TAMPA, Fla. — After a natural disaster, scammers might try to take advantage of victims and put excessive prices on essential commodities such as equipment, food and hotel rooms.
This is called price gouging, and in Florida, state law prohibits this when a state of emergency has been declared. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 41 counties on Monday ahead of the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. On Tuesday, he extended it to 61 counties, which encompasses the entire Tampa Bay region.
The law states 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," according to Florida's Attorney General's website.
A price is unconscionable if there's a gross disparity between the price charged during the state of emergency and the average price 30 days before the state of emergency or if the price greatly exceeds the average price. The law defines a commodity as any good, service material, merchandise, supplies, equipment or resource.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said the price gouging hotline is activated to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential items.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it on MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 866-9NO-SCAM.
Violators of the law are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, according to the website.
To avoid being a victim of price gouging it's best to plan ahead and get supplied before a disaster happens. You can view tips on what to pack in your hurricane kit here.
The Tampa Bay region should be prepared for this tropical storm to strengthen into a major hurricane.
Forecasters say late Wednesday is when the first rain bands arrive and severe weather is possible. On Thursday, the system will be parallel to Tampa Bay bringing us a surge with this day being the most severe. Storm surge, hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of the area. You can get the latest information on the storm here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.
