Introduction to Hope Florida
Scrutiny of a welfare program that is the signature initiative of Casey DeSantis, Florida’s first lady, is threatening to undermine a potential run to succeed her husband as governor, as well as his own presidential ambitions. Lawmakers in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ own party have been investigating Hope Florida amid revelations that its foundation gave $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits. Those groups in turn gave millions to a political committee, chaired by DeSantis’ then-chief of staff, that campaigned against a failed referendum on recreational marijuana.
Background on Hope Florida
Republican lawmakers have been grilling gubernatorial appointees and foundation officials for weeks in combative hearings on Hope Florida, an initiative in the state Department of Children and Families, or DCF. DeSantis and his administration defend the initiative, saying it has helped transition 30,000 people off government assistance and saved the state $100 million. “Hope Florida is a philosophy,” Casey DeSantis said Thursday at an event in St. Augustine. “It is, how can we help people in need and do better?" A spokesperson for DeSantis said he and the first lady “do not have a role” in the foundation, though they have “promoted its efforts and lent support to its mission.” DCF and multiple people named in this story did not respond to requests for comment.
A Push to Reduce Government Dependence
Launch of Hope Florida
SEPT. 9, 2021: Hope Florida launches, using state employees to connect needy Floridians to community-based nonprofits and faith institutions and weaning them off government assistance. AUG. 25, 2023: The Hope Florida Foundation is created as a nonprofit to support DCF in a role that is “exclusively charitable,” according to its articles of incorporation. Under federal law, such 501(c)(3) nonprofits must adhere to strict limits on lobbying and political campaigning. AUGUST 2024: DCF fails to publish the foundation’s tax documents, fiscal plan, code of ethics, mission and results, as is required annually by law.
A $10 Million Donation
Donation and Grant Applications
SEPT. 27, 2024: Florida reaches a $67 million settlement in an overbilling dispute with the Centene Corp., the state’s largest Medicaid contractor. Under the deal, Centene donates $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. OCT. 11, 2024: James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ then-chief of staff, sets up a conversation with Amy Ronshausen, executive director of the nonprofit Save Our Society From Drugs, according to text messages obtained by The Associated Press. At the time, Uthmeier chaired a political committee campaigning against Amendment 3, the doomed marijuana referendum. OCT. 13, 2024: Secure Florida’s Future, a nonprofit led by the president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, applies to the Hope Florida Foundation for a $5 million grant. Secure Florida’s Future Chair Mark Wilson proposes a “long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness campaign.” The application does not specifically outline how the funds will be spent.
Where the Money Went
Distribution of Funds
OCT. 16, 2024: The Hope Florida Foundation wires $5 million to Secure Florida’s Future, according to Joshua Hay, chair of the foundation’s board. OCT. 17, 2024: Secure Florida’s Future donates $2 million to Keep Florida Clean, the PAC controlled by Uthmeier, according to the state’s campaign finance database. Days later, Secure Florida’s Future sends $1.75 million more. OCT. 18, 2024: Ronshausen messages Hope Florida Foundation attorney Jeff Aaron about a grant application she plans to submit to the charity, according to texts shared with AP. Aaron texts Ronshausen a copy of the letter that was submitted days earlier by Secure Florida’s Future. “I’d do it like that for the same amount and let’s see what the board agrees too,” Aaron texts. “Just emailed it,” Ronshausen replies. Aaron responds: “Received! Can you send me wire instructions?” OCT. 22, 2024: The Hope Florida Foundation wires $5 million to Save Our Society From Drugs, according to Hay. OCT. 23, 2024: Save Our Society From Drugs donates $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean, followed by $3.15 million more in the following days.
The Probe Begins
Investigation and Testimonies
APRIL 11, 2025: The flow of funds from the Hope Florida Foundation to the nonprofits, which in turn donated millions to Uthmeier’s PAC, is first reported by the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times. APRIL 15, 2025: Hay testifies under oath in a Florida House subcommittee chaired by Republican Rep. Alex Andrade. He defends Hope Florida’s mission but acknowledges that “mistakes were made.” “I cannot confirm what the funds were used for,” Hay says. “We have no monitoring procedures.” APRIL 16, 2025: The Hope Florida Foundation publicly releases its tax documents and bylaws. APRIL 22, 2025: Uthmeier tells reporters that he “wasn’t part of securing the deal” for Centene’s donation but “everything looks legal.” “I’m glad for what we did,” Uthmeier says. “I’m very thankful those groups stepped up and helped us secure a big win.” APRIL 24, 2025: At around 8:00 a.m., Andrade announces that he is wrapping up his committee’s probe, after Aaron, Ronshausen and Wilson decline to testify. “I am firmly convinced that James Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud and that several parties played a role in the misuse of $10 million in Medicaid funds,” Andrade says. “I’ll leave the rest of the investigation up to the FBI and Department of Justice.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Hope Florida has significant implications for the political ambitions of the DeSantis family and the governance of Florida. The allegations of misuse of funds and potential wrongdoing have led to calls for further investigation and oversight. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the DeSantis administration will respond to the criticisms and what consequences may arise from the probe.
FAQs
- Q: What is Hope Florida?
A: Hope Florida is a welfare program initiated by Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, aiming to help people in need by connecting them with community-based nonprofits and faith institutions. - Q: What is the controversy surrounding Hope Florida?
A: The controversy involves the Hope Florida Foundation giving $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits, which then donated millions to a political committee campaigning against a marijuana referendum. - Q: Who is involved in the controversy?
A: Key figures include James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ then-chief of staff, and Jeff Aaron, Hope Florida Foundation attorney, along with the nonprofits Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs. - Q: What are the allegations against Hope Florida?
A: Allegations include misuse of $10 million in Medicaid funds, potential wrongdoing, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. - Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The Florida House subcommittee has concluded its probe, with the chair stating conviction that a conspiracy occurred and leaving further investigation to the FBI and Department of Justice.
