Candidate Kristina Kulpa Submits Qualifications

LABELLE, FL. -- Kristina Kulpa, Republican candidate for Hendry County Tax Appraiser has submitted for publication a letter of her qualifications and short biography. (The letter has been edited by Southwest Florida Online for length.)

A Florida resident since age one, Ms. Kulpa began her real estate career in 1978 with the Florida Department of Transportation, where she rose to the position of District Administrator of Outdoor Advertising. She was self-employed as an independent fee appraiser from 1986 to 1992 and 2009 to present with a stint as an appraiser for the Hendry County Property Appraiser’s Office in 1988-1989.

She was first elected as Hendry County Property Appraiser in 1992 and held this office for 4 consecutive terms.

She feels that in the current climate of economic turmoil, all elected officials have an obligation to exercise fiscal responsibility, ensure fairness in taxes and utilize foresight and planning to navigate the challenging times ahead.

Ms. Kulpa received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida and has attended the Florida State University, Center for Public Management where she is a candidate for the designation of Certified Public Manager. She is a graduate of the USF, Institute of Government and is a member of the USF, Executive Fellows Alumni Council.

Ms. Kulpa is licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations as a ‘Certified General Real Estate Appraiser’ and as a ‘Real Estate Broker.’ She is a designated “ASA” (Accredited Senior Appraiser in Ad Valorem) with the American Society of Appraisers and she is “IAAO Accredited” with the International Association of Assessing Officers. A minimum of 45 hours a year of continuing education in appraisal and real estate is mandatory to keep these licenses and certifications in good standing and Kristina is up to date.

She is a long standing member of the LaBelle Chamber of Commerce, the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, the LaBelle Heritage Museum, the Clewiston Museum, the LaBelle Garden Club, the Barron Library, the Hendry County Economic Development Council, Inc., the American Business Woman’s Association, the Caloosa Federated Republican Women (past president), Hendry Republican Executive Committee (precinct and state committeewoman) and the LaBelle/Immokalee Rotary Clubs. Kristina has been awarded the distinguished “Paul Harris Fellowship Award” one of Rotary’s highest honors based  on service above self. Other community activities have included participation in various fundraisers throughout the years such as the armadillo races at the Swamp Cabbage Festival, elementary school spaghetti dinners and events held for college scholarships. Kristina Kulpa is an American Cancer Society Relay for Life sponsor and she serves on the Caloosa Humane Society Board and Boy Scouts of America SWFL Council.


Kristina Kulpa and her crop duster husband Steve Fletcher moved to LaBelle 34 years ago to pursue Steve’s career in agriculture and raise a family in a rural setting. They have two sons who are both Eagle Scouts; Walter Fletcher, graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Business Real Estate/Finance and is currently working for the family business “Fletcher Flying Service” as COO and as Kristina’s Campaign Manager; Spencer Fletcher, a senior at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point N.Y. who was selected by his peers to be Regimental Staff Honor Board Chairman and also Senior Class President. He plans to continue his career as a military officer.

kristinakulpa@hotmail.com or 863-517-1258.