Florida False Claims Act Lawyers | Qui Tam Defense Attorneys

Federal Florida False Claims Act Lawyers and Qui Tam Defense Attorneys Defending Federal Charges in Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, and All Florida Locations.

Watson & Associates LLC Federal False Claims Act Defense  Attorneys for Florida Businesses ( Government Contractors, HealthCare Clients and Business CEOs)

2332 Galiano Street, 2^nd Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134

(call (305)-728-7024 or our toll-free number 1(866-601-5518) for immediate help. Speak to Theodore Watson

Facing allegations under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) is a serious matter, especially for healthcare providers, government contractors, and executives operating in Florida.

At Watson & Associates LLC, our seasoned Florida False Claims Act defense lawyers are committed to defending your rights, reputation, and livelihood. With extensive experience in federal FCA litigation, we serve clients across Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and beyond.

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Experienced Federal Defense for False Claims Act Allegations in Florida

If you or your company are facing allegations under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA) in Florida, you need an experienced False Claims Act defense attorney who understands the complexities of Qui Tam federal healthcare fraud and government contract fraud cases. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we focus on defending individuals and businesses against civil and criminal False Claims Act charges.

Responding to an OIG or DOJ civil investigative demand that alleges False Claims Act violations must be done cautiously because not responding can create additional problems that complicate matters. Failure to respond correctly can lead to criminal charges for failure to tell the truth (referred to as 1001’s), and possible violation of your self-incrimination rights. Were you raided with a search warrant – was it valid? Find out more.  

Have your constitutional rights been violated when federal investigators execute a search warrant? Call our federal constitutional lawyers at 1.866.601.5518.

Allegations under the FCA can lead to severe financial penalties, potential criminal prosecution, loss of professional licenses, and damage to your reputation. Our experienced Florida False Claims Act defense lawyers provide aggressive legal defense to healthcare providers, government contractors, and businesses facing whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuits and federal FCA investigations.

What is the Federal False Claims Act?

The False Claims Act (31 USC 3729 – 3733) is a federal law that prohibits individuals and companies from submitting fraudulent claims to the U.S. government. It applies to healthcare providers, defense contractors, government suppliers, and any business receiving federal funds.

Under the FCA, it is illegal to:

• Knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims for payment.
• Overcharge for goods or services paid by the government.
• Falsify documents or misrepresent compliance with federal contracts.
• Engage in Medicare or Medicaid fraud, PPP loan fraud, or federal grant fraud.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) aggressively prosecutes FCA violations, often in coordination with HHS-OIG, the FBI, and other federal agencies.

What Are Your Biggest Concerns?

If you’re facing federal FCA allegations, you’re likely confused and stressed  with questions like:

• Will I Face Civil or Criminal Charges? Federal FCA cases can lead to severe penalties, including treble damages, fines of up to $23,607 per violation, and even criminal charges if intent is proven.
• How Can I Protect My Reputation? Allegations of defrauding the federal government in Florida can damage trust with clients, employees, and partners.
• What Does the Government Need to Prove? The government must show that false claims were knowingly submitted, a challenging burden in many cases.
• How Will This Affect My Business? From contract terminations to financial penalties, FCA cases can threaten your company’s future.

What is a Qui Tam Lawsuit Under the False Claims Act?

A qui tam lawsuit is a whistleblower lawsuit brought by a private individual (called a relator) on behalf of the government.

• If successful, the whistleblower may receive up to 30% of the government’s recovery.
• Qui tam cases are filed under seal, meaning the defendant is not immediately notified.
• The government investigates the claims before deciding to intervene.

Whistleblowers are often former employees, competitors, or internal compliance officers. If your company is under investigation due to a qui tam claim, you must act quickly to build a strong defense.

Civil vs. Criminal False Claims Act Defense Cases

Not all False Claims Act violations result in criminal charges. However, depending on the severity and intent behind the alleged fraud, a case may be classified as either civil or criminal:

Civil False Claims Act Cases

• Handled in federal civil court.
• The burden of proof is lower (“preponderance of the evidence”).
• Can result in treble (triple) damages, hefty fines, and exclusion from federal programs.
• Often involves billing errors, improper documentation, or misunderstandings.

