Florida House Investigates Six State Agencies' Spending

The Florida House Budget Committee has initiated a formal inquiry into state agency spending, sending requests for detailed records to six agencies, including the Department of Education and the Division of Emergency Management. This investigation, led by House Speaker Daniel Perez, aims to address concerns over missing state vehicles, high salaries for agency leaders living out of state, and significant interest payments on an unbuilt prison facility. A notable aspect of the inquiry involves a $10 million donation from a Medicaid provider to the Hope Florida Foundation, linked to Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. Budget Chairman Lawrence McClure emphasized the need for accountability and efficiency as the legislature prepares its budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the House and Senate having recently advanced their proposed budgets. Lawmakers expressed frustration over perceived obstruction from the DeSantis administration in obtaining necessary information. Agencies have until May 16 to respond to the requests.