Be alert for price gougers Sun-Sentinel
Soon after the winds die down, people often show up looking to make quick money off a hurricane. Be on the lookout for profiteers and price gougers.
Under state law, price gouging is defined as a "gross disparity" between the price of an item or service 30 days before a disaster and the price being charged after a state of emergency is declared. It applies to rent or sale of lumber, generators, water or other essential goods; or to services.
Incidents are prosecuted in civil court, and carry fines of $1,000 per incident up to a total of $25,000 for multiple incidents in a 24-hour period.
Price gouging done by a service provider not carrying an occupational license is a second-degree misdemeanor criminal offense.
Be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced on your doorstep after the storm, offering to patch your roof or sell you a generator. The roofer may disappear after you pay a deposit. Or the generator may be stolen.
Don't hire unlicensed roofers or contractors, or fly-by-night tree trimmers. Check with your municipal and county licensing divisions to make sure companies are licensed. In Broward County , call the Central Examining Board at 954-765-4400, option 2. In Palm Beach County , call the Contractor's Certification Division at 561-233-5530.
