Frequently Asked Questions

Price Gouging Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Price Gouging?

Florida Statute 501.160 states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to rent, sell, lease or offer to rent, sell, or lease, essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities at an unconscionable price. A price is presumed to be unconscionable if: (1) there is a gross disparity between the price charged during the state of emergency and the average price during the 30 days before the state of emergency or (2) the price grossly exceeds the average price the same or similar commodity was available in the trade area during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its costs or market trends. Examples of necessary commodities for storm events are food, water, ice, gas, lodging and lumber.

2. How do I know if I’m being price gouged?

The law compares the reported price of the commodity or service during the state of emergency to the average price charged over the 30-day period prior to the declared state of emergency. If there is a gross disparity between the prior price and the current charge, it could be considered price gouging.

3. What is covered under the Price Gouging Statute?

The Price Gouging Statute covers lodging and storage facilities necessary for habitation or use as a direct result of an emergency and essential commodities necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency. A “commodity” means any good, service, material, merchandise, supplies, equipment, resources, or other article of commerce, and includes, without limitation, food, water, ice, chemicals, petroleum products, and lumber. Commodities covered under the statute include those rented, sold or offered for rent or sale within the area of the declared state of emergency and necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency. The law also requires those selling goods and services to possess a business tax receipt. Examples of non-essential items are alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.

4. What evidence do I need to help enforce the Price Gouging Statute?

If you suspect price gouging, obtain as much information as possible in the form of photographs of signs displaying the price, receipts, estimates, reservation numbers and prices, invoices, or bills. Include as much information as possible, such as the product name, size, quantity, manufacturer, item number and unit price. For lumber products, note the grade, thickness and quality. If it is gasoline, note the grade of gas and price per gallon. If it is a service such as storage or towing, note the per-mile (or other distance) charge, removal charges, per-day storage charges and other charges such as security, clean up or other “add-ons.” If it is a dwelling unit, please include the room size and type, number of nights reserved, price per each night reserved, and a description of why habitation or use of the dwelling unit was necessary as a direct result of the emergency. Report this information to the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226. You may also report violations via the No Scam app or online at: http://myfloridalegal.com or mail documents to the following address:

Office of the Attorney General

The Capitol, PL-01

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050

Please remember to include your name and contact information, the name and address of the company or individual you suspect of price gouging, a description of why you believe price gouging occurred and any documentation you may have.

5. How can I avoid becoming a victim of price gouging?

Plan ahead. Prepare for a disaster before it happens. Always have the following items on hand:

• Five gallons of drinking water per person in your household • At least two working flashlights

• A portable radio

• A telephone with a cord – If the electrical power is lost, a cordless telephone will not work

• An ample supply of batteries to power these and other items • A full tank of propane and charcoal if you have a charcoal grill

• Non-perishable food items

• Formula and diapers, if you have young children in the home

• Any personal protective equipment you may need such as masks, gloves, or hand sanitizer

Although not essential, board games, books and playing cards might be helpful to entertain young children. Additionally, do not forget to make plans to care for any pets.

If government officials recommend evacuation, it is wise to heed that advice. Mandatory evacuations mean just that. Gas tanks should be filled in advance in case evacuation is advised.

After the danger has passed, obtain estimates for clean-up and repairs in writing from licensed contractors. Check with county or city licensing authorities for proof of proper licensing and insurance. Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door after the disaster, quote extremely low prices for repairs, demand large and upfront payments with no return date to do work, or perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job. Don’t allow anyone to bully you or force you into making a quick decision. Never hesitate to call the local law enforcement if necessary.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses more than 20 types of professions and can be reached via telephone at 850-487-1395 or via the internet at http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr.