Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against McGraw Hill LLC and Savvas Learning Company LLC, alleging that the two major textbook publishers overcharged Florida school districts for instructional materials in violation of state law and the Florida False Claims Act.
“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.”
The complaint was submitted in the Second Judicial Circuit Court. It claims that McGraw Hill and Savvas did not comply with state rules requiring publishers to give Florida school districts their lowest available price nationwide. The law also requires publishers to automatically provide any price reductions given elsewhere, as well as free materials if those are provided to other customers.
According to state officials, both companies knowingly charged some Florida school districts higher prices than those offered to other states or districts. The complaint further alleges that required cost reductions were withheld, leading to significant overpayments by school districts funded by taxpayers.
The action follows an investigation launched under the Florida False Claims Act. This act permits whistleblowers (relators) to file lawsuits on behalf of the state when entities are suspected of submitting false or fraudulent payment claims. The state is seeking triple damages along with civil penalties through this legal action in order to prevent future violations.
