Attorney General Pam Bondi has activated the state’s Price Gouging Hotline, in light of the declared State of Emergency by Gov. Rick Scott earlier today.
Scott earlier on Saturday signed an Executive Order declaring a statewide state of emergency due to the forecasted impacts of Tropical Storm Isaac.
Persons who feel that price gouging is taking place on commodities such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment as a direct result of the officially declared emergency should call the following number: 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or (1-866-966-7226).
“With thousands of visitors traveling to Tampay Bay for the Republican National Convention we will protect all residents and visitors form unscrupulous individuals who attempt to prey on consumers by engaging in price gouging,” Bondi said in a statement.
Violators of price gouging could face civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violation committed in a single 24-hour period.
Violators could also be charged under Florida law if goods and services are being sold to the public without possession of an occupational license.
