Kissimmee Mayor to Pay $2,000 Fine and Face Censure

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa will pay a $2,000 civil penalty and accept a formal censure following a unanimous decision by the Florida Commission on Ethics on Friday, October 23. The ruling resolves a complaint regarding her handling of business relief funds during the pandemic. Residents of Kissimmee will see the mayor remain in office for the time being, though she faces separate criminal charges.

The commission found that Espinosa violated Section 112.3137 of the Florida Statutes. The statute prohibits public officials from maintaining employment or contractual relationships with entities doing business with their agency. The joint resolution agreement also includes a public reprimand. The fine is the maximum amount the commission can impose in a civil case.

The ethics case centers on $50,000 in grants awarded through the City of Kissimmee's "Business Boost 2.0" program. Espinosa, as mayor, helped create and expand the program. She then sought grants for businesses linked to herself or her relatives. City staff raised ethical concerns about the allocations, which were disregarded according to state investigators.

A review of the 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 grants totaling $50,000 went to entities owned by Espinosa or her family. $15,000 was awarded to The Real Estate Gallery, owned by her husband. Another $15,000 went to The Kissimmee Diner, which closed five months after receiving the money. The final grant of $20,000 was given to Andanse LLC, a company Espinosa owns and leases with a family member.

The ethics ruling came days after Espinosa was arrested on Wednesday for grand theft and fraud. State Attorney General and Department of Law Enforcement officials allege she manipulated the grant program for personal financial gain. She posted a $70,000 bond on Thursday night and was released from jail. In a brief statement to reporters, she urged voters to participate in the November 3 election.

Lillian Evans, one of three complainants, argued that the $2,000 fine was too lenient. She attended the hearing but was not allowed to speak. Evans stated that she felt relief that the city was taking action against an official who took money from its residents. The city confirmed that Espinosa remains mayor unless she is suspended, removed, or resigns. Governor Ron DeSantis has the authority to remove elected officials, but his office has not yet announced a decision regarding her position.