Quick definition (Florida + federal)
- Enterprise: A group or organization (formal or informal) engaged in ongoing activity.
- Pattern: At least two qualifying “predicate” crimes that are related (method, purpose, participants) and not isolated events.
- Florida law: See Fla. Stat. § 895.03 and the 2025 Chapter page covering definitions of “racketeering activity.”
- DOJ overview: Justice Manual – Organized Crime & Racketeering.
Statistics that put RICO in context
- Federal RICO convictions: From FY 2018–FY 2022, 1,357 people were convicted in federal court with RICO as the most serious charge (Bureau of Justice Statistics). See the BJS report.
- Cyber-enabled fraud surge: The FBI’s IC3 2024 report shows $16 billion+ in reported losses (a 33% YoY jump), reflecting the scale of organized online schemes that often underpin RICO cases. FBI IC3 2024.
- Florida trend signals: FDLE’s Uniform Crime Reports hub tracks statewide trends and contributes to policy responses (including more RICO use against organized retail theft and fraud rings). FDLE UCR.
- Recent Florida enforcement examples: Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has announced multi-defendant retail-theft rings and fraud schemes charged across multiple counties (press releases detail charging waves). Example: AG news release.
Common Florida racketeering fact patterns
Florida RICO cases frequently involve:
- Fraud (healthcare/Medicare, insurance, wire/bank, organized retail theft rings)
- Drug trafficking conspiracies and distribution networks
- Public corruption or bribery schemes
- Money laundering and complex financial crimes
Related reading: Florida Conspiracy Defense.
Penalties: Why RICO exposure is so serious
- Felony level: Florida RICO is often charged as a first-degree felony with lengthy prison terms and major fines.
- Forfeiture: Seizure of assets tied to the racketeering activity.
- Civil RICO: Treble damages and attorney’s fees may apply in civil actions.
See our in-depth guide: Racketeering (RICO) Charges in Florida.
What the State must prove
- An enterprise existed (formal or informal).
- A pattern of racketeering activity (two or more predicate acts that are related).
- Connection between the enterprise and the pattern (conduct/participation through the pattern).
A smart defense often focuses on breaking one of those links.
Defense strategies that work
- No true enterprise: Challenge structure, membership, or continuity.
- No qualifying “pattern”: Acts too far apart, unrelated in method/purpose/participants, or not predicate crimes.
- Attack predicate acts: Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence; expose weak proof on the underlying crimes.
- Motion practice: Early, targeted motions change leverage. Learn more about pretrial motions.
Why choose a trial-tested RICO defense team
RICO cases are document-heavy, expert-driven, and often multi-defendant. Our board-certified trial attorneys prepare like it’s going to verdict from day one—so you have leverage at the table and strength in court.
See our Racketeering (RICO) practice page or start with our Orlando Criminal Defense hub.
Florida RICO FAQ
Is it still racketeering if the alleged crimes are non-violent?
Yes. Predicate acts include many non-violent offenses like fraud, money laundering, and organized retail theft—if they meet the pattern/enterprise requirements.
Can the State charge both conspiracy and racketeering?
Often yes, especially when prosecutors allege agreement plus qualifying predicate acts. Defense focuses on intent, agreement proof, and the viability of each predicate count.
Can assets be seized in a RICO case?
Yes. Forfeiture of proceeds instrumental to the enterprise is common in both criminal and civil RICO matters.
How do statistics help my defense?
Data from the BJS, FBI IC3, and FDLE can illuminate patterns, timelines, or weaknesses in the State’s theory of continuity and enterprise—useful in motions and negotiations.
Need help now? Call 407-FIGHTER (407-344-4837) or visit our Racketeering page to get started.
