TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has negotiated a settlement with Office Depot, Inc. regarding allegations that the company overcharged governmental agencies for office supplies in violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Practices Act.

Under the settlement, Office Depot will pay approximately $4.5 million in refunds to eligible Florida customers, including Florida government agencies.

According to an investigation by the Attorney General's Economic Crimes Division, Office Depot allegedly switched certain local governmental agencies and private non-profit organizations in Florida from one pricing plan to another without their full understanding or knowledge, potentially resulting in higher prices for those customers.

Office Depot has fully cooperated with the Attorney General's Office throughout the investigation.

In addition to the refunds, Office Depot will reimburse the Attorney General's Office for its investigative costs and for costs associated with ongoing and future enforcement actions. Office Depot also agrees to comply fully with the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.