Hurricane Ian: Price Gougers Could Face Civil Fines, Criminal Penalties

FLORIDA — Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has expanded Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline as Hurricane Ian gets closer to making landfall on the state's west coast.

The expansion comes following Gov. Ron DeSantis’s amended executive order expanding the state of emergency to all 67 counties in Florida.

Floridians statewide can now report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm to the Attorney General's Office.

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

"One of the reasons for the state of emergency is to make sure that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to affordable supplies," Moody said. "So, the price gouging laws are in effect right now. That means you cannot take advantage of an emergency situation and drastically increase prices. We need people to be able to obtain these supplies for a reasonable price. If you do that, we will take action against you."

Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm during a declared state of emergency, including food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment and storm-related services needed as a direct result of the hurricane.

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Violators of the price-gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a 24-hour period.

In addition to the civil penalties for price gouging, state law criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without a business tax receipt.

Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 866-9NO-SCAM.

The No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.

For tips on reporting price gouging, click here.

For more information on price gouging, click here.