Tax Talk: January 2026

Title: General Counsel
Hometown:  North Palm Beach, Florida
Favorite Activity: Restoring old cars
Favorite Cuisine: Mediterranean

For the past five years, Hampton Peterson has been leading our organization’s Legal, Field Services, and Facilities departments.

The Legal department handles everything from contracts and litigation to bankruptcy proceedings filed by individuals and businesses, to public record requests. The team also processes tax deed applications for properties with past due property taxes that are going to tax deed auction.

“What I enjoy most about my job is the variety of things I am responsible for each day,” says Hampton, who also responds to any day-to-day legal questions that may arise.

The Field Services team pursues payments from taxpayers who have unpaid fees, handles charges for delinquent accounts, and identifies businesses that do not have required Local Business Tax Receipts.

The Facilities team manages our proprietary properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Greenacres and Westlake. The team oversees such tasks as sourcing bids from contractors and ensuring the HVAC systems are working, as well as day-to-day maintenance of our facilities.

I am grateful to Hampton and his team for the support they provide to all of us at the TCO! 

Did you know that failing to surrender a valid Florida license plate that is no longer in use could lead to unexpected consequences, including the possible suspension of your driver’s license?

Why Surrender Your Plate?

When a license plate is no longer attached to a registered vehicle, it must be properly surrendered for the following reasons:

• Avoid License Suspension: The most immediate concern is preventing a driver license suspension that can be triggered by having an unused, but still valid, license plate on file.
• Prevent Fraud and Misuse: An improperly surrendered plate can be vulnerable to fraud or misuse. If the plate is used in a fraudulent or illegal manner, it will always be connected back to your name.
• Peace of Mind: Properly surrendering your plate severs the legal connection to you, giving you assurance that you won’t be held responsible for its future use.

How to Surrender Your License Plate

It is a simple process that can save you significant inconvenience down the road. You can surrender your valid Florida license plate in one of two ways:

By Mail, or  In-Person

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of honoring our Palm Beach County Vietnam Veterans and their spouse and family members through our participation in the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration pin distribution program.  Over 1,300 local veterans and their families have participated in the program since we started distributing the pins in 2020. 

Along with the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, we have been proud partners with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. This national Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the president in 2012. Its primary purpose is to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Last year, (2025) marked the end of this commemoration program and as we conclude our participation in the program, I encourage everyone to join the Nation and thank a Vietnam veteran!

Every year we participate in the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s holiday Money Drop event. The Money Drop is an annual tradition that takes place in the Palm Beach Governmental Center where offices compete to make the best vessel (float) decorated with money donated by staff. Each vessel, constructed with materials donated by employees, is lowered down the six-story atrium to the ground floor, where the money used to decorate the vessel is collected and donated to the selected charities. Each vessel is then judged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for best in show.

This year our creative team created a cozy fireplace with a chimney, featuring realistic looking flames topped off with a small stream of steam to mimic smoke rising from the chimney. The hard work that went into this was well worth it as we are thrilled to announce