Attorney General Moody Offers Guidance to Local Law Enforcement About Enhanced Crimes for Looting During a Declared State of Emergency

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton, Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning would-be looters and other criminals looking to take advantage of storm victims that Florida will not tolerate lawlessness. Attorney General Moody announced guidance to sheriffs and police chiefs in areas affected by the storm urging officers to be on the lookout for looters and advising them about enhanced penalties for crimes committed during a state of emergency.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is a law-and-order state, and even though we have been damaged by Milton, we will not allow looting to take root here. I am offering guidance to Florida sheriffs and police chiefs about enhanced penalties for crimes committed during a state of emergency.” 

In Florida, during a declared state of emergency, crimes including burglary, theft and unlicensed contracting carry harsher legal penalties. To keep criminals from exploiting vulnerable Floridians on the street, perpetrators committing dangerous crimes during a declared state of emergency may not be granted nonmonetary pretrial release before seeing a judge.

Attorney General Moody sent a letter to Florida sheriffs and police chiefs in affected areas offering guidance about enhanced penalties for crimes during a state of emergency. To read the letter, click here. 

Floridians should report criminal activity to local law enforcement.

Following Hurricane Milton’s impact, Attorney General Moody issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians to watch out for price gouging and disaster-related scams. Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline remains activated. Consumers can report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to help recover from the storm. The Florida Attorney General’s Rapid Response Team is quickly responding to consumer contacts alleging price gouging.

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.

For additional information about price gouging and to learn more about disaster-related scams, check out Attorney General Moody’s Scams at a Glance: After the Storm resource by clicking here.

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