Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced today a major expansion of the Hope Florida initiative, with all 67 sheriff’s offices across the state now having an official Hope Florida liaison on staff.
The liaisons will serve as trained contacts between local law enforcement and the Hope Florida program—an initiative spearheaded by the First Lady to reduce dependency on public assistance by connecting Floridians with community-based resources and pathways to self-sufficiency.
“Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis and I announced that each of Florida’s 67 sheriffs now have a Hope Florida liaison in their office,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are grateful for their partnership and pleased that Hope Florida continues to help so many to find self-sufficiency.”
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“Hope Florida is about helping people to succeed—to achieve their God-given potential and the American Dream,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Thank you, Florida Sheriffs, for joining us in uplifting Floridians in need and helping them on a pathway to self-sufficiency. If you need help, call 833-GET-HOPE.”
The Hope Florida model, launched under the guidance of First Lady DeSantis, brings together private sector partners, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits. Through the use of “Hope Navigators,” the program connects individuals and families to community supports and long-term solutions—ranging from housing assistance to employment opportunities.
Now, with the formal integration into all sheriff’s offices, the program aims to deepen its grassroots outreach and intervention abilities through trusted community law enforcement partners.
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Each sheriff’s office liaison will:
- Serve as a dedicated contact for Hope Florida in the local sheriff’s office.
- Act as a trained expert in the program’s methodology and philosophy.
- Distribute resources and materials within their department.
- Train other staff members on Hope Florida practices and referrals.
Since its inception, the Hope Florida program has referred more than 118,000 Floridians to community-based services. Of those, over 30,000 individuals have reduced or eliminated their reliance on public assistance, the administration said.
According to estimates, the program is projected to save taxpayers approximately $108 million annually, amounting to over $1 billion in savings over the next decade.
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Florida sheriffs across the state welcomed the announcement, praising the initiative for addressing root causes of community instability and offering practical pathways for struggling residents.
“Hope Florida empowers us to not just respond to crises but to be part of the solution,” one sheriff said following the announcement. “Our deputies are often the first line of contact in a moment of need. This program gives us a direct way to help those we encounter access meaningful help and long-term hope.”
The expansion highlights the DeSantis administration’s ongoing push to blend conservative governance with faith-based and community-driven welfare alternatives, emphasizing personal responsibility, community support, and economic independence.
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