Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration assigned $10 million in state settlement funds last year to the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity arm of a welfare initiative led by his wife, Casey DeSantis. The injection of money was part of an undisclosed settlement agreement with Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. However, the state has refused to release details of the settlement, citing that the money was not paid to the state.
Hope Florida Foundation, established by the state to support Casey DeSantis’ vision to reshape welfare, aims to assist residents in getting off government aid by connecting them with faith-based groups and nonprofits. Concerns have been raised about the foundation’s compliance with state laws governing oversight, ethics, and fundraising.
The foundation has not disclosed its donors or the recipients of its funds, but minutes from a board meeting mention a $10 million allocation resulting from a settlement. Details about the settlement or parties involved remain unclear, with no lawsuit filed in connection to it.
Deputy Chief of Staff at the Agency for Health Care Administration, Mallory McManus, mentioned that the settlement was a “pre-suit settlement” in the agency’s favor, and part of it was directed to the Hope Florida Foundation. Questions have been raised about the purpose of the donation and the transparency of Hope Florida’s mission.
Casey DeSantis, who has never been elected to office, has been advocating for Hope Florida to be enshrined into state law this session. However, the bills have stalled in the Legislature as it shifts focus to the budget. Lawmakers, including House Speaker Daniel Perez, emphasize the need for more information and transparency regarding the foundation’s operations and the $10 million donation.
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