Price Gouging Hotline now active

Attorney General Pam Bondi today activated Florida’s price gouging hotline as Hurricane Matthew moves through the Caribbean. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency in all Florida counties in preparation for the potential impact of the category four hurricane.

“Hurricane Matthew has already caused deaths in the Caribbean, and while the storm may not make landfall in Florida, scammers may still use the threat of impact to prey on consumers. Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should contact my office immediately,” said Attorney General Bondi. “If you do business in our state, do not take advantage of our citizens.”

Use this link to view the Attorney General’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide online.

The following tips from the guide can help Floridians better prepare:

• Have a plan in place, whether staying at home or evacuating, and tell a family member or close friend about the plan;
• Ensure a shutter or impact protective system to protect windows from hurricane-force winds and debris meets the standards set by the Florida Building Commission or the local building authority;
• Know that Florida law allows pharmacists to refill prescription medications early, if in a declared state of emergency or under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service;
• Designate a meeting place should the household get separated;
• Be familiar with evacuation routes;
• Place important documents, such as Social Security cards, insurance cards and passports, in a waterproof container; and
• Retain enough drinking water for one gallon daily per person in the household for three to seven days.

As the entire state of Florida is under a declared state of emergency, Florida’s price gouging law applies statewide. State law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, ice, gas, hotels, lumber and water during this declared state of emergency. Anyone who suspects price gouging should report it to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

Florida law states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justifying the price by showing increases in its prices or market trends.

Use this link to learn more about price gouging.