As Atlantic hurricane season reaches its most active stretch of the year, South Florida law enforcement agencies are preparing to enforce Florida's price gouging, looting, and emergency curfew laws the moment a storm threatens Broward County. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. is reminding residents and business owners how quickly a hurricane-related decision can turn into a criminal charge and why an experienced Broward County criminal defense lawyer matters if that happens.
Why Enforcement Intensifies During Storm Season
Mid-September through mid-October marks the peak of hurricane activity in the Atlantic, and Florida's Attorney General activates the state's price gouging hotline the moment a state of emergency is declared for any county, including Broward. Local police and the Broward County Sheriff's Office also increase patrols and impose curfews in evacuation zones after a storm passes, and violating those orders can lead to arrest even when someone believes they have a legitimate reason to be outside.
Florida's Price Gouging Statute Carries Real Criminal Exposure
Under Florida Statute § 501.160, it is unlawful to charge an “unconscionable price” for essential commodities including gas, water, food, ice, generators, lumber, and hotel rooms once a state of emergency is declared. Price gouging is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, and violations can carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with repeat or egregious conduct drawing scrutiny from both the Attorney General's Office and local prosecutors.
Looting Charges Escalate Quickly During a State of Emergency
Florida law treats burglary or theft committed during a declared state of emergency as an enhanced offense. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft that would otherwise be a misdemeanor or lower-degree felony can be reclassified one degree higher when committed during a riot or state of emergency, meaning a relatively minor theft can suddenly carry felony prison exposure. Curfew violations, though often minor on their own, are frequently the reason police stop someone in the first place and can lead to additional charges if officers find other evidence during that stop.
How Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Glassman Helps Clients Navigate Storm-Related Charges
Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman, founder of the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A., has been licensed to practice law since 2005 and has spent nearly two decades defending clients throughout South Florida — beginning his career as an assistant public defender in the Broward County Public Defender's Office. That background continues to shape how he defends clients facing hurricane-related charges in Broward County.
“Storms bring out the best in most people, but a handful of arrests happen every season because someone panicked, misunderstood a curfew, or didn't realize a price increase could be considered unconscionable under Florida law,” said Matthew Glassman. “People need a criminal defense attorney who understands the emergency order in place and how prosecutors use these enhancement statutes.”
Areas of Focus for Storm-Related Criminal Defense in Broward County, FL
Defending against price gouging complaints and Attorney General inquiries
Challenging enhanced looting and burglary charges tied to a state of emergency
Representing clients cited or arrested for curfew violations
Scrutinizing the legality of stops made during emergency patrols
Representing clients that have a Broward County arrest through their entire trial
What to Do If Charged with a Storm-Related Offense in Broward County, FL
Exercise the right to remain silent until speaking with counsel
Keep records of pricing, inventory, and any emergency order in effect at the time
Avoid discussing the case by phone, text, or social media
Contact a Broward County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible
Attend all scheduled court dates while the case is pending
About Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A.
Based at 600 SW 4th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. represents clients facing drug crimes, trafficking charges, DUI, domestic violence, weapons offenses, and other criminal matters throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties. The firm holds a 5.0-star rating on Google based on almost 300 client reviews and Matthew Glassman is rated Superb (10.0) by Avvo.
Anyone facing criminal charges in Broward or Palm Beach County, FL, is encouraged to contact the firm for a free consultation.