A Florida grand jury concluded that $10 million in taxpayer funds from a Medicaid settlement were improperly redirected through the Hope Florida Foundation into two political action committees, according to a sealed report obtained by CBS News Miami on Wednesday. The grand jury, in a report dated 28 January 2026, stated the funds were part of what jurors characterized as “a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities,” yet found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against any individual.
According to the report, the Hope Florida Foundation received the $10 million in 2024 from a Medicaid settlement between the state and Centene, a contractor for the government health insurance program. The jurors noted that funds were subsequently transferred to two political action committees and used to lobby against a Florida ballot measure regarding marijuana legalization, with money also directed to the Republican Party of Florida. The grand jury observed that no witness accepted responsibility for the decision to direct the settlement funds to Hope Florida, describing this initial transfer as “the original misappropriation.”
Governor DeSantis responded to the report by characterizing the settlement as legally appropriate and stating no Medicaid funds were diverted. He described the arrangement as a private settlement and private contribution. He also stated that his wife, Casey DeSantis, was not involved in the matter, though the grand jury report references Hope Florida as an initiative “championed by the First Lady of Florida.” DeSantis suggested the leaked report itself represented potential criminal conduct.
The grand jury identified Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was DeSantis’s chief of staff when the settlement occurred and is currently running for election to a full four-year term, as holding a “position of authority” over those involved in the Centene settlement. Testimony indicated his involvement in directing funds after transfer to Hope Florida, and his political action committee, Keep Florida Clean, received the majority of the $10 million. Both Uthmeier and former Attorney General Ashley Moody, who is currently serving in the Senate, have denied wrongdoing. The grand jury recommended the Florida legislature enact laws requiring all state funds be deposited into General Revenue with penalties for violations.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly called for a reopened investigation if elected, while challenging Republican nominee Byron Donalds to do the same.
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