Florida whistleblowers who report fraud against government programs are entitled to an award and protection under the Florida False Claims Act and the federal False Claims Act.

Whistleblowers are protected against workplace retaliation for reporting fraud against the government.  Retaliation may include reduction in pay, loss of promotion or employment, lost employment opportunities, and harassment.

Whistleblowers who have been retaliated against may be entitled to reinstatement of employment, twice the amount of lost back pay, special damages, and attorneys’ fees.

The Florida False Claims Act and the federal False Claims Act allow whistleblowers to file claims on behalf of the government.  These claims are referred to as “qui tam claims” and are filed under seal – meaning they’re filed in secret.

The government gets the chance to decide whether to intervene in these cases and take responsibility for prosecuting the claims.  If the government intervenes, the whistleblower may receive up to 25% of any recovery.

Whistleblowers must follow the specific requirements of the False Claims Act.  For example, a whistleblower must comply with the “Original Source Rule.”

The most common types of cases under the False Claims Acts are Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, Government Contracting Fraud, and Federal Grant Fraud.

If you are consider becoming a whistleblower, contact Miller Law Group for a free consultation, or call 919-348-4361.