Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state of Florida is taking legal action against two major textbook publishers, McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General James Uthmeier, alleges that these companies overcharged school districts for instructional materials in violation of state law.
“Florida continues to lead in education because we stand up for schools, students, and taxpayers,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Textbook publishers that exploit Florida school districts must be held accountable, and I commend Attorney General Uthmeier for bringing this action.”
Under Florida law, textbook publishers who are approved to sell materials to public schools must reduce their prices in the state if they offer lower prices elsewhere in the country. According to the complaint from the Attorney General’s office, McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning failed to comply with this requirement. The lawsuit claims there were at least 5,900 instances where these companies overcharged Florida school districts.
Specific examples cited include an alleged overcharge of more than $279,000 to Osceola County School District and a situation where one textbook title was sold at a discount to Miami-Dade County Public Schools but offered at higher prices in nine other districts, resulting in aggregate overcharges exceeding $250,000.
“Our lawsuit exposes a textbook case of corporate greed—companies charging Florida schools more than 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 legal action aims to ensure fair pricing for textbooks in Florida’s public schools. State officials say any funds recovered through this process will be returned to schools and taxpayers. They also emphasize that it will result in stronger protections for students.
“Florida districts, teachers and students deserve better than textbooks filled with ideological content sold at inflated costs,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “That’s why we’re building an English language arts curriculum developed in Florida, for Florida’s students with a focus on lower costs, foundational learning, academic integrity, and factual content.”
Florida recently invested $3 million into developing a new English Language Arts curriculum specifically designed for elementary schools across the state. This curriculum is aligned with Florida’s State Academic Standards and aims to avoid ideological bias while focusing on foundational skills.
The actions taken by state leaders reflect ongoing efforts by Governor DeSantis’ administration to hold educational institutions and related businesses accountable for practices deemed contrary to student interests or taxpayer value.
