Short answer: “Racketeering” usually means a pattern of crimes tied to an enterprise—think organized schemes like fraud rings, drug trafficking networks, or public-corruption operations. In Florida, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in Chapter 895 can turn otherwise separate crimes into one severe felony with major prison exposure, asset forfeiture, and collateral consequences.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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