CHRIS HUGHES - Biography

Personal E-mail: chrishughes@okaloosatax.com

Chris Hughes is originally from Panama City, Florida, and has served as the Okaloosa County Tax Collector since 1993. Upon taking office, Chris Hughes rapidly became known as an innovator in tax collections in the State of Florida by becoming one of the first Tax Collectors to fully integrate the use of personal computers to handle all tax collection functions.

Since taking office, Chris Hughes has pioneered ways to collect funds efficiently while trying to make the process as painless for the customer as possible. Chris Hughes was one of the first Tax Collectors in the country to accept credit cards for tax payments both in the office and over the Internet, and developed the first web based Tax Certificate Sale. He has been selected by his peers and state agencies to pilot several new programs that have been adopted by every Tax Collector in the State of Florida. Chris Hughes has served as the President of the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, the President of the Florida Association of Constitutional Officer Associations and the Founding Chairman of the Florida Local Government Internet Consortium.

In 2006, Chris Hughes was honored to be named the Outstanding County Treasurer of the United States. The Victor Martinelli Award is given each year by the National Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers.

Chris Hughes is an active member of the National Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers and the National Association of County Officers. Chris Hughes currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Assoiciation of  BusinessTaxing Officials. 

Chris Hughes’ wife, Dr. Vickie Hughes, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Certified Nurse Practitioner for the United States Air Force. Chris and Vickie have been happily married for twenty three years. They have two children.