Florida's Attorney General is investigating at least 160 cases of price gouging as the state reels from two hurricanes.
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Alan Rubin, cohead of the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Team at the Blank Rome law firm told Newsweek that companies cannot suddenly increase prices for roof repair or debris removal after a hurricane.
"There is a standard rate for most of the services that need to be rendered, for example, debris removal, roof repair, and other standard cleanup services that are provided by either private or state contractors," he said.
"Price gouging is a particularly egregious activity that state and local municipalities view as being unacceptable and will be treated as such," he said.
Blank Rome has had a severe weather team in place for several decades.
Rubin said attorneys general in every state where there is a natural disaster "immediately issue a statement that indicates any price gouging or any attempt to charge more than the going rates prior to the storm will be considered an attempt to price gouge, and that is illegal in any of the states that have been affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton."
"Additionally, prior to impending natural disasters, all gubernatorial offices must ensure that no services being rendered are considered over the normal rates," he added.
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"Florida Investigating 160 Allegations of Price Gouging amid Milton Wreckage," by Sean O'Driscoll was published in Newsweek on October 11, 2024.
