OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered the immediate suspension of Kissimmee Mayor Eva Jacqulyn Espinosa following her arrest on charges of grand theft and scheme to defraud, according to the supplied text of an executive order dated Friday, Oct. 30.
Executive Order 26-226 removes Espinosa from her duties as mayor and as the holder of City Commission Seat 5. It also prohibits her from receiving pay, allowances or other privileges of office during the suspension.
According to the order, Espinosa was arrested Oct. 21 and charged with two felony counts: grand theft under Florida Statutes section 812.014(2)(b)(1) and scheme to defraud under section 817.034(4)(a)(1).
The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt.
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What the order means for City Hall
The suspension takes effect immediately and remains in place until a further executive order is issued or as otherwise provided by law. It is a suspension, not a permanent removal from office.
DeSantis requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, assisted by other agencies as necessary, help with the transition. The order also asks law enforcement to ensure that neither Espinosa nor her staff removes files, documents, notes, records, computers or removable storage media from the mayor’s office.
The order does not name a replacement mayor or explain who will assume the mayor’s duties.
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Details of the allegations not included in supplied text
The order states that Espinosa was elected in November 2024. It cites the governor’s authority under the Florida Constitution and state law to suspend municipal officials facing qualifying criminal charges.
Although the order references an arrest warrant, affidavit and formal charging document as attachments, those materials were not included in the supplied text.
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The text therefore does not establish the underlying conduct alleged, the amount of money involved or whether the accusations relate to Espinosa’s official duties.
The order bears an Oct. 30 signature date and a Department of State filing stamp of 2:47 p.m. that day.
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