But now that the storm has passed, I am still concerned about something that happened in Florida after Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, August 28, for several counties in the hurricane's path.

But first note that according to Florida Statutes, Title XXXIII, "REGULATION OF TRADE, COMMERCE, INVESTMENTS, AND SOLICITATIONS," Chapter 501, "CONSUMER PROTECTION," Section 160, "Rental or sale of essential commodities during a declared state of emergency; prohibition against unconscionable prices":

(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Commodity" means any goods, services, materials, merchandise, supplies, equipment, resources, or other article of commerce, and includes, without limitation, food, water, ice, chemicals, petroleum products, and lumber necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency.