Florida price gouging hotline activated ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier activated the state’s price gouging reporting hotline after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias. “With the Governor’s emergency declaration, our office opened the Price Gouging reporting form for TS Isaias,” Uthmeier said.Floridians can access the form by clicking here. Reports can also be made by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) toll-free.“If you see or suspect an unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities, report it to our office,” he added.[RELATED: Tropical Storm Isaias forecasted to become a hurricane Thursday]What counts as price gouging?State law prohibits an unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities needed as a direct result of a declared state of emergency due to a hurricane or other natural disaster. Essential commodities can include food, water, ice, gas, lodging, lumber and certain services, including tree removal