Governor Ron DeSantis has announced legal action against textbook publishers McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning, alleging that the companies overcharged Florida school districts for instructional materials. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General James Uthmeier at the governor’s direction, claims these publishers violated state law and diverted resources from Florida schools.
“Florida continues to lead in education because we stand up for schools, students, and taxpayers,” Governor DeSantis said. “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 agree in writing to reduce prices automatically if reductions are made elsewhere in the United States. The lawsuit alleges that McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning failed to honor this agreement. There have been at least 5,900 instances of alleged overcharges cited in the complaint.
One example highlighted is an overcharge of more than $279,000 to Osceola County School District. Another case involved 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.”
The state’s legal action seeks fair pricing for textbooks, restitution for schools and taxpayers, and stronger protections for students.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas commented on broader curriculum reforms: “Florida districts, teachers and students deserve better than textbooks filled with ideological content sold at inflated costs. 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.”
The state recently invested $3 million in developing a new English Language Arts curriculum for elementary schools aligned with Florida’s State Academic Standards. This initiative aims to provide classroom materials free from ideological bias while supporting foundational learning objectives.
