TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Leading up to Hurricane Matthew, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi activated Florida’s price gouging hotline. This came after Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in all Florida counties in preparation for the storm.
“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," Bondi said. "Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should contact my office immediately. If you do business in our state, do not take advantage of our citizens.”
Florida law bars extreme price increases in essential commodities, including food, ice, gas, hotels, lumber and water, during the declared state of emergency. Anyone suspecting price gouging can call the hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.