Florida Prosecutors Investigate Hope Florida Foundation for Fund Misuse

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Leon County prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, amid accusations of misappropriating $10 million from a Medicaid contractor settlement. Reports suggest that these funds were rerouted to organizations tied to a political committee associated with Governor Ron DeSantis’ former Chief of Staff, which actively campaigned against a recreational cannabis ballot initiative in 2022.

The investigation was first revealed when media inquiries uncovered a response to a public records request indicating that the documents were withheld due to the ongoing investigation. DeSantis addressed the allegations on Tuesday during a press conference in Tampa, claiming the controversy surrounding the foundation is politically motivated. “I believe in this program deeply, and I stand by it 100%,” he remarked.

The Hope Florida Foundation, a charity linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis, has faced scrutiny since it was learned that the state redirected the $10 million Medicaid sum to the foundation. Subsequently, the foundation allegedly funneled the money to the Florida Chamber of Commerce and another group, Save Our Society from Drugs. These organizations then transferred the funds to a political committee, aiding in the defeat of the cannabis initiative.

Representative Alex Andrade, a prominent critic of the foundation who had previously initiated a legislative investigation, stated that “in the real world, someone who defrauded the state or a charity out of $10 million would go to prison.”

When questioned about the investigation, Andrade expressed confidence that crime had occurred, and emphasized the need for accountability. “I believe those engaged in public corruption should face justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis has begun defending the foundation’s initiatives, as speculation grows regarding her potential run for Governor. “At the end of the day, we really do care,” she was reported saying, responding to inquiries about her involvement.