This week, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody showcased the efforts of her Consumer Protection Division as it continues to fight price gouging and hoarding during the coronavirus pandemic.
Looking to cut down on price gouging, Moody asked more Florida retailers to limit sales of essential commodities and scarce products.
This week, Moody spoke on a conference call spoke with members of the Florida Retail Federation, thanking retailers who are looking to cut down on hoarding and urging more of them to join the effort.
“We are aggressively fighting price gouging and asking Florida retailers to help us in this battle. One way we prevent outrageous price increases is by preventing the purchase of excessive amounts of essential commodities, which can temporarily clear retail shelves and provide unscrupulous individuals with the opportunity to sell for astronomical prices the large quantities of high-demand products they may be allowed to purchase,” Moody said.
“I am grateful that many Florida retailers have already put per customer limits in place, but as the state remains under a stay-at-home order, we need everyone to join us in the fight so Floridians can access essential commodities they need to stay healthy during this pandemic. Consumers also play an important role in this effort. Please think about your fellow Floridians and be mindful that your community neighbors will also need these products. We must work together to get through these challenging times,” Moody added.
Some of the retailers told Moody that the “supply chain remains strong and sufficient” while “scarce items are being quickly restocked in retail stores.” Still Moody and retailers called on consumers “not hoard by only purchasing reasonable amounts of supplies so that retail shelves can stay consistently stocked.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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