Summary of the Law: What Is Prohibited & Penalties Statute

Alabama Charging "unconscionable" prices for commodities or rental facilities during a declared state of emergency.

Civil penalty of $1,000 per incident. *The governor of Alabama declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19 § 8-31-1, et seq.

Alaska n/a. *You can file a Consumer Complaint

Arizona n/a.

Arkansas Selling commodities, household essentials, fuel, etc. after a declared state of emergency for more than 10% over the cost of these items immediately preceding the declaration.

Class A misdemeanor (up to $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail per violation). * The governor has declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency prohibits unjustified increases in the price of essential consumer goods and services § 4-88-301, et seq.

California Selling commodities, household essentials, fuel, etc. after a declared state of emergency for more than 10% over the cost of these items immediately preceding the declaration.

Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 yr. in jail and/or up-to a $10,000 fine; civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation (plus injunction and restitution). *The Attorney General, in response to COVID-19, issued a price gouging alert, declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order. The governor also declared a state of emergency prohibiting an unjustified and excessive increase of more than 10% of necessary goods and services. PEN § 396

Colorado n/a

Connecticut Selling commodities, household essentials, fuel, etc. after a declared state of emergency for more than acceptable market prices (as determined by the state).

Penalties range from $99 - $1,000 and/or up-to one year in jail per offense. *A public health and civil preparedness emergency was recently declared to help slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. It states that no person can sell any product in short supply (as designated by the governor) at a price that exceeds the normal, course of business, sale price. § 42-230, et seq.

Delaware n/a *Delaware has declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency prohibits increasing the price of goods by more than 10%.

District of Columbia Selling commodities, household essentials, fuel, etc. after a declared state of emergency for more than 10% over the price at which similar services/products were sold during the 90-day period preceding the emergency.

Civil infraction, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and license/permit revocation/suspension (where applicable). *The mayor has declared a public emergency, which automatically brings § 28-4101 into effect regarding price gouging. It prohibits price increases of more than 10%. § 28-4101 - 4103

Florida Selling commodities, household essentials, rentals, fuel, etc. after a declared state of emergency at "unconscionable" prices("grossly exceeding" average prices in the 30-day period preceding the emergency).

2nd-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and/or up-to 60 days in jail for a first offense; $25,000 for multiple violations within a 24-hour period. *The governor declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, activating § 501.160. The price gouging hotline has also been activated. § 501.160

Georgia Selling items or services determined by the Governor during a declared state of emergency to be necessary for public safety at a higher cost than they were immediately prior to the declaration.

Charged as a deceptive or unfair trade practice (and investigated by the AG as such); an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation if "disaster-related." *Georgia declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which activated the provisions listed above. § 10-1-393.4, et seq.; § 10-1-438

Hawaii "Any increase in the selling price of any commodity" after the Governor declares a state of emergency; also, landlords may not terminate tenancy for residential dwellings in an area subject to severe weather warning or emergency declaration

Charged as an unfair or deceptive trade act, subject to fines between $500 and $10,000 per violation *The governor has issued a state of emergency prohibiting any increase in the selling price of any commodity during the time the state of emergency is in force. § 127A-30; § 480-2

Idaho Selling "fuel or food, pharmaceuticals, or water for human consumption at an exorbitant or excessive price" (based on a comparison of prices immediately before and after the declaration) during a declared state of emergency

Charged as an unfair trade practice; subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, recovery of actual damages suffered by the consumer(s), and/or an order for specific performance *Idaho declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19, which activates the above provisions. § 48-603

Illinois "During any market emergency, for any petroleum-related business to sell or offer to sell any petroleum product for an amount that represents an unconscionably high price" (defined as a "gross disparity" between the prices immediately before and after the emergency)

Charged as an unfair business practice; subject to injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation *Illinois has declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. *House Bill 2882 is pending. It provides that a "manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor shall not engage in price gouging in the sale of an essential off-patent or generic drug." 815 ILCS 505/2; Illinois Administrative Code: 465.10, et seq.

Indiana Price-gouging on fuel sales during (and 24 hours before) a declared state of emergency; defined as charging a price that "grossly exceeds" the average price of fuel in the immediate area during the 7 days immediately preceding the declaration

Attorney General may investigate complaints, seek appropriate injunctive relief, seek restitution for victims, and collect a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation *Indiana has declared a public health emergency in response to COVID-19. § 4-6-9.1-1, et seq.

Iowa Charging "an excessive price for merchandise to be provided to persons within an area declared to be a disaster area during the period of any declaration of emergency and for the subsequent recovery period."

