Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, long considered a possible contender for Tampa Mayor in 2027, will be making his decision “in the coming weeks,” he posted Tuesday on Facebook.
Henriquez is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as Property Appraiser and isn’t up for re-election until 2028. Tampa’s mayoral election is in 2027.
“After a long and considerable amount of reflection and after being encouraged for a number of years by many friends, neighbors, and community leaders I want to share where I stand today regarding the race for Mayor of Tampa,” Henriquez wrote, adding that it is not a decision he takes lightly.
“I have a great deal of respect for several of the current candidates, many of whom I have worked alongside and built lasting relationships with over the years. In fact, some are dear friends. They are dedicated public servants who care deeply about our city,” he wrote, not disclosing candidates for which he was referencing.
There are currently 11 candidates filed for the race, not including former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn who has said he plans to run and has already raised $1.8 million for an eventual bid through an affiliated political committee.
Henriquez has had occasion to work with Buckhorn as their time in elected office overlapped. Tampa City Council members Bill Carlson and Lynn Hurtak are also running and would have reason to have professional encounters with Henriquez as the current Property Appraiser.
But while Henriquez gave a nod to some of the current mayoral candidates, he hinted that the best person for the job might not yet be in the mix.
“It has become increasingly clear to me that many citizens of Tampa feel that the current field does not fully reflect the new direction they are seeking for our community,” he wrote, adding that “Tampa is ready for a fresh approach that builds upon the strengths of both current and past administrations, but also recognizes that our city must evolve to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
That’s a nod to both incumbent Mayor Jane Castor and likely Buckhorn, her predecessor.
Henriquez may have also been hinting at some of the hostility that has at times been on display between City Council and the Mayor’s office in both administrations. Carlson had a cantankerous relationship with both Buckhorn and Castor, and Hurtak, while not seen as combative, has also diverged from Castor’s administration since she took office in 2022 as an appointee. She was later elected to the seat in 2023.
“More than anything, residents are asking for an end to the rancor and dysfunction that too often distracts from the real work of improving neighborhoods, transportation, supporting families and ensuring opportunity for all,” he wrote.
Henriquez said he will “carefully weigh” his responsibility to his family, and to his current role as Property Appraiser before making a decision.
Prior to his first election as Property Appraiser, Henriquez served eight years as a state Representative. He also previously worked as a county planner and administrator for the Department of Children and Families, where he oversaw some 300 employees. Henriquez is a graduate of Princeton University.
In addition to his elected service, Henriquez also formerly served as the head coach for Tampa Catholic’s football team, and as an assistant coach at Jefferson and Hillsborough High Schools. At Tampa Catholic, which he also attended as a student, Henriquez led the Crusaders to 13 playoff berths, seven district titles and two appearances in the state championships.
As Property Appraiser, Henriquez oversees a countywide tax roll of more than $100 billion, including from real property and all tangible business property. The county is home to more than 500,000 parcels. Henriquez’s Office also administers property tax exemptions, including homestead, personal military and veteran and senior citizen tax breaks. His office also administers agriculture classifications.
