Florida Coronavirus Price Gouging Numbers Continue To Climb
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - Floridians have received nearly half a million dollars in refunds from businesses after allegations of inflated prices linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
RELATED:
Current Curfews In South Florida
South Florida Testing Locations
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
How To Make Your Own Face Mask
Tips To Protect Your Vehicle While It Sits Unused During Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
(©2020 CBS Local Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)