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(Tallahassee, FL) - Florida is suing two textbook publishers for allegedly overcharging school districts millions of dollars for instructional materials.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is accusing McGraw Hill LLC and Savvas Learning Company LLC of violating state law and the Florida False Claims Act.
Governor Ron DeSantis says, "The state is on the prowl to recoup the money and to make the school districts whole again."
Florida law requires publishers to give every school district the best price offered anywhere in the nation.
“Our lawsuit exposes a textbook case of corporate greed—companies charging Florida schools more than the law allows, pocketing the difference, and sticking taxpayers with the bill,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida will not be a playground for deceitful profiteers who think they can cheat our students and teachers. We will make sure they pay back every dime and face the full consequences under the law.”
According to the State’s claims, "McGraw Hill and Savvas knowingly charged certain Florida school districts more than the lowest price they offered to other districts, and withheld cost reductions required by statute. The lawsuit contends that these violations resulted in substantial overpayments from Florida’s school districts and, ultimately, from Florida taxpayers."
DeSantis says the alleged violation was relayed to the state attorney's office by a whistleblower.
"The State of Florida intervened in the lawsuit after an investigation initiated under the Florida False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers, known as relators, to bring actions on behalf of the State against entities that knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims for payment. The complaint seeks treble damages and civil penalties to prevent future violations."