ICYMI: Attorney General James Uthmeier Activates Price Gouging Hotline as Hurricane Isaias Approaches

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier activated Florida's Price Gouging Hotline as Hurricane Isaias heads toward the Florida Panhandle. Isaias became a major hurricane Friday morning and is expected to make landfall tonight or early Saturday.

"Protecting Floridians isn't a seasonal job, and this hotline ensures that there is a simple process to report unconscionable increases in prices," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Whether it's a storm, a scam, or a greedy corporation, our office will enforce the law."

Under Florida's price gouging statute, section 501.160, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful during a declared state of emergency to charge unconscionable prices for essential commodities and services needed to prepare for or recover from the storm. These include food, water, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment and hotel rooms.

The law applies within the counties covered by Governor DeSantis's state of emergency: Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.

Violators face civil penalties of $1,000 per violation, up to $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. Criminal sanctions may also apply.

Floridians who suspect price gouging can report it through MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

For more information on price gouging, click here.

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