Now that Florida is under a state of emergency due to the dry conditions and wildfire threat…officials are asking residents to be vigilant when it comes to price gouging.

Florida Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is asking anyone to come forward if they think they see price gouging occurring. Under Florida law it is unlawful to charge exorbitant prices for essential items such as; shelter, gas or water during a declared state of emergency. Commission spokesman Terence McElroy says they examine every complaint about price gouging very seriously.

“We’ll take those complaints, we’ll look into them. Those that have merits will be assigned to an investigator. We’ll actually send someone out into the field if necessary to follow up on it. Anybody who is caught violating the price gouging law here in Florida is dealt with pretty harshly.”

McElroy says anyone who thinks they see price gouging going on should call 1-800-HELP-FLA. He adds those convicted could face fines up to a thousand dollars per incident.