News

Actions

Thousands report price increases on gas, hotels, water and more as Matthew approaches Florida

Attorney General's staff working to respond
Posted at 6:27 PM, Oct 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-07 18:27:19-04

In Winter Haven, Kimbelry Hudson wants to know why the daily rate on her rental car more than doubled as evacuations got under way Wednesday.

In Tampa, Ray Thorn needed a flight out of Miami to bring his daughter home before Matthew hit. He said flights are usually anywhere from $95 to $135. As soon as it was announced the University of Miami was closing Thorn says he refreshed his screen and the ticket shot $895

Attorney General Pam Bondi told us on Friday she has staff working overtime to investigate the more than 2000 complaints of price gouging.  They deal with everything from the quadrupling of water to increased prices for hotel and gas. For those they are able to verify the businesses face a $1,000 to $25,000 fine.

Scott Stapleton in Winter Haven also called the AG's office to report gas stations jacking up prices from 20 to 50 cents per gallon over night.

It's illegal to jack up the price of any essential items like food, water gas once a state of emergency has been declared. But that hasn't stop some from trying to make a buck or a few hundred off those who live in Matthew's track.

If you see price gouging report to www.myfloridalegal.com.