Florida activates price gouging hotline

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida’s price gouging hotline after Monday’s state of emergency declaration.

WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

This comes as officials monitor the possible impacts and current path of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to become a hurricane later this week.

Under a storm-related state of emergency order, state law prohibits excessive price increases for essential items.

These items include food, gasoline, lumber and water.

Read: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine to become hurricane before impacting Florida this week

“To help Floridians prepare for this event, we are activating the price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities,” Moody said. “As the system approaches, I’m urging Floridians to finalize their storm prep, monitor weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities.”

Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

Read: State of emergency issued for 41 Florida counties ahead of possible storm

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.