Florida Commission Fines Kissimmee Mayor $2,000 Over Grant Ethics

The Florida Commission on Ethics approved a $2,000 civil fine and a public reprimand for Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa on Friday, October 23. The commission voted unanimously to accept the joint resolution agreement, which also includes a formal censure. This decision resolves an ethics case involving COVID-era business relief money that went to the mayor and her family members.

The ruling cites a violation of Section 112.3137 of the Florida Statutes. The commission found that Espinosa maintained an employment or contractual relationship with an entity doing business with her agency. This administrative penalty arrived just days after Espinosa was arrested on charges of grand theft and fraud. Those criminal charges relate to $50,000 in grants awarded under the City of Kissimmee's Business Boost 2.0 program.

State officials allege that Espinosa helped create and expand the program while serving as mayor. The Florida Attorney's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement say she then sought grants for businesses linked to herself or her family. They also claim she disregarded ethical concerns raised by city staff during the process.

An arrest affidavit details the distribution of the funds. Four businesses renting space in a building owned by the mayor received $10,000 each. Three other businesses received a combined $50,000 across separate grants. These include $15,000 to The Real Estate Gallery, owned by her husband, and $20,000 to Andanse LLC, which the mayor owns and leases with a family member. The Kissimmee Diner, also funded, closed five months after receiving $15,000.

Espinosa posted a $70,000 bond on Thursday night and was released from jail. She told reporters that the events require residents to vote on November 3. Lillian Evans, a complainant who attended the Friday hearing, called the $2,000 fine too lenient. Evans stated she felt relief after the arrest, saying the city deserved accountability for money taken from its people.

The City of Kissimmee says Espinosa remains mayor unless she is suspended, removed, or resigns. A city spokesperson noted that the charter does not clearly define the procedure for an arrested sitting mayor. Governor Ron DeSantis holds the power to remove elected officials and was contacted for comment on Friday, though no announcement has been made regarding Espinosa's status.