Overview

• Florida House Republicans paused their investigation into the alleged misuse of $10 million from a Medicaid settlement after witnesses, including Hope Florida’s attorney, refused to testify.
• The funds, part of a $67 million settlement with Centene, were directed to Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit associated with Casey DeSantis, and later funneled to political groups opposing a marijuana legalization ballot measure.
• Rep. Alex Andrade, chair of the subcommittee, stated he has sufficient evidence to confirm potential wire fraud and money laundering and plans to revisit the issue in the next legislative session.
• The DeSantis administration disputes the allegations, claiming the funds were not Medicaid-related and labeling the investigation a 'manufactured fraud.'
• The controversy raises broader concerns about nonprofit governance, settlement fund transparency, and the political implications for the DeSantis family, as Casey DeSantis considers a gubernatorial run.