Criminal False Claims Act Cases

• Prosecuted under 18 USC 287 (false claims) and 18 USC 1347 (healthcare fraud).
• Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• This can lead to prison sentences, criminal fines, and permanent loss of business licenses.
• It usually involves intentional fraud, kickbacks, bribery, or conspiracy.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, we develop strategies to get civil cases dismissed and prevent them from turning into criminal prosecutions.

Constitutional Defense in Federal Fraud Cases – We Protect Your Rights

When the government investigates fraud allegations—whether in government contracts, healthcare billing, or procurement fraud—they often push legal boundaries to build their case. Many defense attorneys focus only on the criminal or regulatory aspects of these charges. However, constitutional violations are often the key to dismantling the prosecution’s case, and this is where our firm stands apart.

Federal agencies frequently obtain evidence through search warrants, subpoenas, and surveillance, but these methods are not always legally sound. If investigators exceed the scope of a warrant, seize protected business records, or conduct unlawful searches and seizures, they may have violated your Fourth Amendment rights. Evidence obtained improperly can often be challenged and suppressed, significantly weakening the case against you.

Unlike other firms that only understand the criminal and regulatory aspects of fraud cases, our team includes constitutional lawyers who analyze every detail of how evidence was gathered. We scrutinize whether the government relied on unlawful wiretaps, forced statements, or overbroad document seizures—critical mistakes that could lead to case dismissals or reduced charges.

If you are being investigated or charged with fraud, do not assume the government followed the law in building its case. A single constitutional violation could change the outcome of your case. Contact our firm today to discuss how we can protect your rights and your future. Speak to Theodore Watson. Call 1.866.601.5518.

Penalties for Federal False Claims Act Violations

Violations of the FCA carry severe financial and legal consequences, including:

• Treble (Triple) Damages – Defendants may be liable for three times the amount of fraudulently obtained funds.
• Civil Penalties – Up to $27,018 per false claim (adjusted annually for inflation).
• Criminal Penalties – Including fines, asset forfeiture, and up to 10 years in federal prison.
• Exclusion from Government Contracts – Businesses may be barred from participating in federal healthcare programs or government contracts.

How Do FCA Investigations Begin?

FCA cases often begin with whistleblower (qui tam) complaints, but other triggers include:

1. HHS-OIG Audits – If Medicare or Medicaid billing irregularities are detected.
2. DOJ Subpoenas – If the government suspects false claims in defense contracts.
3. Competitor Complaints – A business rival may report suspected fraud.
4. Internal Whistleblowers – Employees filing qui tam lawsuits for financial rewards.

Early legal intervention is critical once an FBI, DOJ, or HHS-OIG investigation begins.

How Watson & Associates LLC Defends Federal FCA Cases in Florida

At Watson & Associates LLC, we focus on mitigating risks and challenging allegations head-on. We tailor our defense strategies to the specifics of your case, emphasizing weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.

1. Challenging Intent

The federal False Claims Act requires prosecutors to prove that you knowingly submitted false claims or acted with reckless disregard. This high standard of intent is often difficult to establish. Our legal defense team meticulously examines the evidence to show the absence of intent to defraud, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.

2. Compliance as a Defense

Demonstrating a strong compliance program and adherence to federal regulations can significantly weaken the government’s case. We review your company’s policies and procedures to build a robust defense.

3. Negotiating Favorable Settlements

When appropriate, we negotiate with federal prosecutors to reduce potential penalties and avoid protracted litigation. Our goal as Florida False Claims Act defense attorneys is to secure outcomes that protect your business and minimize financial strain.

4. Vigorously Litigating in Court

If litigation is unavoidable, we are fully prepared to represent you in federal court. Our experienced Florida False Claims Act attorneys are skilled litigators with a proven track record in complex FCA cases.

Federal False Claims Act Florida Defense (Qui Tam) for Government Contract Fraud

31 USC 3729 – 3733 Federal False Claims Act Florida criminal defense lawyers and government contract fraud Florida: Small businesses and large defense contractors alike face extreme scrutiny when they provide construction or services to the federal government.

When you receive a False Claims Act civil investigative demand from the DOJ or OIG, or some other law enforcement agency, our Federal Florida False Claims Act defense lawyers can help.

How to defend against government contracts fraud FCA Florida? We work with your key personnel to investigate the case, assess what the government is really after, and analyze the facts surrounding the allegations. We understand procurement laws and have also worked on the government’s side.

