Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa Agrees to $2,000 Fine and Public Censure

The Florida Commission on Ethics imposed a $2,000 civil fine on Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa on Friday, Oct. 23. The panel also issued a public reprimand and formally censured the mayor in a unanimous vote. The decision settles a dispute over how the mayor handled business relief funds during the pandemic.

The commission found that Espinosa violated Section 112.3137 of the Florida Statutes. The statute prohibits state officials from having an employment or contractual relationship with an entity that does business with their agency. The violation stemmed from grants awarded under the City of Kissimmee's Business Boost 2.0 program.

The ethics ruling came days after Espinosa was arrested on Wednesday for grand theft and fraud. Prosecutors allege she helped create and expand the grant program while in office. They say she then directed $50,000 in funds to businesses linked to herself or her relatives while ignoring concerns from city staff.

Records reviewed by FOX 35 Orlando detail the distribution of the money. Four businesses that rent space in a building owned by the mayor received $10,000 each. Three additional grants totaling $50,000 went to entities connected to the mayor's family. Her husband received $15,000 for The Real Estate Gallery. The Kissimmee Diner, which closed five months after receiving the funds, got $15,000. Andanse LLC, owned by Espinosa and leased by her and a family member, received the remaining $20,000.

Espinosa posted a $70,000 bond on Thursday night and was released from jail. Reporters gathered outside as she emerged. She told them that her arrest meant residents needed to go out and vote on Nov. 3. She told the constituents of Kissimmee that the city would be okay. Her office and her husband had not responded to requests for comment on the arrest or the allegations.

Lillian Evans, one of three people who filed formal ethics complaints against the mayor, attended the hearing on Friday. She submitted a letter arguing that the $2,000 fine was too lenient. Evans tried to speak after the vote but was cut off by a commissioner. She said she felt relief upon learning of the arrest because someone who took money from the city would now face consequences.

The City of Kissimmee stated that Espinosa remains mayor unless she resigns, is suspended, or is removed from office. A city spokesperson noted that the charter does not specify procedures for when a sitting mayor is arrested. Gov. Ron DeSantis has the authority to remove elected officials but has not made an announcement regarding Espinosa. His office was contacted for comment on Friday.