Casey DeSantis

DeSantis and his administration defend the initiative, saying it has helped transition 30,000 people off government assistance and saved the state $100 million.

A developing political scandal in Florida has put Gov. Ron DeSantis on the defensive. Republican lawmakers are investigating how $10 million in state money was diverted for use in a campaign.

Rep. Alex Andrade announced the decision after the Hope Florida Foundation’s lawyer, Jeff Aaron, and leaders of nonprofits that received $5 million grants from the foundation refused to appear before the panel.

Hope Florida is currently facing scrutiny over its funding including an inquiry by the Florida House.

The charity's foundation received a $10 million donation from a statewide settlement.

Senate Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gaetz said that questions surrounding Hope Florida and its foundation contributed to his decision to hold off on considering the nominations at his committee’s final meeting.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration deny that the Hope Florida Foundation has done anything wrong.

Hope Florida launched in 2021 as a program to connect Floridians in need of social and financial help to private sector groups, faith-based organizations and nonprofits, weaning them off government assistance.

Erik Dellenback said he submitted his resignation to the governor's office on March 10. His resignation will take effect May 1.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the charity operated by his wife will add a liaison to every state college.

The governor said Republican House leaders are joining the media and Democrats in "launching baseless smears" against him, the first lady and her foundation.

The governor called the settlement “100% appropriate" and said Republican lawmakers were “grasping at straws” to reflect negatively on the settlement, which he said has “nothing to do with Hope Florida.”