The Florida Commission on Ethics announced Wednesday that there is probable cause to believe businesses owned by Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa and her family illegally received funds from a city grant program. The state commission's conclusion follows an investigation into the Business Boost 2.0 initiative, which was funded by federal pandemic money launched in September 2025. This development marks a significant escalation in scrutiny of the mayor elected in 2024, as it provides formal grounds for potential legal or political consequences regarding her use of public funds.
State Findings and Local Deadlock
The probable cause finding was announced via press release following a closed-door meeting on Aug. 28. The state's determination is not a final verdict but establishes that the commission believes Espinosa violated laws governing the receipt of city grants. This state-level action follows an earlier attempt by the Kissimmee City Commission to impeach Espinosa over these same allegations, which ended in a deadlock last month.
During a special meeting on Aug. 18 attended by more than 150 residents, the city commission was divided 2-2 on whether to proceed with articles of impeachment against Espinosa. Consequently, no action was taken locally, leaving the state ethics panel as the primary body determining if the mayor acted improperly regarding the $50,000 collected through linked businesses.
Separate Complaint and Mayor's Response
In a separate complaint filed against Espinosa, the commission found no probable cause. That specific charge alleged that the mayor failed to report a gift over $100; however, officials determined she merely "had disclosed the gift on the wrong form, based on the advice of the City Attorney." While this particular allegation was dismissed, the primary ethics violation regarding grant funds remains active, a story we covered in Grand Jury Finds DeSantis Admin Misused $10M.
Espinosa has denied wrongdoing in earlier interviews with a special prosecutor and local media. On Tuesday, before the commission released its decision, she announced via social media that she would speak out on the allegations but only to "select reporters." She stated she wished to express her position without the substance being overshadowed by sensationalism, noting that while she respects journalism, certain standards are not always reflected in traditional press conferences, as this newspaper reported in Grand Jury Finds DeSantis Admin Misused $10M.
Investigation Background
The probe began following complaints filed by Kissimmee residents in March regarding Espinosa using a small-business grant program for personal gain. A July 23 report by Special Prosecutor Mayanne Downs found probable cause that Espinosa violated city ethics codes by participating in official actions to fund and expand the program while her family's businesses collected money from it, confirmed by El Universo.
The prosecutor noted that Espinosa claimed she was only warned she could not take the money after it had already been disbursed. Furthermore, Downs reported that Espinosa did not attempt to return the funds after receiving a warning from the then-city attorney; instead, she led an effort to fire that attorney citing job performance. The prosecutor recommended that the city commission launch impeachment proceedings and refer the matter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Next Steps
Espinosa has until Sept. 16 to request a public hearing on the matters outlined in the commission's order filed Wednesday. Her office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment regarding the latest state findings or her upcoming deadline for requesting a hearing.
