Florida False Claims Act signed by Governor Crist
Florida is the newest state to put more bite into their State False Claims Act. The new bill - CS/SB 2312 - Florida False Claims Act [LPCC] was signed into law on June 28, 2007 by Governor Charlie Crist. The bill was introduced by Senator Steve Oelrich and received overwhelming support by the Judiciary Committee. The new law will also allow the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to recover triple damages in civil lawsuits against those who commit Medicaid fraud. "This new law will provide us with the tools necessary to strengthen our investigation and prosecution of individuals who are cheating the system", said Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Highlights from the new Florida False Claims ACT - S2312: The Florida False Claims Act is to prevent the state from paying false & fraudulent claims; redefines term "claim" to include claims filed electronically; provides that person is liable for civil penalty if he or she files false or fraudulent claim; reduces time limits for false claim proceedings; revises period in which stay to conduct discovery may be granted, etc. Amends 68.081-.085,.089.
Click Here to Read the new Florida False Claims Act.
The Whistleblower Law Blog is presented as a service of the Private Law Firm, LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A., Civil Justice Prosecutors. LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A. is a Plaintiff's firm that represents whistleblowers in Florida and throughout the nation in qui tam (False Claims Act) litigation.
