Florida prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit organization associated with First Lady Casey DeSantis' welfare program, following allegations of financial misconduct involving a $10 million donation from a state Medicaid settlement.

The inquiry focuses on the allocation of funds from a $67 million settlement between the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Centene Corporation, a major Medicaid contractor. As part of this settlement, $10 million was directed to the Hope Florida Foundation. Subsequently, the foundation granted $5 million each to two nonprofits: Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society from Drugs. These organizations then contributed a combined $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee chaired by James Uthmeier, who was then Governor Ron DeSantis' chief of staff. Keep Florida Clean was established to oppose Amendment 3, a 2024 ballot initiative that sought to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.

State Representative Alex Andrade has alleged that the flow of funds from the Centene settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation, and subsequently to political committees, may constitute "money laundering and wire fraud." He referred the matter to federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, for further investigation.

Governor Ron DeSantis has dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated attack on his wife, Casey DeSantis. He defended the $10 million donation, stating it was "100% appropriate" and part of a "good deal" negotiated with Centene.

The Hope Florida Foundation, established in August 2023, supports the Hope Florida initiative by promoting its mission through private donations. The foundation's board includes President Joshua T. Hay and directors Fatima Perez, Tina Vidal-Duart, Stephanie White, and Wendy Nissan.

An analysis by House legislative staff indicated that the Hope Florida Foundation appears to be out of compliance with multiple state laws. The foundation has reportedly failed to submit an annual audit to the state's auditor general and has not published legally required information, including a brief description of its mission, a three-year financial plan, its code of ethics, and its tax forms.

The controversy raises questions about the transparency and accountability of charitable foundations associated with public officials, especially concerning the use of funds originating from state settlements. The investigation could impact Governor DeSantis' political standing and future ambitions, as well as those of First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has been speculated to consider a gubernatorial run in 2026.

As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the legal proceedings and their potential impact on Florida's political landscape, as well as the operations of nonprofits linked to public officials.