COVID-19 Resources to Stay Informed

COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives, work, and ability to see our loved ones. Right now, though we are apart, we have to come together to slow the spread and end this pandemic. To stay safe we must stay informed. There is a lot of information coming from a lot of sources, so my office has put together this page to make navigating these resources easier. By staying informed we can stay safe and build a stronger, safer Florida.


Tips to Stay Healthy and Slow the Spread

Protect yourself and slow the spread by following these tips:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  • Wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public.
  • If you feel sick, stay at home. Contact your medical provider.
  • If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
  • If you are an older person or have underlying health issues, stay home and away from other people.

Consumer Alerts and Protecting Yourself From Scams

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issues Consumer Alerts to inform the media and the public of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, trends in consumer complaints, or any other deceptive practices utilized to take advantage of Floridians. Consumer Alerts are designed to help prevent financial loss or other harm caused by scammers.

REPORT A SCAM

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also issuing alerts, to learn more visit their site.

The United States Postal Inspection Service is providing resources and tips on how to protect yourself from fraud generally and from mail scams. They are also maintaining tips on COVID-19 related scams specifically.

The National Association of Attorneys General is providing guidance, tips, and alerts about how to avoid scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. NAAG also provides a wide range of helpful consumer protection information to consumers.

The Better Business Bureau is providing numerous consumer-education resources on how to avoid scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers can also use the BBB's Scam Tracker to view reported scams and can research local businesses and scams at bbb.org.


Attorney General Moody's Price Gouging Hotline

Following Executive Order 20-52, Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline for all consumers in the state. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency in response to positive test results of 20 coronavirus-infected patients in Florida. The Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline can only be activated following a state of emergency declaration issued by the Governor and covers essential commodities outlined in Florida Statute, Section 501.160.

State law prohibits an unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities as a direct result of a declared state of emergency.

Commodities Covered Under the COVID-19 State of Emergency

A commodity is a good or service necessary for public consumption or use as a direct result of the particular facts and circumstances of the emergency. The commodity must be essential—meaning its consumption or use is critical to the maintenance of the public health, safety or welfare during the declared emergency.

At this time, essential commodities covered by Florida’s price gouging law under the COVID-19 state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis on March 9, include:

  • Protective masks used to protect you from others if you are sick
  • Sanitizing and disinfecting supplies, such as hand sanitizer, gel, wipes, cleaning supplies for surface cleaning, and all commercial cleaning supplies
  • All personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, booties, gloves and other protective gear
  • COVID-19 test kits, swabs and related consumable medical supplies used in administering tests
Three Ways to Report Price Gouging



REPORT NOW
 Price Gouging Hotline title= NO SCAM Mobile App

Recommended Resources to Stay Informed

It is important to stay vigilant and stay informed during this unique time. Below you’ll find a series of links to informational sources which will help you and your family stay up to date on the latest news, health tips and updates related to COVID-19.

Executive Orders from Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis

Florida Department of Health
Florida’s Department of Health has a COVID-19 Call Center which is available 24/7. It can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov

See the latest information on Florida’s Surveillance Dashboard from Florida’s Department of Health, including county specific numbers.

Find your County Health Department Location

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
In coordination with state and federal partners, resources are available to assist employers and individuals impacted by the state’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. DEO has highlighted COVID-19 resources for Floridians, Businesses and Communities.

The Department of Labor
The federal Department of Labor is providing COVID-19 workplace and employment resources for employees and employers.

Florida Department of Revenue
Florida Department of Revenue has issued important Tax information for individuals and small businesses related to COVID-19.

Internal Revenue Service
IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payment information can be found here.

Florida Department of Veteran Affairs
COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Florida’s Veterans and Active Duty Military can stay up to date on FDVA here.

Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), flu or cold should contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 (toll free) before coming to a VA facility.

For Veterans in crisis or those who are concerned, help is available at the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, and press 1, or text 838255, or chat www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Florida Department of Children and Families
Information relating to Florida Department of Children and Families are included here.

While we continue practicing social distancing, it is important to know these numbers and resources are available to the public:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB is providing consumers information about how to protect their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is providing Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration
The FDA is providing resources to consumers through its regularly updated Coronavirus Website and answers to many Frequently Asked Questions. The FDA also is offering recommendations on how to make a difference during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions for Floridians Facing Economic Hardship Because of COVID-19
Attorney General Moody's Office of Consumer Protection has put together answers to some frequently asked questions regarding mortgages and rentals during COVID-19.

CFPB, FHFA, & HUD Joint Mortgage and Housing Assistance Website
To ensure homeowners and renters have the most up to date and accurate housing assistance information during the COVID-19 national emergency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a mortgage and housing assistance website, cfpb.gov/housing.

The United States Government
The federal government has created a central COVID-19 response webpage with resources and actions from across the federal government in response to COVID-19. In addition, Benefits.gov provides further information about specific federal government coronavirus resources.

Stay up to date on the latest from the Center of Disease Control and the news from the White House.



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