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price gouging

Price gouging occurs when retailers or other sellers take advantage of the increased demand and insufficient supply of goods and services—often commodities and basic necessities—following a natural disaster, war, civil unrest, or other event, and increase prices beyond a fair or reasonable amount.

In Florida, price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. The state's price gouging law prohibits the sale of essential commodities, dwelling units, and storage services for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency. Essential commodities may include items like food, water, ice, chemicals, petroleum products, and lumber necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency. If consumers believe price gouging is taking place, they can report it to the Florida Attorney General's Office. Violators of the price gouging statute may face civil penalties including fines of $1,000 per violation, up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. The enforcement of these regulations is intended to protect consumers from exploitative pricing practices during times of crisis.

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Consumers

price gouging

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Florida State Code

Florida State Code

Consumers

price gouging

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