Governor Ron DeSantis has announced legal action against textbook publishers McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning, alleging that they overcharged Florida school districts for instructional materials. Acting on the governor’s direction, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit claiming that these companies violated state law and deprived schools of valuable resources.
“Florida continues to lead in education because we stand up for schools, students, and taxpayers,” said Governor DeSantis. “Textbook publishers that exploit Florida school districts must be held accountable, and I commend Attorney General Uthmeier for bringing this action.”
According to the complaint, when textbook publishers apply to be included on Florida’s adopted textbook list, they are required to reduce prices automatically if reductions occur elsewhere in the United States. The lawsuit alleges that McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning did not comply with this requirement.
The state claims there have been at least 5,900 instances where these publishers overcharged school districts. One cited example involves an alleged overcharge of more than $279,000 to Osceola County School District. Another instance noted a textbook title sold at a discount to Miami-Dade County Public Schools but offered at higher prices in nine other districts; the total overcharge exceeded $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.”
State officials say that if successful, the lawsuit will ensure fair pricing for textbooks, result in millions being returned to schools and taxpayers, and provide 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.”
In recent years Florida has increased its efforts to improve classroom materials by investing $3 million in developing a new English Language Arts curriculum aligned with state standards and designed to avoid ideological bias.
