A criminal investigation is underway following the alleged diversion of $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds to a nonprofit organization founded by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The money was originally part of a Medicaid settlement intended to support low-income Floridians. However, in late 2023, the funds were transferred to Hope Florida, a nonprofit led by the First Lady. One month later, two other organizations—Secure Florida and Save Our Society From Drugs—each received $5 million. Both groups subsequently donated the money to a political committee opposing the recreational marijuana amendment that Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly criticized.
Representative Alex Andrade (R), who chairs the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, led an internal investigation into the transfer of funds.
“This is looking more and more like a conspiracy to use Medicaid money to pay for campaign activity,” Andrade said.
The findings have been turned over to State Attorney Jack Campbell in Leon County, whose office has confirmed the matter is under review.
Governor DeSantis responded to the accusations by defending his wife’s program and dismissing the investigation as politically motivated.
“This has been a very successful program. It's made lives change dramatically,” he said. “I think everything that has been thrown at it is pure politics.”
Democratic Representative Anna Eskamani voiced concern over the situation.
“These are very serious allegations that the Florida House has uncovered,” she said. “There is this culture of fear that if I speak out against the governor, my bills won’t pass.”
Eskamani added that the investigation is a necessary step in restoring public trust.
“If this were any other entity or person conducting this type of business with public tax dollars, there would have been clear charges already filed,” she said.
Casey DeSantis has publicly defended her work with the nonprofit.
“I want to help people,” she said. “Take all of the noise, take all of the chatter, class and all of that aside.”
At this time, no charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing, and the State Attorney's Office has not commented on when a decision might be made.