Following the severe storms that swept through the Florida panhandle, Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated the Price Gouging Hotline to protect consumers from illegal price hikes on essential goods. The activation coincides with Governor Ron DeSantis’s declaration of a state of emergency for multiple counties in the region.
Affected Areas
The state of emergency covers Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties, all of which experienced significant storm damage.
Legal Protections Against Price Gouging
In the aftermath of the storms, it is unlawful to significantly raise prices on necessary items such as food, water, hotels, gas, lumber, and other essential supplies within the declared areas. This measure is intended to prevent exploitation during the recovery phase.
Reporting Price Gouging
Residents who observe price gouging in the affected areas are encouraged to report it by calling the Price Gouging Hotline at 866-966-7226 or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. These reports play a critical role in safeguarding consumer rights during the emergency.
