Letter to : The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida
Tracy Robinson
Pete Mobley Foundation
www.petemobleyfoundation.org
Madison County, Florida
September 13, 2025
The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida
Dear Governor DeSantis,
My name is Tracy Robinson, and I served as a statewide contractor Senior Coordinator Planner for FDEM during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. I witnessed your tireless efforts to protect Floridians and am deeply grateful for your leadership, which saved countless communities. I also want to thank you for protecting homeowners through House Bill 621 (HB 621) – Residential Squatter Reform.
My uncle, Marvin “Pete” Mobley—the first Black police officer in Madison County—faced squatters in his home, leading us to fight in court for nearly four years. In the third year, you passed HB 621, which requires squatters’ removal once an affidavit is filed with the sheriff’s office. Sadly, Madison County Clerk of Court Billy Washington and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department opposed your law and refused to enforce it.
At 94, my "Uncle Pete" went to the courthouse to reclaim his home; the deed was fraudulent—lacking an oath, notarized by an expired notary, photocopy of another house deed, with a rejected clerk stamp, and no witnesses. Despite this, Clerk of Court Billy Washington denied him possession. While allowing his house to be effectively stolen for almost 20 years, forcing him and me, his sole heir, to fight approximately four years in court to regain it, putting a trespass on me so I couldn’t even access the house[ Which had my name on it], and then requiring me to pay years of back taxes to prevent the property from being sold in a tax lien sale—it was not only unfair, it was egregious. Thanks to your law, thousands of Floridians, especially elderly homeowners, now have a clear path to defend what they’ve built. I eventually recovered the house, but Uncle Pete passed away before the victory.
Mismanagement of Government Resources: This situation is a clear example of how government officials can mismanage both county time and county money—forcing families to endure years of legal battles, paying unnecessary back taxes, and allowing preventable injustices to occur, all while misallocating resources that should serve the public.
I believe your proposed property tax reforms will hold counties accountable while encouraging innovative solutions to reduce violence and strengthen local economies. For example, Madison County, Florida, could serve as a pilot community for AI and technology innovation, an “E-County” with free internet for children to promote AI learning, a hub for hurricane survivors, or a center utilizing opportunity zones to bring lasting benefits to residents. Property taxes should not be the only answer, as so many homes are wrongfully taken by tax lien sales.
Resistance to change and possible mismanagement of county funds harmed my uncle, Marvin “Pete” Mobley. He worked for both the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department. The Police Department withheld approximately $700 per month from his pension, while the Sheriff’s Department flatly denied him his pension. As his trustee and sole heir, we were denied information and communication about his pension while he was alive and after his death, despite a psychiatric evaluation confirming he was of sound mind and wanted to address his house, taxes, and pensions with local leaders. Failure to implement change and possible mismanagement are the root problems. In the early 1990s Uncle Pete told me Madison County Florida held a budget cut meeting; Official voted that Mr. Marvin Pete Mobley should not get his retirement due to lack of budget. Real reform is needed—If property taxes alone cant help with the budget and give the First Black Law Enforcement officer his Pension, the county is failing residents and has been falling behind for a long time.
Governor, I strongly support your vision for homeowner protection and property tax reform. Small towns can reduce reliance on property taxes by embracing diversified revenue streams that distribute responsibility fairly and stimulate local economies. Examples include:
Expanded Sales Tax – broadening taxable items like tobacco and alcohol to generate consistent local revenue.
Tourism & Hospitality Taxes – levies on hotels, Airbnbs, attractions, and entertainment.
Real Estate Transfer Tax – ensuring new transactions contribute to community development.
Vehicle Registration Fees – earmarked for roads and transportation improvements.
Utility Taxes or Franchise Fees – on electric, gas, water, or telecom services.
Developer Impact Fees – ensuring new growth funds necessary infrastructure.
Excise Taxes – on alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and legal cannabis.
Special Assessment Districts – targeted community upgrades funded by those who benefit.
Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) – for infrastructure projects that create jobs.
Fines & Penalties – for code violations, property abandonment, and AHCA compliance failures.
State & Federal Grants – that help the County
County-Owned Enterprises – utilities, broadband, or renewable energy projects.
Investment Pools / Endowments – building long-term, sustainable revenue.
I also want to draw attention to nursing home conditions in Madison County Florida . Many facilities operated by out-of-state owners have allowed preventable injuries, citations for insect in the bed, AC not working and bedsores among many patients. They should face county fees and tax penalties, creating an incentive to enforce quality care standards rather than turn a blind eye.
Governor DeSantis, while some local officials like County Clerk Billy Washington have resisted your property tax elimination proposal- Both Republican and Democrat residents of Madison County—especially elderly homeowners—strongly support your vision for homeowner protection and property tax reform. If you ever need assistance here, I stand ready to help advance policies that protect families, honor public service, and strengthen communities.
Thank you again for your leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Florida.
Respectfully,
Tracy Robinson
Founder & Chair, Pete Mobley Legacy Foundation
Madison County, Florida
