News Summary
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill faces a criminal investigation while campaigning for re-election. Accused of exploiting a 97-year-old friend, Hill allegedly misappropriated over $100,000. Despite her suspension and impending trial, she continues her campaign for the District 5 seat, raising questions about public service amid legal scrutiny. Hill maintains her innocence and seeks re-instatement to her residence as legal proceedings unfold.
Orlando – Regina Hill, the suspended Orlando City Commissioner, is attempting to secure re-election while facing a criminal investigation and an impending trial. Her situation involves allegations of exploiting a long-time friend and co-owner of her residence, a 97-year-old woman, from whom Hill is accused of misappropriating over $100,000. This amount was allegedly taken from the woman’s accounts using her power of attorney for personal expenses, including luxury purchases.
A virtual court hearing was held on June 17, 2025, attended by Hill and her attorney, as they seek resolution in a civil case that could allow her to return to the home they shared. Hill was previously banned from the property prior to her arrest on charges of criminal exploitation. Despite being barred from the location, her legal representatives argue for her reinstatement, indicating that Hill is still responsible for covering the expenses associated with the property while the elderly co-owner resides in a nursing home in Tampa.
Hill’s re-election campaign is ongoing despite her suspension and the looming possibility of her trial, which could begin as early as this fall. The judge who ordered her to stay away from the property previously emphasized the need for Hill’s compliance with the directive. Her attorneys have expressed optimism about finding a resolution to their civil case, suggesting that they may require additional time for negotiations.
Following her arrest, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from her duties, which included multiple counts against her regarding elderly exploitation and mortgage fraud. These developments took place after a thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which lasted 13 months. Despite the serious nature of the charges and her suspension, Hill continues to campaign for the District 5 seat she currently holds on the Orlando City Council. She attributes this decision to encouragement from community members who still support her.
Hill has maintained her innocence regarding the allegations but has refrained from discussing the specific charges, citing the ongoing investigation as the reason. She indicated that if found not guilty in the upcoming trial, she might be allowed to return to office and complete her term. The trial is currently anticipated to take place in May 2025, presenting a critical juncture for Hill’s political career.
Orlando’s next city elections are scheduled for November 4, 2025, when multiple City Council seats, including District 5, will be contested. Hill’s candidacy raises questions about the intersection of legal challenges and public service, as voters must decide whether to support a candidate under such serious scrutiny. The circumstances surrounding her situation bring attention to the responsibilities of public officials and the potential implications of their actions on the communities they serve.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the election date approaches, the residents of Orlando will be watching closely to see how Hill’s case impacts her campaign and the larger context of local governance.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Suspended Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill Restraining Order
- WFTV: Suspended Commissioner Regina Hill Nears Deal in Civil Case
- Florida Politics: Regina Hill Files for Re-election
- Orlando Sentinel: Regina Hill’s Home Condemnation
- Google Search: Regina Hill Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
