Appeals Court Overturns Hope Florida Grand Jury Findings Ahead of Election

A Florida appellate court issued an opinion overturning a leaked grand-jury report that had accused top officials of diverting $10 million from a Medicaid settlement for political ends. The judges found the jury erred, noting the funds were not public money and the report’s release was illegal, and ordered the document expunged. Governor Ron DeSantis praised the ruling as a decisive rebuke of the "Hope Florida" narrative and called for prosecution of those who leaked the report.

Democratic candidates continue to spotlight the issue, insisting the money should have gone to sick children and urging state or federal investigations. Republican Sen. Rick Scott warned the controversy is far from settled and urged further fact-finding. The decision comes 27 days before the Nov. 3 ballot, where the scandal is shaping races for attorney general, U.S. Senate and governor.