Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa Pays $2,000 Fine Days After Fraud Arrest

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa agreed to pay a $2,000 civil fine and accept a public reprimand on Friday, October 23. The Florida Commission on Ethics approved the joint resolution agreement unanimously. This decision concludes a formal ethics case regarding pandemic relief funds.

The commission determined that Espinosa violated Section 112.3137 of the Florida Statutes. The statute prohibits public officials from having employment or contractual relationships with entities doing business with their agency. As part of the settlement, the commission also formally censured the mayor.

The ethics ruling came just days after Espinosa was arrested on Wednesday. Law enforcement charged her with grand theft and fraud. The charges stem from $50,000 in grants awarded under the City of Kissimmee Business Boost 2.0 program. These funds went to businesses owned by the mayor and her relatives.

The Florida Attorney's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement allege that Espinosa helped design and expand the grant program. They claim she then directed $50,000 in aid to connected entities while ignoring ethical concerns raised by city staff.

An arrest affidavit reviewed by FOX 35 Orlando details the distribution of the money. Four businesses renting space in a building owned by the mayor received $10,000 each. Three other grants totaled $50,000. The Real Estate Gallery, owned by her husband, received $15,000. The Kissimmee Diner received $15,000 before closing five months later. Andanse LLC, owned by the mayor, received $20,000.

Espinosa was released from jail on a $70,000 bond on Thursday night. She told reporters that the situation requires voters to go out and vote on November 3. She stated, "We will be okay." Lillian Evans, who filed a formal complaint against the mayor, attended the hearing on Friday. Evans argued that the $2,000 fine was too lenient. She expressed relief over the arrest, stating that the mayor needs to pay for her actions.

The City of Kissimmee confirmed that Espinosa remains mayor unless she resigns, is suspended, or is removed. A city spokesperson noted that the charter does not explicitly define the process for an arrested sitting mayor. Governor Ron DeSantis holds the power to remove elected officials but has not yet announced a decision regarding Espinosa.