Grand jury says Florida administration diverted $10 million settlement to political groups

According to a sealed grand jury report, the DeSantis administration diverted $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation, then into two political action committees and the Republican Party of Florida to fund the 2024 campaign against a marijuana legalization initiative. The panel described the maneuver as part of a “sophisticated scheme” but said it could not identify any individual for criminal prosecution.

The report singled out James Uthmeier, then governor’s chief of staff, for having authority over the settlement and for directing the funds after they reached Hope Florida. It also named former attorney general Ashley Moody, who authorized John Guard to sign the agreement despite his reservations, and noted Guard’s later appointment to the state appeals court. Governor Ron DeSantis and Uthmeier declined to testify, and both have dismissed the allegations. The grand jury recommended new legislative safeguards to prevent future misallocation of taxpayer money.