Attorney General Moody expands Florida’s price gouging hotline

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On Friday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that the state’s price gouging hotline has been expanded to include extreme price increases on essentials ahead of Hurricane Isaias.

This expansion to include essential hurricane supplies as Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the counties on Florida’s east coast. The law for this event only applies in the areas affected by the state of emergency, and only to products and services deemed essential for preparation for or recovery from this storm.

“It’s important that Floridians take steps now to prepare for a potential strike by Hurricane Isaias and I’m expanding my Price Gouging Hotline to receive reports of extreme price increases on important items needed to be prepared. It’s important for consumers to know that there are now multiple emergency declarations in Florida—including one for Isaias and one statewide for COVID-19,” said Attorney General Moody.

Price gouging laws remain in effect for products related specifically to the COVID-19 health crisis.

However, during a storm-related emergency, state law prohibits excessive price increases on things such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment.

Those who violate the price gouging law are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 for each violation and $25,000 for multiple violations within a 24-hour period.

You can report price gouging by downloading and using the NO SCAM app from the Apple or Google stores. You can also call 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

 

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