The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, issued a warning this Saturday to merchants, scammers, and looters following the passage of Hurricane Isaias through the northwest of the state: those who take advantage of the victims may face fines of up to $25,000 per day for price gouging, while certain theft offenses during the emergency can result in penalties of up to 30 years in prison.
In a message posted on his X account from the State Emergency Operations Center, Uthmeier stated that although the storm has passed, a new phase of response and recovery now begins.
"The storm has passed, and our work is just beginning," said the attorney general, who assured that state and local law enforcement are already deployed to protect public safety.
Uthmeier assured that there is “zero tolerance” for looting and warned that the authorities will prosecute these crimes with the full force of the law.
"We enforce the law to the fullest, and looters during hurricanes face up to 30 years behind bars," he stated.
Florida legislation includes aggravating factors for certain robberies committed within a county under a state of emergency.
Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the crime, penalties can increase, and first-degree felonies can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Moreover, state law also establishes specific rules for individuals arrested for theft during an emergency.
The attorney general also urged residents of the Florida Panhandle to remain vigilant against scammers who often try to take advantage of communities affected by natural disasters.
Another key warning was directed at businesses that unjustifiably raise the prices of essential goods during the state of emergency.
"The Florida law against price gouging is fully in effect: gasoline, water, generators, food, and more," Uthmeier reminded.
According to the explanation, businesses that excessively raise prices for the victims of the storm can face a fine of $1,000 for each violation and up to $25,000 in a single day.
Uthmeier reinforced the message directed at merchants: "We have already imposed hefty sanctions before, and we will do so again. Try it, and it will be the most costly mistake your business has ever made."
Uthmeier also recalled his personal connection to the affected area. "I grew up in Destin, so this storm hits close to home," he said, before noting that authorities' attention remains focused on the Panhandle and the efforts to help communities recover.
Residents who detect potential cases of speculation can file a complaint through the official portal of the Florida Attorney General, MyFloridaLegal.com.
The warning continues the measures activated prior to the arrival of the hurricane. On Wednesday, the Attorney General enabled a form to report abusive price increases after Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency due to the then tropical storm Isaias.
State legislation prohibits disproportionate increases in the prices of essential goods and services during an emergency. The protected products include food, water, ice, fuel, shelter, wood, and generators, as well as necessary services after a storm, such as tree removal, roof repair, and water damage mitigation.
Isaias made landfall near Destin around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, as a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. It then moved through the western Panhandle toward Alabama and weakened during the early hours of Saturday.
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