Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-226, effectively removing Kissimmee Mayor Eva Jacqulyn "Jackie" Espinosa from her role. This decision comes just nine days after Espinosa's arrest on charges of grand theft and organized fraud, linked to the alleged misappropriation of federal pandemic relief funds.
As a result of this suspension, Espinosa is barred from performing mayoral duties, receiving her salary, or enjoying any related benefits during the suspension period.
Immediate Leadership Change in Kissimmee
Following the city's charter, Vice Mayor Angela Eady has stepped in as the interim mayor. Her transition to this role leaves her District 2 commissioner seat vacant, prompting the City Commission to appoint a new representative.
Background on the Fraud Case
The allegations against Espinosa stem from the Business Boost 2.0 program, which was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Espinosa, who took office in November 2024, was instrumental in promoting this program and later submitted three applications on its opening day in September 2025 for businesses connected to her family: Adanse LLC ($20,000), Kissimmee Diner Inc./Matador Tacos & Tapas ($15,000), and The Real Estate Gallery LLC ($15,000).
In total, seven businesses located on family-owned properties received $90,000, with $50,000 going to businesses owned by her family and $40,000 to tenants. These funds were deposited into family accounts on November 7 of the same year.
Legal Ramifications and Arrest
On December 5, 2025, the city attorney warned Espinosa that accepting these funds could lead to a prohibited conflict of interest and advised her to return the money. Authorities claim she refused to comply. Subsequently, on October 21, she was arrested for second-degree grand theft related to amounts between $20,000 and $100,000, and for a first-degree organized fraud scheme exceeding $50,000, which could result in up to 30 years in prison.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier condemned her actions, stating, "Public officials cannot write the rules and then cut themselves a check. The mayor used her position to propel a COVID grant program and then extracted $50,000 for her family's businesses, despite being warned it was forbidden."
State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia remarked, "Public service is named so for a reason, it is not self-service. Jackie Espinosa betrayed that trust and profited at taxpayers' expense."
Legal Defense and Public Reaction
Initially held without bail, Espinosa was later released on a $70,000 bond—$20,000 for grand theft and $50,000 for fraud. Upon release from Osceola County Jail, she reassured Kissimmee residents, "We will be okay."
Her lawyer, Migdalia Pérez, argues, "There is a fundamental difference between an alleged ethical violation and a criminal offense," emphasizing the need for the state to prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two days post-arrest, the Florida Commission on Ethics approved a settlement where Espinosa admitted to breaching state ethics laws. As part of the agreement, she will pay a $2,000 fine and issue a public apology.
Community and Demographic Context
Jackie Espinosa, 58, is a Puerto Rican-American politician and real estate investor born in New Jersey. According to Ballotready, she graduated with a degree in Legal Studies in 1989 and, after acquiring real estate and mortgage management licenses, founded multiple firms in the city.
Kissimmee, home to about 85,000 residents in Osceola County, has a population that is approximately 68% Hispanic, including thousands of small business owners who sought similar pandemic relief. The county is also home to around 16,900 Cuban-origin residents.
Espinosa is scheduled for her next court appearance on December 1, 2026.
Key Questions About Jackie Espinosa's Case
What led to Jackie Espinosa's suspension as mayor?
Jackie Espinosa was suspended following her arrest on charges of grand theft and organized fraud related to the misuse of federal pandemic relief funds.
Who is currently serving as interim mayor of Kissimmee?
Angela Eady, the vice mayor, has stepped in as the interim mayor following Espinosa's suspension.
What are the legal consequences Jackie Espinosa faces?
Espinosa faces charges of second-degree grand theft and a first-degree organized fraud scheme, carrying a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison.