TALHASSEE – One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ main programs to reshape how states treat Florida’s welfare is not complying with state laws that govern its surveillance, ethics and funding, according to an analysis by the Republican-led House Committee.
The Hope Florida charity division, launched by First Lady Casey Desantis, has not told state legislators or auditors about the activities or structures required by state law.
It also appears that he has not filed a federal tax return.
The revelation pointed out in an analysis of the House bill and previewed last week by Times/Herald is one of Desantise’s top priorities for this session, and should be Casey Desantis’ launchpad if he runs for governor in 2026.
Florida is a conservative answer to the welfare of couples that aims to drive Floridians out of government assistance by directing them to faith-based charities and other charities.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has involved more than half a dozen state agencies, and Desantis hopes lawmakers will pass a bill that will engrave the bill into law. Another charity, the Hope Florida Foundation, has collected money from businesses since 2023 and paid at least $375,000 to local churches.
However, the details, personnel and foundations surrounding the program’s performance are vague. No requests for public records regarding the organization created by Times/Herald have been returned. Unlike other charities, foundation tax returns are not available online.
The House Committee’s analysis of bills calling for Florida as an organization in the governor’s office was poignant.
The Hope Florida Foundation operates as a “direct support organization” under state law, but it clearly does not comply with any of the provisions of that law, House analysis notes.
Under the law, the Foundation must explain what is recorded in its mission, its three-year plan, code of ethics, tax returns, and notes to its website and Senate leaders.
None of that information was sent online and not to Congress, the House bill noted.
Another state law requires the foundation to conduct an annual audit and grant it to the state audit general. House analysis shows that the foundation has not done that.
When asked by the Times/Herald Reporter on Tuesday, Ron Desantis assaulted why the foundation did not file his tax return.
“We’re not going to smear a good program like this about these things,” he said.
“It’s a charity,” he added. “They are going to take care of the documents. But we’re worried about lifting up Florida while you’re worried about submitting the documents.”
So far, we hope that Florida is operating under the authority of the governor. The Senate Committee will hear this afternoon a bill that will solidify Florida’s hopes. The House Committee on Tuesday proceeded unanimously, but one lawmaker noted the analysis.
“There’s been a lot of politics about Florida’s Hope over the past four years,” said D-Orlando Rep. Anna Escamani. “A lot of the concerns related to surveillance and accountability are simply questioning where the money comes from and how it is being spent. And I think they are very concerned about it.”
Making the program permanent will give Casey Desantis a legislative victory to promote this summer in a crowded Republican primary. It could also alleviate concerns about her lack of experience.
House analysis also raised questions about the state resources used in the program. Hope Florida says there are 125 “Hope Navigators” in the state agency, but the authors say that what they pointed out was “unknown.” The navigator is supposed to guide Floridians towards state resources and local charities.
The analysis also noted that for the Hope Florida program, the children and family department at one point “reuse existing full-time positions established for the functioning of other (legislative directive) departments.” The Times/Herald discovered that the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Ombudsman Ministry was working as a Hope Navigator.
It was also unclear which state agencies signed a contract for goods or services with Florida Hope.
Doug White, a longtime nonprofit advisor and former director of Columbia University’s Fundraising Management Program, said information about charities is easy to access, especially if you are a member of a government agency.
“From my point of view, if the charity doesn’t become actively transparent, there’s something wrong with it,” White said.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
