of any unemancipated minor who lives with his or her parents or legal guardian and who is liable for damages under this section. Punitive damages may not be awarded under this section. The defendant is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs in the trial and appellate courts upon a finding that the claimant raised a claim that was without substantial fact or legal support. In awarding attorney's fees and costs under this section, the court may not consider the ability of the opposing party to pay such fees and costs. This section does not limit any right to recover attorney's fees or costs provided under any other law.
(2) For purposes of a cause of action arising under this section, the term "property" does not include the rights of a patient or a resident or a claim for a violation of such rights.
(3) This section does not impose civil liability regarding the provision of health care, residential care, long-term care, or custodial care at a licensed facility or care provided by appropriately licensed personnel in any setting in which such personnel are authorized to practice.
(4) The death of an elderly or disabled person does not cause the court to lose jurisdiction of any claim for relief for theft or exploitation when the victim of the theft or exploitation is an elderly or disabled person.
(5) In a civil action under this section in which an elderly or disabled person is a party, the elderly or disabled person may move the court to advance the trial on the docket. The presiding judge, after consideration of the age and health of the party, may advance the trial on the docket. The motion may be filed and served with the civil complaint or at any time thereafter.
