Joe is a fourth-generation Sarasotan descendant of Ringling Circus chief tentmaker William Hobson, his great grandfather who moved the family to Sarasota in 1922. A 1996 Cardinal Mooney High School graduate, Joe is also a graduate of both Florida State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and the University of South Florida, where he earned his MBA.
Joe is a partner at Robinson Gruters and Roberts, a CPA firm with offices in Sarasota County.
For the last 25 years, Joe has worked at the grassroots level as a Republican Party activist and leader. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota for 14 years, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida for 4 years where he was undefeated in state-wide elections, and served as member of the Republican National Committee for 4 years where he served as Chairman of the Election Integrity committee.
Joe has also served as a member of the Electoral College representing Florida during the 2016 and 2020 elections and was the co-chairman of the 2016 Republican National Committees platform committee on Restoring the American Dream.
Joe currently serves as a State Senator representing Sarasota and Manatee Counties. He serves as the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Chairman.
Joe is an active member of the Sarasota County community and local government. He has served as Chairman of the Sarasota County Planning Commission, on the Board of Directors for the Florida Sports Foundation, as Treasurer for the Sarasota Humane Society, and as a Governor Rick Scott Appointee to the Board of Trustees for Florida State University, where he was Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee and Presidential Compensation Committee. Joe currently serves on the University of South Florida Community Leadership Counsel at the Sarasota Campus.
Joe is married to Sydney and they have three children – Spencer, Jack, and Elizabeth.