False Claims Act Law in Florida
This page covers false claims act law as it applies in Florida — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what false claims act protects generally, see the national overview.
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Quick answer
The Florida False Claims Act lets the state government — and in some cases a private person — sue anyone who submits a false or fraudulent claim for state money. A private person who reports fraud this way is called a whistleblower, and may be entitled to share in any money the state recovers. A separate federal law covers fraud against the federal government. Deadlines can be as short as three years from when the government learned of the fraud, so consulting an attorney as soon as possible is important.
Laws that govern false claims act in Florida
Florida state law
- Florida False Claims Act§§ 68.081–68.092, Fla. Stat.
Florida's primary law against fraud on state government; authorizes both state agencies and private whistleblowers to sue those who submit false or fraudulent claims for state money, with civil penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 per violation plus up to three times actual damages.
- Florida Whistleblower Act§ 112.3187, Fla. Stat.
Protects employees and others from employer retaliation for reporting violations of law, including fraud against state agencies, and provides remedies including reinstatement and back pay.
Federal law
- Title 31 — Money and Finance
The U.S. Code title that houses these federal statutes.
- False Claims Act
Federal law that imposes liability on persons and companies who defraud governmental programs. Includes qui tam provisions permitting private parties to bring suit on behalf of …
Florida-specific deadlines for false claims act cases
Enter the date your problem happened to see which deadlines may already have passed. Not every deadline applies to every situation — this is a general estimate, not legal advice. Deadlines can be shorter, paused, or extended.
- Florida False Claims Act — deadline from date of violation: 6 years
A civil action under the Florida False Claims Act must be filed no more than 6 years after the date the violation was committed. An extended deadline under the discovery rule (see next entry) may apply, but no case may be filed more than 10 years after the violation.
§ 68.089(1)(a), Fla. Stat.
- Florida False Claims Act — extended discovery deadline: 3 years after the state knew or should have known (never more than 10 years from the violation)
If the state did not learn of the fraud until later, a lawsuit may still be filed within 3 years of when the Department of Legal Affairs knew or reasonably should have known the key facts — but never more than 10 years from the date of the violation. Whichever of the two periods (6-year or 3-year discovery) expires last controls.
§ 68.089(1)(b), Fla. Stat.
- Federal False Claims Act — deadline from date of violation: 6 years
A civil action under the federal False Claims Act must generally be filed within 6 years of the violation. An extended deadline applies if the responsible federal official did not learn of the fraud until later, up to a maximum of 10 years from the date of the violation.
31 U.S.C. § 3731(b)(1)
- Federal False Claims Act — extended discovery deadline: 3 years after the responsible federal official knew or should have known (never more than 10 years from the violation)
Under the federal discovery rule, a lawsuit may be filed up to 3 years after the date when the federal official charged with responsibility to act on the fraud knew or reasonably should have known the material facts — but no more than 10 years from the date of the violation.
31 U.S.C. § 3731(b)(2)
- Florida False Claims Act — retaliation (whistleblower) claim deadline: 180 days
If you are fired, demoted, or otherwise punished for reporting fraud under the Florida False Claims Act, you generally have 180 days from the retaliatory act to file a claim. Remedies can include reinstatement, restored seniority, lost wages, and attorney's fees.
§ 112.3187, Fla. Stat. (referenced by § 68.088, Fla. Stat.)
- Federal False Claims Act — retaliation (whistleblower) claim deadline: 3 years
Employees, contractors, and agents who face retaliation for participating in a federal False Claims Act case have three years from the date of the retaliatory act to file a retaliation claim. Remedies include reinstatement, two times the amount of back pay with interest, and attorney's fees.
31 U.S.C. § 3730(h)
These deadlines are general estimates. They can be shorter than they appear, and can be paused (“tolled”) or extended in specific situations. This is not legal advice. If any deadline is near or has passed, talk to a lawyer right away.
Where to go & how to get help
Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for false claims act in Florida.
Investigates and prosecutes criminal and civil healthcare fraud against Florida Medicaid; accepts statewide fraud reports by phone at 1-866-966-7226 and maintains regional offices across Florida.
Enforces the federal False Claims Act and reviews qui tam complaints filed in federal court; handles cases involving fraud against any federal agency or federally funded program.
