NewsWLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)July 30, 2026Florida
Calls for Release of Grand Jury Report on Hope Florida Funds
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is demanding that U.S. Senator Ashley Moody facilitate the release of a grand jury report concerning the redirection of $10 million in taxpayer funds to the Hope Florida Foundation. The funds, originally part of a legal settlement with Centene Health Plan, were allegedly used to influence a 2024 ballot initiative.
Read the full story at WLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)Why It Matters
The release of this report could clarify how $10 million in public settlement funds were managed and whether they were improperly used for political purposes, impacting public trust and state transparency laws.
Key Facts
- A grand jury investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation's use of $10 million in state funds concluded with no charges brought.
- The $10 million was part of a $67 million legal settlement between the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration and Centene Health Plan.
- The remaining $57 million from the settlement went to the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration.
- The $10 million was diverted to political committees, including one led by James Uthmeier, to oppose a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot initiative.
- State law requires grand jury reports to be released within 15 days of completion unless an objection is filed to withhold or redact information.
- James Uthmeier has not confirmed whether he requested that the report remain sealed.
- The Florida House of Representatives conducted an investigation into the matter in 2025.
- Ashley Moody was the Attorney General at the time the settlement agreement was signed.
Who's Mentioned
organizationFlorida Agency of Healthcare Administration“Signed the $67 million settlement agreement with Centene.”personAshley Moody“U.S. Senator and former Florida Attorney General involved in the settlement agre”personJack Campbell“State Attorney in Tallahassee who led the grand jury investigation.”personNikki Fried“Florida Democratic Party Chair calling for the report's release.”personAlex Andrade“Republican State Representative from Pensacola.”personJohn Guard“Former deputy attorney general under Moody.”organizationCentene Health Plan“Managed care provider involved in the legal settlement.”personJames Uthmeier“Former chief of staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis; allegedly controlled a committee tha”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida.”organizationHope Florida Foundation“Welfare assistance initiative that received $10 million in diverted funds.”personCasey DeSantis“Florida First Lady who launched Hope Florida in 2021.”personAngie Nixon“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”personAlex Vindman“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”