COVID-19 Information, Tips, Alerts, News and Resources
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.
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
