Colton Harris-Moore got his moniker for often going barefoot during a two-year run of crimes that included stealing airplanes and boats.
In one case, he stole a plane in Indiana and flew it to the Bahamas, where he was arrested.
The 20-year-old must still pay restitution to his victims. He apologized on Friday after his sentencing.
"I now know a crime that took place overnight will take years to recover from," he said in court.
Some of the money may come from a million dollar movie deal with 20th Century Fox.
Defense attorney John Henry Browne said he expects Harris-Moore to be out of prison in about 4 1/2 years, accounting for the 18 months he's already been in custody. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on how much time he might serve, saying that will be up to the Bureau of Prisons.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
