Florida Grand Jury Says DeSantis Officials Misused $10 Million In Medicaid Funds
A Florida grand jury concluded that officials in the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, the sealed report filed Jan. 28, 2026 and obtained by CBS News says.[1]
Jurors said the money was routed through the Hope Florida Foundation and ultimately flowed into two political action committees and the Republican Party of Florida to oppose the 2024 marijuana Amendment 3.[1] The report names James Uthmeier, then-Gov. Ron DeSantis' chief of staff, as directing the transfers and identifies his PAC, Keep Florida Clean, as the main recipient.[1] It says then-Attorney General Ashley Moody approved the settlement and authorized Deputy Attorney General John Guard to sign it without adequate due diligence, but the grand jury said it lacked evidence to bring criminal charges.[1]
In September 2024, Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration negotiated a $67 million settlement with Medicaid contractor Centene over alleged prescription-drug overbilling and included language directing $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation.[1] The foundation received the money in October 2024, made two $5 million grants, and within days about $8.5 million was wired to Keep Florida Clean and related committees that used the funds to oppose Amendment 3.[1]
Reporting in April 2025 by local outlets exposed the transfers, prompted legislative hearings led by Rep. Alex Andrade, and led Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell to convene a grand jury in October 2025.[1] DeSantis communications director Alex Lanfranconi dismissed the report as a baseless smear and said the leak of a sealed document is the real issue.[1]
The mainstream summary does not mention that the $67 million settlement with Centene was specifically intended to repay state and federal taxpayers for alleged overbilling of Florida's Medicaid program. This context is crucial as it underscores the financial implications of the misappropriation, suggesting a broader impact on public resources that goes beyond the immediate political ramifications. The Miami Herald highlights that the funds diverted into political activities were originally earmarked to support vulnerable populations, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding this misuse of taxpayer money.
Additionally, while the mainstream account notes the grand jury's lack of evidence for criminal charges, it overlooks the strong public sentiment expressed on social media regarding accountability for officials like Ashley Moody and James Uthmeier. Critics argue that the grand jury's findings should lead to political repercussions, especially given the sophisticated nature of the scheme described. This perspective reflects a growing frustration with perceived impunity among elected officials, which is further illustrated by Pew Research data showing a significant decline in trust in government institutions, exacerbated by scandals like this one.[2][3]
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📊 Relevant Data
The $67 million settlement with Centene was for alleged overbilling of Florida's Medicaid program for medications and was intended to repay state and federal taxpayers.
How a deal to send $10 million to Hope Florida came together — Miami Herald
Florida Amendment 3 received 55.9% yes votes but failed to pass, as it required 60% approval; over 10.6 million votes were cast on the measure.
Florida Amendment 3 Election Results 2024: Legalize Marijuana — The New York Times
📌 Key Facts
- A Florida state grand jury report filed under seal January 28, 2026 and obtained by CBS on August 26 finds $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was misappropriated.
- Jurors say the funds, intended for poor children's health insurance, were routed through the Hope Florida Foundation and eventually into two PACs and the Republican Party of Florida to oppose 2024 Amendment 3 on marijuana.
- The report names current Attorney General James Uthmeier, then DeSantis' chief of staff, as involved in directing the money and notes his PAC Keep Florida Clean was the main recipient.
- The grand jury says then-Attorney General Ashley Moody was aware of the plan and authorized Deputy AG John Guard to sign the settlement without adequate due diligence.
- Despite the misappropriation finding, the panel says it lacks sufficient evidence to criminally charge any individual, in part because no one accepted responsibility and key officials were not called to testify.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time