20.19 ORGANIZED FRAUD
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.
- Instruction
- 20.19
- Statute
- 817.034(4)(a), Fla. Stat.
- Edition
- Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026
- Official source
- The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Elements
Quoted word for word from the official text. Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026.
To prove the crime of Organized Fraud, the State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) engaged in a scheme to defraud.
2. (Defendant) thereby obtained [property] [(specify property if alleged in the information)].
Further findings
Special findings, enhancements, inferences and exceptions the instruction gives when they apply, word for word.
Degrees. Give as applicable.
If you find the defendant guilty of Organized Fraud, you must also determine if the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt whether:
a. The aggregate value of the property obtained was $50,000 or more.
b. The aggregate value of the property obtained was $20,000 or more but less than $50,000.
c. The aggregate value of the property obtained was less than 20,000.
If the exact value cannot be determined, you should attempt to determine a minimum value. If the minimum value of the property cannot be determined, you must find the value is less than $20,000.
Note to Judge. If the property obtained is a written instrument or trade secret that does not have a readily ascertainable market value, give the definition of “value” in s. 817.034(3)(e)1.b or1.c.
Reclassification. Give if § 817.034(4)(c), Fla. Stat. is charged.
If you find the defendant committed Organized Fraud, you must further determine whether the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim of the Organized Fraud was [65 years or older] [less than 18 years of age] [or] [a person with a mental or physical disability].
Lesser-included offenses
As the instruction lists them, word for word.
ORGANIZED FRAUD — 817.034(4)(a)
| CATEGORY ONE | CATEGORY TWO | FLA. STAT. | INS. NO. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand theft – second degree | 812.014(2)(b)1 | 14.1 | |
| Grand theft – third degree | 812.014(2)(c)1, 2, 3 | 14.1 | |
| Petit theft – first degree | 812.014(2)(e) | 14.1 | |
| Petit theft – second degree | 812.014(3)(a) | 14.1 | |
| Attempt | 777.04(1) | 5.1 |
Related practice page
Organized Scheme to Defraud Defense in Miami · Fraud & Financial Crimes Defense in Miami
Official source: The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.