Enforces the federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§3729–3733); reviews qui tam complaints filed in federal court and decides whether the federal government will intervene and pursue the case.
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.
How to take action in Florida
- 1
Document everything you know about the fraud
Write down specific dates, dollar amounts, names, and how the false claim was submitted to the government. Collect any documents, emails, invoices, or records that show what happened.
- 2
Report Medicaid or healthcare fraud to the Florida Attorney General
If the fraud involves Florida's Medicaid program, call the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll-free at 1-866-966-7226. This unit investigates criminal and civil fraud by healthcare providers who improperly bill Florida Medicaid.
- 3
Consult a qui tam attorney before filing any lawsuit
A qui tam lawsuit under the Florida False Claims Act must be filed by a private attorney, in a specific court, and served on state officials — failing any of these steps can harm your case. An attorney familiar with this area can evaluate whether your situation qualifies.
- 4
File the qui tam complaint under seal in Leon County
The lawsuit must be filed in the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County, labeled as a qui tam action on its face, and copies must be sent by registered mail to both the Attorney General and the Chief Financial Officer. The complaint stays sealed from the public while the state investigates.
- 5
Allow the state time to decide whether to join the case
The Department of Legal Affairs has at least 60 days to review the complaint and evidence and decide whether to take over the case. If the state joins, it leads; if it declines, you may continue the lawsuit on your own and would keep a larger share of any recovery.
- 6
Document any workplace retaliation immediately
Florida and federal law protect employees from being fired, demoted, or harassed for reporting fraud, but deadlines to file a retaliation claim can be as short as 180 days from the retaliatory act — so keep a detailed record of any adverse employment actions.
A general roadmap, not legal advice — the right steps depend on your situation and deadlines.
Common questions about false claims act in Florida
What kinds of fraud does the Florida False Claims Act cover?
The Florida False Claims Act covers any false or fraudulent claim for money from the State of Florida or its agencies — not just Medicaid. Common examples include healthcare providers billing Medicaid for services never given, contractors billing for work not performed, and companies misrepresenting goods delivered under state contracts. The law also covers attempts to hide money owed to the state.
What is a qui tam lawsuit and who can file one?
A qui tam lawsuit is a case that a private person files on behalf of the government against someone who cheated the government. In Florida, any person with actual knowledge of fraud against the state may file this type of case. The complaint must be filed through an attorney, in Leon County Circuit Court, and served on the Attorney General and Chief Financial Officer. The case stays secret while the state investigates.
How much money could a whistleblower receive?
Under the Florida False Claims Act, if the state joins the lawsuit, the whistleblower may receive between 15 and 25 percent of the money recovered, depending on how much they contributed to the case. If the state declines to join and the whistleblower proceeds alone, the share rises to between 25 and 30 percent. The defendant must also pay the whistleblower's reasonable attorney's fees and costs on top of that percentage.
What happens after I file a qui tam complaint?
Your complaint is filed under seal, meaning it is not public, while the state reviews the evidence. The Department of Legal Affairs has at least 60 days to investigate and decide whether to take over the case. If the state joins, it leads the litigation and you receive a smaller share. If the state declines, you may continue on your own and receive a larger share of any recovery.
Does the Florida False Claims Act apply only to Medicaid fraud?
No. The Florida False Claims Act applies to any false claim for state funds, not just Medicaid. Healthcare and Medicaid fraud are among the most commonly prosecuted types because of how large the Medicaid program is, but the law equally covers fraud in state contracts, grants, and any other payment from a Florida state agency.
What if my employer fires or punishes me for reporting fraud?
Both Florida law and federal law protect employees, contractors, and others from retaliation for reporting government fraud. Under Florida law, you generally have 180 days from the retaliatory act to file a claim, and remedies can include reinstatement and back pay. Under federal law, you have three years. Keep careful records of any adverse actions, because these deadlines are strict.
Is there a difference between the Florida False Claims Act and the federal False Claims Act?
Yes. The Florida False Claims Act (sections 68.081–68.092, Florida Statutes) covers fraud against the State of Florida and its agencies. The federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. sections 3729–3733) covers fraud against the federal government. If a healthcare provider fraudulently bills both Florida Medicaid and federal Medicare, both laws may apply, and both the state and federal governments can investigate. An attorney can help you understand which law — or both — applies to your situation.
Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.