Florida lawmakers are raising questions about the legality of a $10 million donation made to the Hope Florida Foundation, the non-profit arm supporting a state program championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The funds originated from a state settlement, and legislators are demanding to know if the transfer violated state law.
Hope Florida, launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis in 2021, aims to connect Floridians with community-based assistance programs, ultimately helping them achieve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on government aid. However, its associated non-profit, the Hope Florida Foundation, is now under the microscope.
READ: Colorado State University Researchers Forecast Above-Average 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The controversy stems from a settlement reached between the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and healthcare provider Centene concerning Medicaid overpayments. As part of this settlement agreement, Centene was reportedly required to make a $10 million payment directly to the Hope Florida Foundation, bypassing standard state accounting procedures.
During a recent, three-hour House hearing, lawmakers questioned AHCA officials about why this donation was made a condition of the settlement. State law typically requires money recovered through state settlements to be deposited into Florida’s General Revenue fund.
AHCA Secretary Siobhan Harris defended the agency’s decision during the hearing. However, critics, like State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), argue that the legislature has a duty to investigate potential mishandling of taxpayer-related funds. “We want to make sure that that money is being used properly, that it is not just a political favor,” Nixon stated.
Supporters of Hope Florida, including officials from other state agencies collaborating with the program, reportedly described the legislative hearing as an “ambush,” feeling that the positive impact of the initiative was “discounted” in favor of “smear attacks.”
Governor Ron DeSantis has firmly backed the program and the donation. Speaking on Thursday, he stated he stands behind it “100 percent,” asserting the donation “is serving the AHCA population and will serve them well, and it was entirely appropriate and the right thing to do.”
Adding to the scrutiny, the Hope Florida Foundation has also faced questions for reportedly failing to submit required financial reports. Earlier this month, Governor DeSantis dismissed concerns surrounding this issue as “phony gotcha games.”
READ: Florida Files State Charges, Including Terrorism, Against Suspect In Trump Assassination Attempt
The legislative inquiry continues as lawmakers seek accountability and assurances that the $10 million transfer adhered to state law and financial regulations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
