With the start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season today, Attorney General Pam Bondi advised Floridians to make plans for families and businesses, and be forewarned during any declared state of emergency to guard against price-gouging.

“We’ve already seen two tropical storms in advance of hurricane season, and I encourage Floridians to be prepared before a storm hits,” Bondi stated in the release.

Price-gouging is against the law, and consumers should be wary of businesses that overcharge for food, water, ice, gas, lodging and generators and for necessary materials needed once a state of emergency has been declared by the governor.

Any consumers who suspect price-gouging can report it to the attorney general’s office by calling 1-866-966-7226.

For information, visit: http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/81bf89afaf04dbeb85256cc6006ff6bf