Full Breakdown
Florida Grand Jury Finds $10 Million Medicaid Settlement Misappropriated to Hope Florida Charity and Political Committees
8/29/2026, 11:28:52 AM
Core Findings
A Leon County grand jury concluded that the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis “misappropriated” $10 million of taxpayer money from a 2024 Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp. The funds were transferred to the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit created by First Lady Casey DeSantis, and then routed to two political action committees that supported the governor’s campaign against a 2024 ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana.
Background & Context
In 2024 the state settled with Centene over alleged overbilling of Florida’s Medicaid program for low-income children, receiving $67 million. State officials earmarked $10 million of that settlement for the Hope Florida Foundation, an initiative aimed at connecting financially strained families with churches and aid groups. Rather than returning the money to the state budget, the settlement directed the $10 million to the foundation, where it was split between two nonprofit grant recipients and then funneled into political committees aligned with the governor’s agenda.
Data & Statistics
- Total Medicaid settlement: $67 million.
- Amount diverted to Hope Florida Foundation: $10 million.
- Grants from Hope Florida: two equal $5 million awards to “Secure Florida’s Future” and “Save Our Society From Drugs.”
- Subsequent flow: $8.5 million reached the Keep Florida Clean PAC (chaired by James Uthmeier); that PAC transferred $7 million to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund.
Official Statements & Responses
Former Attorney General Ashley Moody, now a U.S. Senator, said the grand jury’s recommendation to require state-received monies be deposited into General Revenue and to set clear nonprofit-use penalties was “necessary to protect taxpayer funds.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic leaders framed the findings as evidence of corruption. Sen. Tracie Davis of Jacksonville urged the legislature to strengthen anti-corruption safeguards. State Representative Angie Nixon accused Moody of “hiding from the press” and called for her resignation. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly pledged to reopen the investigation if elected.
Legislative Recommendations & What’s Next
The report’s recommendations have spurred bipartisan calls for new legislation to prevent similar transfers. State Senator Don Gaetz announced plans to work with colleagues on a bill that would close loopholes allowing settlement money to be diverted to third-party entities. The upcoming November elections will feature Attorney General James Uthmeier, Senator Ashley Moody, and other officials named in the report seeking reelection, while Governor DeSantis is ineligible for a third term.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The report asked the legislature to make sure that our laws are strong enough to prevent corruption and ensure transparency of public funds,” — Sen. Tracie Davis, Jacksonville
- “I'm deeply disturbed by this report,” — Don Gaetz, state senator
