TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Ahead of the start of this year’s forecasted active storm season, Attorney General Ashley Moody has released the 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. Experts predict this year to be one of the most active on record, with an 85% chance of an above-normal season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a range of 17 to 25 total named storms, with eight to 13 expected to become hurricanes.
Attorney General Moody’s guide contains information about major storm events, preparing property for a hurricane strike, and avoiding scams and price gouging that may arise immediately before, during, and after a storm. Moody stood with the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Florida & the Caribbean, Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement in Davie today to urge Floridians to take advantage of the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to get ready for potential storms and be cautious when shopping for storm-preparedness items.
Attorney General Ashley Moody stated, “Experts are predicting a record-breaking and ‘super-charged’ hurricane season. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or new to the Sunshine State, it is essential to get prepared early for potential hurricane strikes. I, alongside the Better Business Bureau, am encouraging everyone to take advantage of the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to stock up on legitimate hurricane prep items and use our office’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide to stay safe and avoid scams. By preparing early, we can weather any storm.”
Better Business Bureau Southeast Florida & the Caribbean President and CEO Rodney Davis added, “Unlicensed contractors often will travel from out of state to a disaster area attempting to take advantage of uninformed consumers. The best way to avoid scams or issues is to have a list of licensed contractors.”
The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs June 1-14. A second exemption period will start Aug. 24 and extend through Sept. 6. During these times, Floridians can stock up on specified storm supplies sales-tax free.
Attorney General Moody’s 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides a supply checklist that includes:
- Water—one gallon daily per person—and non-perishable food for seven days;
- Non-electric can openers, paper plates, and plastic utensils;
- Flashlights and extra batteries;
- First aid kits, sunscreen, and bug spray;
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radios.
The guide also offers tips such as knowing evacuation routes and shelter locations; stocking up on enough food, water, and emergency supplies for at least seven days well before a storm is expected; checking that storm-related products are hurricane-proof or impact-proof before purchasing; reporting price gouging during a declared state of emergency by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or using the No Scam reporting app; verifying charities are legitimate before donating for disaster-related causes; and being wary of solicitors using high-pressure tactics.
To access the guide in English or Spanish or stay informed about serious storm events using resources like FloridaDisaster.org or NOAA’s Hurricane Center at NHC.NOAA.gov.
Florida’s price gouging laws protect consumers from becoming victims before, during, and after a disaster by making it unlawful to sell essential commodities or services at prices that grossly exceed their average price during the 30 days before an emergency declaration.
For more information about price gouging or to report potential cases during a declared state of emergency using various channels including MyFloridaLegal.com.
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