United States of America Ex Rel. David P. Weinberger, and David P. Weinberger, Esq., Individually v. State of Florida

RANDALL, Circuit Judge:

This is an appeal from a district court order dismissing a qui tam action brought under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 231-35. The False Claims Act “prohibits false or fraudulent claims to government payment,” United States ex rel. Weinberger v. Equifax, 557 F.2d 456, 460 (5th Cir. 1977), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 1035, 98 S.Ct. 768, 54 L.Ed.2d 782 (1978); grants an informer standing to sue on behalf of the United States; and provides an award to the informer for the recovery of forfeitures and damages, see id. § 232(B) and (E)(2). Upon filing the qui tam action, the…