Attorney General Ashley Moody today activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline with Tropical Storm Ian approaching the state. The activation comes following Governor Ron DeSantis’s state-of-emergency declaration for 24 counties.
In areas covered by the state of emergency, Floridians can report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Floridians should prepare now with Tropical Storm Ian moving closer to our state. If anyone suspects price gouging, report it to my office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM, filing online at MyFloridaLegal.com or using our free No Scam reporting app.”
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment and storm-related services needed as a direct result of the event.
The state of emergency for Tropical Storm Ian is declared for the following counties: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and St. Lucie.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Attorney General Moody’s No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
The City of Tampa is preparing for the possibility of severe weather in the upcoming week on multiple fronts. Mayor Jane Castor continues to encourage residents to prepare by taking the following steps:
▪️ Stay informed with Alert Tampa
▪️ Follow @AlertTampa on Twitter
▪️ Text TAMPAREADY to 888-777
▪️ Text TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for alerts in Spanish
▪️ Register at Tampa.gov/AlertTampa for voicemails and emails
▪️ Have a plan and stay informed
▪️ Create your Disaster Supply Kit
Additionally, remember your evacuation zone may have recently changed. Make sure to find your correct and updated evacuation zone.