Doug Belden

FSC Foundation Chairman

Tax Collector for Hillsborough County

Elected on November 3rd 1998, Doug Belden brought public and private sector experience to the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office. He worked in real estate development before joining the staff of the State Attorney’s Office as administrator of the Elderly Abuse Task Force. He is a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School and the University of South Florida. He has a son, Doug Jr., and lives with him on Harbour Island. He is also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mr. Belden’s family has long been involved in Hillsborough County public service. His father, the late Doug Belden Sr., a former University of Florida football standout, was once Tampa's youngest City Council member at age 26. His grandfather, the late Dr. Edward L. Flynn, a prominent oral surgeon in Tampa, served as chairman of the Hillsborough County Hospital and Welfare Board and also served on the city's first Biracial Committee.

Mr. Belden remains dedicated to public service through his involvement with community organizations. He has served, in varying capacities, organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Under Mr. Belden’s guidance, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office received the Governor’s Sterling Quality Achievement award for Visionary Leadership due to the organizations high level of customer satisfaction. In 2008, the Tax Collector’s office received the Governor’s Sterling Award for Performance Excellence making the office the first county tax collector in the state and the first government organization in Hillsborough County to win this prestigious award.

As Tax Collector, Doug Belden’s goal is simple: To save the taxpayers money through the consolidation and efficiency, while improving service for the public. His pledge is to make the Hillsborough County Tax Collection system “the most modern and efficient in the state.