TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Attorney General Pam Bondi has opened Florida's price gauging hotline for all Florida residents.
The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties in response to threats posed by Hurricane Irma.
"Floridians need to prepare now and they should not be inhibited by unlawful price increases on supplies necessary to brace for a major hurricane strike-that is why I've activated Florida's Price Gouging Hotline and encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to my office by calling (866)-9-NO-SCAM," said Attorney General Bondi. "By reporting suspected price gouging you can protect yourself and your fellow Floridians."
According to state law, it is illegal to make extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice and gas, during an officially declared emergency unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its costs or market trends.
Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should report it to the Attorney General's Office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
