Florida Declares Emergency, Price Gouging Hotline Open

In response to Hurricane Isaias strengthening in the Gulf, Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced that the state is actively accepting price gouging complaints. This measure comes after Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties, anticipating potential impacts like heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding by Friday. The declaration allows state agencies to strategically position resources across the Panhandle and Big Bend regions ahead of the storm's arrival.

Florida law prohibits excessive price hikes on essential commodities during a declared state of emergency. These commodities can include food, water, gas, ice, lodging, and services such as tree removal and repairs. As a precautionary measure, members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami Fire Rescue Task Force Two have been deployed to the Florida Panhandle to offer assistance before, during, and after the hurricane. Residents in affected areas are actively preparing by stocking up on supplies and adhering to mandatory evacuation orders where issued.