Residents have 3 options to report possible cases

Generic photo of money (Pixabay.com)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s arrival, the State of Florida’s Price Gouging law has now taken effect.

The state’s price gouging law states: “during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to rent, sell, lease, offer to rent, sell, or lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities at an unconscionable price.”

Simply put, it is illegal to raise prices during a state of emergency to substantially higher-than-normal levels.

This comes as the state has suspended sales tax on items residents may need for storm-related preparations.

“We want everyone to be able to afford these important supplies that they will need to weather the storm,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “If you see — whether it’s gas or water or lumber — at an egregious price that you would not see on average, please let us know.”

Moody said there are three ways to alert the attorney general’s office of possible price gouging:

Report it using the No Scam mobile app for Apple and Android devices

Call the hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226)

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About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.