Charged as an unfair business practice; up to $40,000 per violation (an additional $5,000 if victims were elderly), injunctive relief, and restitution. *Iowa declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic activating 61-31.1 (714) of the Administrative Code. § 714.16; Iowa Administrative Code (IAC): 61-31.1 (714)

Kansas For any supplier of a "necessary property or service" to "profiteer from a disaster" by charging 25% or more than the pre-disaster price for such goods/services.

Charged as an unconscionable business act or practice; punishable by up to $10,000 per violation (an additional $10,000 if victims were elderly), injunctive relief, and restitution. *Kansas declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 pandemic, prohibiting any supplier from "profiteering from a disaster" § 50-6,106

Kentucky Selling or renting goods or services (food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, heating oil, housing, gasoline, etc.) "for a price which is grossly in excess of the price prior to the declaration and unrelated to any increased cost to the seller."

Punishable by a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for the first violation and up to $10,000 for each additional violation. *Kentucky governor declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. § 367.372, et seq.

Louisiana Selling goods/services during a declared state of emergency (within the designated emergency area) in excess of the ordinary price range immediately before the declaration.

Attorney General may bring an action to enjoin (cease) the offending act; subject to civil action (including payment of attorney fees) and criminal penalties (up to 5 yrs. hard labor for damage exceeding $5,000, up to 10 yrs. for violations resulting in death). *The governer has issued a public health emergency, activating the provisions stated above. Tit. 29, § 732, et seq.

Maine Selling or offering for sale "necessities at an unconscionable price" when there is an abnormal market disruption (typically a declaration by the Governor).

Charged as an unfair act (civil violation); civil fine of up $10,000; criminal penalties of up to $1,000 and/or up to 3 yrs. in prison. *The governor of Maine has declared a state of emergency to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Title 10, § 1105; § 207

Maryland n/a *House Bill 1663 has been introduced prohibiting sellers from engaging in any unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices.

Massachusetts Selling "any petroleum product" at an unconscionably high price "during any market emergency" (as declared by the Governor).

A civil penalty of $5,000 per violation. *The governor has declared a state of emergency to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bill S.712 has also been introduced aiming to "promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices". Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR): 940 CMR 3.18

Michigan "Charging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold" -- regardless of whether there is a declared emergency.

Civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation.

that focuses on enhanced restrictions on price gouging

* The governor Michigan passed an executive order § 445.903

Minnesota n/a *The governor signed an executive order to address price gouging amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The order prohibits "selling, offering to sell, or causing to sell in the state any essential consumer goods or services for an amount that represents an unconscionably excessive price."

Mississippi Selling goods and services at above the prices normally charged during a declared state of emergency (or what was charged immediately preceding the declaration).

Civil penalty of up $10,000 per violation, plus legal costs; criminal penalties ranging from a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail) to a felony (1 to 5 yrs. in prison and/or fine of up to $5,000). *Mississippi has declared a state of emergency over COVID-19. §75-24-25

Missouri Charging within a disaster area an excessive price for any necessity (or that which the seller has reason to believe will likely be provided to consumers within a disaster area).

$1,000 civil penalty per violation, injunctive relief, restitution; may be charged as a Class D felony (1-7 yrs. in prison and up to $10,000 fine). § 407.020; Missouri Code of State Regulations (CSR): 15 CSR 60-8.030

Montana n/a

Nebraska n/a

Nevada n/a *You can file a complaint of price gouging online or through calling the Attorney General Office at 775-684-1100.

New Hampshire n/a *Bill NH SB688, which addresses price gouging of generic prescription drugs, has been introduced.

New Jersey During a declared emergency, selling goods and services at a price that is at least 10% higher than it was immediately preceding the declaration.

Civil penalty of up to $10,000 for first violation, up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation, *New Jersey has declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19, activating the provisions above. 56 § 8-107, et seq.

New Mexico It is illegal to misrepresent the price of goods or take advantage of consumers to a grossly unfair degree. *The Attorney General has issued a consumer advisory warning regarding price gouging following the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that price gouging is unconscionable and any price gouging resulting in illegal profit will be prosecuted.

New York Selling "goods and services vital and necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers" at an "unconscionably excessive price" (as determined by the court) when there is an abnormal disruption of the market.

Up to $25,000 civil penalty per violation, restitution. *New York has declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. GBS § 396-r

North Carolina Selling or renting goods and services "used to preserve, protect, or sustain life, health, safety..." at unreasonably excessive prices after an emergency declaration or abnormal market disruption.

Civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. *The governor of North Carolina has declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19. § 75-38

North Dakota n/a

Ohio 1345.03 Unconscionable consumer sales acts or practices prohibit suppliers from committing unconscionable acts or practices in connection with a consumer transaction *Due to COVID-19, Ohio declared a state of emergency, informing people who have been subjected to price gouging to contact the office of the Ohio Attorney General.

Oklahoma Selling, renting, or leasing goods, services, dwelling units, or storage space after the declaration of an emergency at a price of more than 10% above the rate charged before the declaration.

Charged as a violation of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, punishable by up to $10,000 per claim; may also be charged as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 yr. in jail) or felony (up to $5,000 fine and/or up to 10 yrs. in prison). *The Oklahoma governor issued a state of emergency as a response to COVID-19 pandemic, activating the above provisions. 15 OK St. §§ 777.1, et seq. (download title 15 and scroll to page 169)

Oregon Selling essential consumer goods or services after the declaration of an emergency at a price of more than 15% above the rate charged before the declaration.

Considered an unlawful trade practice, subject to injunctive relief and private civil action by individuals for damages. *A state of emergency is declared in the state of Oregon due to the COVID-19 pandemic. § 401.960, et seq.

Pennsylvania Selling consumer goods or services in a geographic region subject to a declared emergency at an "unconscionably excessive price" (at least 20% higher than the normal price range immediately prior to the declaration).

Violations subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each act, in addition to injunctive relief and restitution. *The governor has issued a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Title 73 § 232.1, et seq.

Puerto Rico (U.S. territory) n/a

Rhode Island Selling "essential commodities" (i.e. heating fuel, motor fuels, food, water, ice, lumber, etc.) after the declaration of an emergency at an "unconscionably high price."

Violations subject to civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation (and up to $25,000 in total penalties for violations within any 24-hour period). *Rhode Island declared a state of emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. § 6-13-21

South Carolina After an emergency is declared, renting or selling a commodity at an unconscionable price or imposing unconscionable prices for the rental or lease of a dwelling unit, including a motel or hotel unit, or other temporary lodgings, or self-storage facility.

Subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (up to $15,000 per violation if an injunction has been issued); may be charged as a misdemeanor (fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail). *The state has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic. § 39-5-145

South Dakota n/a

Tennessee Upon the declaration of a state emergency, charging "grossly excessive" prices for food, construction services, emergency supplies, or other vital goods or services.

Subject to civil penalty of between $1,000 and $3,000 per violation. *The governor issued an executive order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order addresses price-gouging protections on medical and emergency supplies. § 47-18-5101, et seq.

Texas After a declared emergency, "selling or leasing fuel, food, medicine, or another necessity at an exorbitant or excessive price."

Subject to civil penalty of up to $20,000 per violation (up to $250,000 if the victim was over 65 yrs. old) and injunctive relief. *The governor declared a state of disaster due to COVID-19. § 17.46(b)(27)

Utah After a declared emergency, charging an "excessive price" for consumer goods and services (10% higher than normal, or 30% higher for goods and services that were not provided immediately before the declaration).

provided immediately before the declaration). Punishable by the issuance of a cease and desist order and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day. *The governor declared a state of emergency in preparation for COVID-19. § 13-41-201, et seq.

Vermont After a declared "market emergency," charging "unconscionably high" prices for petroleum or heating fuel-related products or services.

Aggrieved parties have the private right of action under the Consumer Protection Act to sue the offending party. § 2461d

Virginia During a time of disaster, selling, leasing, or licensing "any necessary goods and services at an unconscionable price."

Punishable by a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation (up to $5,000 if in violation of an injunction). * The governor has issued a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. There is also a price-gouging complaint form available. § 59.1-525, et seq.

Washington n/a *Senate Bill 6699 has been introduced prohibiting price gouging at the time of disaster.

West Virginia After a declared state of emergency, selling consumer food items, medical supplies, heating oil, building supplies, etc. at more than 10% of the average cost of those items prior to the declaration.

Charged as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 1 yr. in jail). *West Virginia declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19. § 46A-6J-1, et seq.

Wisconsin Selling, or offering to sell, in this state at wholesale or at retail, consumer goods or services at unreasonably excessive prices after an emergency declaration (15% higher than the average price immediately prior to the declaration)

Civil penalty of up to $10,000 and/or permanent injunction against the seller's actions. *Wisconson had declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. § 100.305; Wisc. Administrative Code: ATCP 106.01, et seq.