Florida Medicaid settlement money funneled to anti-marijuana campaign linked to DeSantis administration

While Florida’s 2024 election loomed, the DeSantis administration resurrected a delayed Medicaid settlement with Centene, allocating $10 million of the $67 million payout to the newly created Hope Florida Foundation. The foundation immediately transferred the money to the governor’s Keep Florida Clean political committee and to nonprofits such as Save Our Society From Drugs and Secure Florida’s Future, which used the funds for anti-marijuana advertising and support of Republican candidates.

A grand-jury investigation labeled the arrangement a sophisticated scheme that misappropriated public money for political purposes, but it resulted in no indictments. The scandal surfaced in 2025 through investigative reporting, prompting hearings, a whistleblower claim to the IRS, and a court ruling that later dismissed the grand-jury findings. Meanwhile, several officials tied to the deal, including James Uthmeier and John Guard, received promotions or appointments, underscoring the political ramifications ahead of the 2026 election.