Anatomy of a Price Gouging Case

Severe and sustained drought conditions in Florida have sparked large wildfires across the state. With thousands of acres that have already burned, and more than 100 active wildfires, Florida Governor Rick Scott recently signed Executive Order 17-120 declaring a state of emergency. And, a new hurricane season begins in just a few weeks. With these crises, businesses may find themselves facing claims of price gouging – charging a price that is higher than normal or fair, typically in times of natural disaster or crisis. Criminal and civil trial lawyer Ed Page defines what price gouging is, and how businesses can protect themselves from consumer complaints and the unwanted publicity that accompanies them.