JACKSONVILLE gas or food
phillips, hunt & walker Jacksonville :
CAN GAS OR FOOD PRICES GO UP AFTER A TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE?
You often hear it and wonder why it is done- the Governor and Mayors across the State of Florida declare a “state of emergency” even before the storm arrives. One major benefit is this declaration activates Florida’s price gouging law, which is a very important consumer protection which occurred as a result of the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Andrew disaster in August 1992.
People stock up on gas, food and home protection supplies such as generators, plywood and flashlights. Florida’s price gouging law bans unconscionable prices in the rental and sale of essential commodities during the state of emergency. It also governs services such as tree removal, roof repairs, lodging, water extraction, and other general dwelling repairs.
The one problem? The law defines an illegal overcharge as one which is “grossly” an overcharge, so it is not as well defined as we would like, but the Attorney General has been very active in investigating and fining companies who do this to consumers.
If you become a victim, or witness a price gouging incident during a state of emergency, please report it to one of the hotlines established by the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.The Attorney General Hotline is 1-866-966-7226. The Consumer Services Hotline is 1-800-435-7352.
LAWS OF THE STORM:
- Hazard lights, should I drive with them on in a storm?
- Does the PETS Act Prevent a Hotel From Refusing Animals in a Storm?
- Can gas or food prices go up after a tropical storm or hurricane?
- Evacuation Orders, Curfews and the Law
- Insurance Issues: Protect Yourself from Hurricane Losses
We invite you to review our verdicts, our accolades and awards and what clients have to say about us and give us a call for a free consultation where our lawyers will consult with you personally. John represents clients in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and before the U.S. Supreme Court with passion and compassion. Our firm handles a wide variety of injury and death cases, criminal defense, family law and a host of high profile matters. We can be emailed at help@floridajustice.com or call us at (904) 444-4444 in Florida or (912) 444-4444 in Georgia.