A state grand jury in Tallahassee is now hearing testimony in a criminal investigation involving a charity connected to Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis. The inquiry focuses on whether funds directed through the Hope Florida Foundation — a nonprofit established as part of DeSantis’s flagship social initiative — were improperly used to benefit political causes.
At the center of the investigation is a $10 million payment made by Centene, a major Medicaid contractor, to the foundation in 2023. The payment was part of a larger $67 million settlement Centene reached with the state over allegations of Medicaid overbilling. While $57 million went back to Florida’s agencies, the remaining $10 million was transferred to the Hope Florida Foundation — where it soon moved through a series of nonprofits and ultimately reached political committees supporting conservative efforts.
Grand Jury Testimony and Legal Steps
Witnesses, including State Representative Alex Andrade of Pensacola, have testified before the grand jury. Andrade, who once chaired a legislative subcommittee reviewing the foundation’s finances, confirmed that he received a subpoena and was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony.
Florida prosecutors have not publicly confirmed the targets of the investigation or whether charges are forthcoming, as grand jury proceedings are confidential. However, sources familiar with the matter suggest the inquiry could expand beyond state boundaries if evidence of financial misconduct emerges.
The Path of the $10 Million
After receiving the $10 million from Centene, the Hope Florida Foundation distributed $5 million each to two nonprofits: Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs. Those organizations then funneled roughly $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee that opposed Amendment 3 — a proposed measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida that ultimately failed.
Critics argue that this complex transfer of funds may have violated state and federal laws governing charitable and political spending. Lawmakers and watchdog groups have raised concerns that taxpayer-linked funds could have been diverted to support partisan campaigns. Some have gone so far as to suggest the transactions could amount to financial misconduct such as wire fraud or money laundering.
Political Fallout
The investigation has cast a long shadow over Governor Ron DeSantis and the First Lady, particularly as Casey DeSantis is widely regarded as a potential contender for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Several figures involved in the money transfers were tied to the DeSantis administration at the time, including James Uthmeier — then the governor’s chief of staff and now Florida’s attorney general. Uthmeier and others have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the transactions were transparent and lawful.
Governor DeSantis has dismissed the controversy as a politically motivated “hoax,” while Casey DeSantis has defended the Hope Florida initiative as a program focused solely on helping families achieve self-sufficiency.
Broader Implications
Earlier this year, a state legislative committee began examining the foundation’s financial records but suspended its review amid limited cooperation. The current grand jury proceedings mark a significant escalation of the case and could determine whether formal charges are filed.
If indictments follow, the investigation could alter Florida’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections, testing the credibility and influence of one of the state’s most visible political couples.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
