Florida Grand Jury Finds Misappropriation of $10 Million in State Healthcare Settlement
Tallahassee, Thursday, 27 August 2026.
A state grand jury report revealed that Florida officials diverted $10 million from a Medicaid overbilling settlement into political action committees to fund political campaigns.
Grand Jury Findings and Fiscal Impact
On August 26, 2026, a state grand jury report revealed that the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement [1]. The funds were originally designated to benefit poor children but were diverted to fund political activities [2]. This sum represented a significant portion of the total $67 million settlement with Centene Corporation regarding overbilling [3]. The diversion rate amounted to approximately 14.925 percent of the total settlement value [1]. The report was obtained by CBS News Miami and filed under seal with the Leon County Clerk’s Office on January 28, 2026 [1].
Fund Trajectory and Political Entities
The misappropriated funds were funneled through the Hope Florida Foundation, an initiative linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis [2]. From there, the money was transferred to two nonprofits, Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs [4]. These entities subsequently directed $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee chaired by James Uthmeier, the Governor’s former Chief of Staff and current Attorney General [3]. The funds were ultimately used to oppose Amendment 3 during the 2024 election cycle [1]. Testimony identified Uthmeier as having involvement in directing the money after it went to Hope Florida [1].
Accountability and Legislative Recommendations
Despite finding that the money was misappropriated, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally [3]. The report noted that nobody would take responsibility for deciding the funds would go to Hope Florida [4]. In response, Governor DeSantis’s team dismissed the findings as a politically motivated witch hunt [2]. The grand jury recommended that the Florida Legislature enact laws requiring state-received funds to be deposited into the General Fund [3]. Senator Tracie Davis plans to file legislation during the next session to ensure transparency [4].