DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL — NAACP Tallahassee has filed a lawsuit against the City of Tallahassee over the recent sale of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, attorney Jack McLean confirmed to ABC 27 Friday morning.
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Per McLean, the lawsuit was filed Thursday night with the Leon County Clerk of Courts.
The 60-page lawsuit, obtained by ABC 27, includes allegations that the city failed to comply with a part of Florida law requiring 50% of net proceeds from the sale of a municipal hospital to go toward indigent care.
The lawsuit also alleges that because no new lease has been signed between FSU and TMH, TMH may be operating without a valid license.
McLean said they are suing on the grounds of Section 155-40. They're arguing the City did not follow the proper procedures to sell the hospital, adding that the City did not include protections for the underinsured and uninsured.
NAACP Tallahassee released a statement regarding the lawsuit. They say it's based on two concerns: the transfer of a publicly owned hospital asset at a valuation the NAACP says does not reflect its full worth, and the lack of clear, enforceable commitments to protections for those with an inability to pay.
The organization also raised concerns about the city's broader fiscal decision-making, pointing to a recent vote to implement a voluntary separation program for city employees as a signal of challenges in the management of public funds.
The NAACP said the lawsuit is not about opposing progress or efforts to strengthen healthcare in the region, but that progress must be grounded in transparency, fairness, and clear commitments to the public.
The organization says,
"This lawsuit is not just about the NAACP. It is about the people of Tallahassee and Leon County. This hospital is a public asset, built and sustained over generations with the understanding that it would serve the entire community—including those who cannot afford care. What is decided now will shape access to healthcare, public accountability, and the use of public resources for years to come."
ABC 27 has reached out to the City of Tallahassee for comment on the lawsuit.
Florida State University reached out to ABC 27 regarding charity care. They said per a "binding" agreement signed by FSU and City staff earlier this month charity care of TMH will be sustained. The policy reads in part:
"FSU will ensure that the charity care policy is continuously maintained as a component of the hospital use in a manner consistent with or more generous than the indigent care requirements set forth in the city-tmh lease agreement."
The lawsuit comes as the City recently approved the transfer of the hospital from the City to Florida State University in a 3-2 vote. The day before the vote, the NAACP did warn a lawsuit could be on the horizon. Back in March, President of NAACP Tallahassee, Marlon Williams-Clark said "This hospital has served insured, underinsured, and underinsured residents for decades, and transition must protect indigent care, ensure access, and clearly define accountability structures."
Florida State did send over a document, signed by city and Florida State leaders earlier this month, that reads in part: "FSU will ensure that the charity care policy is continuously maintained as a component of the hospital use in a manner consistent with or more generous than the indigent care requirements set forth in the City-TMH lease agreement."
Florida State also confirmed that agreements have not yet been signed between TMH and Florida State over the terms of their new lease.
To read the full lawsuit, click here.
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