Fla. activates price gouging hotline

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The state has activated a price gouging hotline ahead of Isaac.

Attorney General Pam Bondi urged residents Saturday to report any suspected price gouging. A statement from Bondi's office says residents and visitors will be protected "from unscrupulous individuals who attempt to prey on consumers."

Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency earlier Saturday.

The price gouging hotline number is 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

Violators face a $1,000 penalty per violation and up to $25,000 for multiple violations committed in one day. Violators can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.