Overview

• The Florida House subcommittee ended its inquiry into the Hope Florida Foundation after key witnesses, including its attorney and the Florida Chamber CEO, declined to testify.
• The investigation focused on $10 million from a Medicaid settlement that was routed through Hope Florida to dark-money groups opposing a 2024 marijuana legalization ballot measure.
• Rep. Alex Andrade, who led the probe, stated he has evidence implicating Attorney General James Uthmeier in wire fraud and money laundering and has engaged federal authorities on the matter.
• Hope Florida, championed by Casey DeSantis, admitted under oath to lacking monitoring procedures or staff, raising concerns about governance and transparency.
• The controversy poses political risks for Casey DeSantis, potentially complicating her anticipated 2026 gubernatorial campaign.