CREW requests records on cost of anti-abortion “Florida Cares” website

The ongoing fight over abortion in Florida now involves the state-sponsored website "Florida Cares," which actively opposes Amendment 4-a citizen-led initiative aimed at reversing the state's abortion ban. Questions have been raised about whether Governor Ron DeSantis is using taxpayer money to advance his political agenda.

In April 2023, DeSantis signed legislation that bannedabortions after six weeks of pregnancy, stripping millions of Floridians of access to safe, legal abortions. The proposed reversal through Amendment 4 will appear on the state ballot in the upcoming November election.

The Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration recently launched the website opposing Amendment 4, making unsubstantiated, false claims that it threatens women's safety by exposing them to health risks and dangerous conditions. "Don't let the fearmongers lie to you," it reads. The website broadcasts its partnership with the Florida state government, in a striking move to directly campaign against a ballot initiative. The tactic might even be illegal, if it uses taxpayer money.

CREW has requested records showing the total amount of state funds spent on the creation of the "Florida Cares" website, along with all communications between the office of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration regarding its creation and maintenance. The public deserves to know if taxpayer money is being used to advocate against citizen-led initiatives and unduly advance DeSantis's political agenda.