Is Boot Removal Really A Felony Offense?

Posted May 29, 2007 by Aaron Knox

Updated May 29, 2007 at 10:40 PM

DESTIN — You may be wondering why Florida safety Dorian Munroe was charged with a felony for taking a UF police department “boot” off his car and keeping it in his trunk. Here’s why.

According to Florida Statute 812.014, the theft of anything valued between $300 and $5,000 is considered a third-degree felony. According to the UPD arrest report, the boot is worth $385.

So does that mean Munroe will face serious jail time for his offense? Not likely. As a first offender, he’s more than likely going to be offered a pre-trial diversion for a lesser charge. He may have to pay a small fine or do a little community service. If this happens, Munroe’s arrest probably won’t hurt him down the road, provided he stays out of trouble in the future.

According to the UF parking Web site, UPD will boot a car if the owner has more than three delinquent tickets or if the owner has accrued five guilty citations in a “decal year” (between May 1 and April 30).