Florida’s price gouging hotline is up and running for residents to report “unconscionable increases in prices,” Attorney General James Uthmeier announced.
Under state law, it is illegal during states of emergency to price gouge for essential goods and services such as food, water, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment and hotel rooms.
The law applies within all counties covered by the 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 up to $1,000 per violation and up to $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a 24-hour period. Criminal sanctions may also apply, Uthmeier’s office said.