An attorney with significant ties to Governor Ron DeSantis has become embroiled in the controversy surrounding Hope Florida, an initiative aimed at reducing state residents’ dependency on welfare and Medicaid. Jeff Aaron, who serves as legal counsel for Hope Florida’s charitable division, also holds a prominent position as general counsel for the agency that manages Orlando International Airport. In January, the DeSantis-controlled board overseeing this agency unexpectedly replaced its legal counsel, offering the role to Aaron.
Aaron’s dual roles have significantly raised his profile following the launch of his new law firm last September, alongside Mayanne Downs, the long-standing city attorney of Orlando. However, this increased attention has not always been favorable. Allegations have surfaced over a $10 million donation to the Hope Florida Foundation, part of a settlement with a Medicaid managed care company, which was later used to fund political activities.
The $10 million settlement was partially distributed as $5 million in grants to two nonprofit organizations, who then contributed $8.5 million to a political committee. This committee opposed a marijuana legalization ballot initiative, a political target for DeSantis. Critics have argued that the settlement funds should have been allocated to Medicaid and have raised questions about the legality and ethics of channeling money through the Hope Florida Foundation for political ends.
Concerns have also been expressed about Hope Florida’s effectiveness in reducing reliance on public assistance, citing lofty but unsubstantiated claims by the initiative. Internal governance issues within the foundation, such as failing to file necessary tax forms, have further fueled scrutiny.
State Representative Alex Andrade, who leads the ongoing House investigation, has requested Aaron’s testimony in an upcoming subcommittee meeting. Andrade suggests a possible conspiracy involving Medicaid funds being used for campaign activities. Despite this, Aaron maintains that his legal counsel has always been compliant with the law and that he was not involved in the settlement or subsequent allocation of funds.
Aaron asserts that his initial involvement with the foundation began on October 12, where he merely reviewed the grants and asserted their legality. He expressed confidence that no legal violations occurred and mentioned he has not been asked to testify formally, though he is open to providing any public records.
In his position with the aviation authority, Aaron earns $595 per hour. His and Downs’s firm, DownsAaron, was established after leaving GrayRobinson, a prominent legal and lobbying firm. Shortly after forming, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority sought new legal services, even though the existing counsel, Daniel J. Gerber of RumbergerKirk, was mid-contract.
The decision to seek new legal representation puzzled some board members, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who questioned the necessity of the change. John Evans, a former board member, voiced support for retaining RumbergerKirk, questioning the logic behind switching firms.
The board’s decision was presented as part of a comprehensive review of the airport’s legal services, according to Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer. However, further clarification was not provided. Ultimately, DownsAaron secured a five-year contract after RumbergerKirk withdrew its proposal.
Aaron’s biography submitted to the aviation authority highlighted his connections to DeSantis, showcasing his contributions to the governor’s team, including legal support and strategic planning for DeSantis’s presidential campaign. Aaron is married to Chelsea Aaron, who serves as DeSantis’s director of appointments.
DownsAaron, in its proposal to the airport authority, stated plans to partner with Anderson & Kreiger LLP, a firm experienced in airport-related legal matters, and Endow Law, a boutique firm with relevant expertise.
