The State of Florida is suing Trinity Health Care Services, a company formerly led by U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), to recover $5.7 million in overpayments allegedly made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lawsuit claims Trinity failed to return substantial funds inadvertently sent by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
According to USA Today, the overpayments began in 2021 when the FDEM mistakenly transferred $5,057,850.00—far exceeding the $50,578.50 owed under a contract for COVID-19 vaccine registration services. Additional overpayments reportedly followed, culminating in the state’s demand for repayment and legal action.
In a letter to Trinity dated June 13, 2024, FDEM Deputy Executive Director Stephanie Houp emphasized the company’s responsibility to return funds received in error.
The lawsuit seeks damages, interest, attorney fees, and other costs.
At the time of the overpayments, Cherfilus-McCormick served as Trinity’s CEO. She stepped into national politics in 2022, winning a special election to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District and subsequently securing two full terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This legal dispute is among the recent scrutiny for Cherfilus-McCormick, who has previously faced an unrelated ethics complaint in the House. The USA Today report also noted that during her campaign, Cherfilus-McCormick loaned herself $6.2 million to fund her run for Congress, raising questions about her financial dealings.
The State of Florida argues that as a state contractor, Trinity was obligated to return any overpayments for work not performed.
