Florida Grand Jury Report on Funds Misappropriation

State Grand Jury Report Findings

A state grand jury report reveals that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration misappropriated funds by diverting Medicaid money to a nonprofit. Eventually, this money ended up in political committees supporting the governor’s agenda. However, the report did not find enough evidence to pursue criminal charges against anyone involved.

Settlement and Fund Allocation

The report was first published by CBS Miami. It details a $10 million fund diversion from a $67 million settlement in 2024 between Florida and Centene Corp., a Medicaid program vendor. These funds were sent to the Hope Florida Foundation, led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The money then divided equally between two nonprofits: Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs.

Influence of James Uthmeier

Days later, $8.5 million of this money was transferred to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee staffed by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ chief of staff at the time. DeSantis appointed Uthmeier as Florida Attorney General.

Political Contributions

Keep Florida Clean then sent $9 million to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another committee chaired by Uthmeier. This fund opposed two measures on the November 2024 ballot: installing a right to an abortion in the state constitution and legalizing recreational marijuana. Neither measure gained enough support to pass.

Grand Jury’s Observations

Uthmeier was identified in the report as holding authority over those settling with Centene, directing the funds initially designated for Hope Florida. Despite these findings, no witness would specify who directed the money to Hope Florida.

The report stated, “Virtually everyone involved is a lawyer and acted on advice from other lawyers,” recognizing this as an obstacle for criminal prosecution.

The grand jury highlighted the misuse of taxpayer money for political purposes, urging legal changes to prevent recurrence.

Responses and Reactions

Alex Lanfranconi, DeSantis’ communications director, dismissed the report as a “baseless smear,” suggesting any leak of the report to the press was the true crime. The report highlights Ashley Moody, attorney general at the time, confirming her authorization of the settlement agreement.

The grand jury investigation followed Rep. Alex Andrade’s inquiry into Medicaid settlement funds during the 2025 legislative session. Andrade accused Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron, a foundation lawyer with ties to DeSantis, of law violations regarding settlement grants. His comments were not included.

State Attorney Jack Campbell issued subpoenas for witnesses, with the grand jury findings remaining concealed until publication. Republican leaders dismissed questions about the investigation.

Political Reactions

DeSantis labeled the scandal a “hoax,” while Democrats expressed outrage. Sen. Tracie Davis condemned the findings and pledged legislative action for corruption prevention. Jacksonville Rep. Angie Nixon called for Moody’s resignation, criticizing her for breaking public trust.