Organized Fraud
Engaging in a scheme to defraud and obtaining property through that scheme.
Florida Statute
§ 817.034
Florida Communications Fraud Act
Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Organized fraud requires a systematic ongoing fraudulent scheme and property obtained through it; aggregate value controls the degree.
Classification Matrix
Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.
Organized Fraud — Under $20,000
F.S. § 817.034(4)(a)3.
A scheme to defraud that obtains property with an aggregate value below $20,000.
Organized Fraud — $20,000 to Under $50,000
F.S. § 817.034(4)(a)2.
A scheme to defraud that obtains property with an aggregate value of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000.
Organized Fraud — $50,000 or More
F.S. § 817.034(4)(a)1.
A scheme to defraud that obtains property with an aggregate value of $50,000 or more.
Communications Fraud — Under $300
F.S. § 817.034(4)(b)2.
A communication in furtherance of a scheme to defraud where the property obtained or endeavored to be obtained is worth under $300.
Elements of the Offense
Elements of the Offense
Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.
- Element 1AND — Required
The State must prove all of the following
The defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud.
Plain language: The defendant participated in a systematic ongoing fraudulent course of conduct.
- Element 2AND — Required
The State must prove all of the following
The defendant obtained property through that scheme.
Plain language: The scheme resulted in property being obtained.
Jury Instructions
Jury Instructions
Instruction 20.19
Organized Fraud
Covers F.S. § 817.034(4)(a), the applicable value finding, and protected-victim reclassification.
View Official InstructionVerified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026
Instruction 20.19(a)
Communications Fraud
Covers the separate communications-fraud track under F.S. § 817.034(4)(b).
View Official InstructionVerified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026
Important Definitions
Important Definitions
Scheme to defraud
A systematic, ongoing course of conduct intended to defraud one or more persons or obtain property through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, endorsements, promises, or willful misrepresentations of a future act.
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
Quick Reference
Use the aggregate value of all property obtained in the scheme to select the organized-fraud degree. Communications fraud is a separate track in § 817.034(4)(b).