Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis on Thursday called upon the State University System Board of Governors to investigate alleged financial mismanagement at the University of Florida under former President Ben Sasse, as DeSantis’ office has engaged in an inquiry into reports of undue spending increases in Sasse’s office.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis urged the State University System of Florida Board of Governors (BOG) to investigate into the spending practices of the University of Florida (UF) under former President Ben Sasse, following a report that alleged financial mismanagement during Sasse’s 17-month tenure.

In a tweet on Monday, Patronis expressed concern over the report’s findings and announced that the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), which he oversees, will reach out to BOG to offer auditing support. He additioanlly called upon BOG to investigate the matter to ensure that tuition and taxpayer dollars are being properly used.

“Reports of UF‘s exorbitant spending by Ben Sasse’s office are concerning,” wrote Patronis on X. “As my agency can investigate fraud, waste and abuse, DFS will reach out to BOG to offer auditing support. BOG should investigate this issue to ensure tuition and tax dollars are being properly used.”

The Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis also told The Capitolist on Thursday that it has engaged in discussions with BOG regarding an investigation.

“We take the stewardship of state funds very seriously and have already been in discussions with leadership at the university and with the Board of Governors to look into the matter, said Communications Director Bryan Griffin.

The report, published on August 12 by the Independent Florida Alligator, found that Sasse more than tripled the spending of the university president’s office, directing millions of dollars to secretive consulting contracts and high-paying positions for political allies. It outlined how Sasse, who served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska before becoming UF’s president in 2022, increased the office’s spending to $17.3 million in his first year—up from $5.6 million during former UF President Kent Fuchs’ last year. A significant portion of this surge in spending was attributed to lucrative contracts with consulting firms, particularly McKinsey & Company, and the hiring of several of Sasse’s former Senate staffers and other Republican officials into high-salaried, remote positions.

According to the report, Sasse’s administration employed more than 30 people in the president’s office, compared to fewer than 10 under his predecessor. The travel expenses for Sasse’s office also skyrocketed, reaching $633,000 in his first full fiscal year, in contrast to the $28,000 annual average under Fuchs.