Price gouging numbers in Florida continue to climb
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Floridians have received nearly $500,000 in refunds from businesses after allegations of inflated prices linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, new numbers show.
The state’s price-gouging hotline has been contacted about 4,400 times, and more than $497,000 has been returned to consumers since a state of emergency was declared in March because of the virus.
Attorney General Ashley Moody's office has contacted 6,300 businesses about price-gouging allegations related to products such as protective equipment.
“We want to make sure these essential commodities like cleaning supplies and protective gear are available to them (residents) at a fair price,” Moody said. “So, as long as this COVID-19 emergency is in place, we will keep fighting.”
People who violate the state’s price-gouging law can face penalties of $1,000 per violation, up to $25,000 a day.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.