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Consumers Protected During Fay's Aftermath

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Aug 18, 2008 6:32 pm US/Eastern

Consumers Protected During Fay's Aftermath

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― South Florida residents have learned to tolerate storms like "Fay," but one thing that won't be tolerated is price gouging. And Governor Crist is looking to help consumers.

On Saturday, he declared a statewide emergency that automatically triggered one of the toughest consumer protection acts under Florida law.

Its aimed at keeping businesses from illegally raising prices on emergency supplies like food, fuel, rental equipment, even hotel and motel rooms. Violators can face fines of up to $25,000 per day for multiple violations.

According to the Attorney Generals' Office and the Florida Department of Consumer Services, by mid-day Monday there were already more than 3-dozen complaints filed statewide. Most complaints focused on gas stations raising prices as the storm approached.

Based upon Fay's projected path, oil rigs are not expected to be disturbed. Additionally, AAA does not believe Fay will trigger a spike in gas prices.

And there may be good news on the insurance front as well. The insurance industry does not expect the storm to cause much more than minimal losses.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and Florida insurance regulators are bringing in extra staff for the aftermath of the storm.

If you think you may be a victim of price gauging call 1-866-966-7226 or 1-800-435-7352.

Policyholders with any coverage problems can contact the Florida office of insurance regulation at 877- 693-5236, or the Citizens Property Insurance hotline at 866-411-2742.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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