We represent various types of government procurement clients, including:

• SBA 8(a) small. Businesses
• Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSB)
• SBA HUBZone Small businesses
• Prime Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Corporate CEOs
• Manufacturers
• Health Care Agencies
• Buy American Act (BAA compliance) fraud
• Trade Agreements Act False Claims defense
• Bid rigging
• False medical invoices and treatment
• FCA investigations

Florida HealthCare Fraud Defense Attorneys & Federal False Claims Act Criminal Defense Lawyers

When our Florida healthcare fraud defense attorneys represent providers in federal investigations. Our goal once retained is to immediately connect with prosecutors to see the issues presented and to see if you have a chance of making the case go away without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in criminal defense or going to trial.

When it comes to healthcare fraud False Claims Act cases in the Florida area, we form a team specifically to help you in your case and then we aggressively. push back.  The law firm’s FCA defense Lawyers works closely with you to assess legal defenses and weak and strong points in your case.

We put together a plan of action and share that with the CEOs and decision-makers. Our Florida-licensed False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers and our healthcare fraud defense attorneys aim to get the best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Florida False Claims Act Defense Lawyers – SBA PPP Loan Fraud Defense Attorneys?

When government contractors and businesses are investigated, indicted / charged in Florida with PPP False Claims Act fraud charges under the SBA loan program (loans must be over $200K) , our Florida PPP loan fraud criminal defense attorneys represent companies throughout Florida and various other states.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Federal FCA Cases

What is the burden of proof in a federal FCA case?

The government must prove that you knowingly submitted a false claim or acted with deliberate ignorance. This high standard is a key area we focus on in defense.

Can I be held liable if the government did not lose money?

Yes. Under the FCA, liability can exist even if the government incurred no financial loss, although damages may be reduced.

How can Watson & Associates LLC help with defending whistleblower lawsuits?

We defend businesses against qui tam lawsuits by challenging the whistleblower’s claims and demonstrating compliance with federal regulations.

Cities We Serve in Florida

Our federal Florida False Claims Act lawyers represent clients in major cities across Florida, including:

• Miami
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Orlando
• Fort Lauderdale
• St. Petersburg
• Hialeah
• Cape Coral

Common Federal FCA Allegations We Defend

Watson & Associates LLC represents clients across various industries, focusing on federal FCA cases involving:

1. Healthcare Fraud Defense
   • Medicare and Medicaid fraud, including allegations of overbilling, upcoding, or Anti-Kickback Statute violations in Florida .
2. Government Contract Fraud defense
   • False billing, defective pricing, and violations of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
3. Federal Procurement Fraud
   • Misrepresentations in government contract proposals, bid rigging, or failure to meet contract obligations.

We work to get your case dismissed or significantly reduce your liability.

Why Choose Watson & Associates for Your Defense?

• Former Government Lawyers – Insight into DOJ, HHS, and OIG investigations.
• Focused on Federal Cases – We defend businesses and individuals facing FCA claims nationwide.
• Aggressive Qui Tam Defense – We know how to fight whistleblower lawsuits effectively.
• Personalized Strategies – Every case is different, and we build tailored defense plans.

If you’re facing a False Claims Act investigation, don’t wait—speak with our legal team now.

If you are a federal contractor or healthcare facility or involved in a federal contract fraud or Qui Tam False Claims Act defense case, never Attempt to Navigate Criminal  Cases On Your Own.  Contact us immediately. Call 1.866.601.5518.

Theodore Watson, leading the False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud and  Government Contracts Defense Practice Group, brings a unique perspective. He understands the various nuances and adeptly handles legal issues in the U.S. government space.

For legal support in healthcare fraud defense and government contract fraud criminal defense, contact specifically lead counsel Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Florida.

Speak with a Florida False Claims Act Defense Attorney Today

If you or your company have been accused of violating the False Claims Act, it’s critical to act immediately. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we fight to protect your business, career, and reputation.

Call us today Toll Free at (866) 601-5518
2332 Galiano Street, 2^nd Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Call Watson’s 31 USC 3729 – 3733 Federal False Claims Act Florida lawyers and federal criminal defense attorneys at 1.866.601.5518 for a Free Initial Consultation. Speak to Theodore Watson, Lead defense lawyer.