Danny Robins
Robins, 41, grew up in Saugerties, New York, and owns Make Way Fishing Charters after serving as a Daytona Beach police officer. He has represented District 3 on the Volusia County Council and finished second in the August 18, 2026 primary with 38.7%, forcing a November runoff against Bryon White. His campaign lists public safety, conservation and outdoor access, and fiscal responsibility as priorities; he declined interview requests and did not answer the News 6 voter guide questionnaire.
How they got on the ballot: Second in Aug 18 primary with 38.9% (9,174)
Campaign finance: state and county candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections or the county Supervisor of Elections. Search contributions ↗
Sources last checked 2026-10-16. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Leans agree· based on record
At the County Council's final budget hearing on Sept. 22, 2026 he voted for the rolled-back general-fund rate of 3.1007 mills and proposed cutting the county's law library program budget as one way to reach it, saying the county would still meet its legal obligations.
"We're not going to be, I'd say, defunding them. We're meeting our thresholds legally."
Property taxes Strongly agrees· stated position
Says he will vote yes on Amendment 3; argues homeowners should not keep paying on unrealized gains and that lost revenue need not all be replaced, with spending set by public priorities.
"Yes, I will be voting Yes on Amendment 3. If you truly own your home, you shouldn’t have to pay unrealized gains continuously to the government."
Housing affordability Leans agree· stated position
Lists support for more than $80 million in affordable housing initiatives funded by state and federal grants, and a policy allowing accessory structures on residential property to add affordable options for seniors and young families.
"Supported over $80 million in affordable housing initiatives by using State & Federal grants."
Environment & water Leans agree· stated position
His campaign lists many council votes he supported for water quality and conservation, including septic-to-sewer conversions near the Mosquito Lagoon, more than $124 million in water-quality grants, buying and restoring a 5,578-acre property near Lake Harney, and a policy requiring at least 35% of natural land to be kept when land is developed.
"Supported policy to preserve at least 35% of natural environment while developing land."
Growth & development Leans disagree· stated position
Robins has argued that most of the county's growth is happening inside cities and outside the County Council's control, and has questioned raising impact fees on the grounds that the cost is passed on to homebuyers. In a 2022 candidate interview he said the council should balance ecological and economic concerns rather than stop development.
"It's a tricky subject because you want houses and everything to remain affordable. You want your kids to stay and grow up here, but meanwhile we're pricing them out."
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
Says he fully funded law enforcement, fire and EMS and backed pay raises for first responders. He also pushed sex-offender distance rules 50% stricter than state law and an inmate subsistence fee.
"Fully funded our Law Enforcement, Fire Services, EMS transport services."
Veterans Leans agree· stated position
Lists support for a new Veterans Services Facility in Daytona Beach and additional veterans' services, plus a veteran donation and sponsorship program.
"Supported the New Veterans Services Facility in Daytona Beach and additional services for veterans."
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Sept. 23, 2026 debate with Bryon White — At a Sept. 23 debate in New Smyrna Beach, Robins said the county is limited in stopping developments in unincorporated areas under state property-rights law but must weigh location, infrastructure and impact fees. He defended not joining the SB 180 lawsuit, saying suing the state could cost Volusia state funding for stormwater projects.
Record: votes, actions and documented facts
- Campaign materials highlight land conservation, flood-reduction projects and stricter distance requirements for sex offenders as work done during his council term.
- Voted Sept. 22, 2026, with a unanimous County Council, to adopt the rolled-back general-fund millage of 3.1007 for FY2026-27, and suggested cutting the law library program budget to help fund the rollback.
- Oct. 6, 2026: cast the lone vote against first reading of the county ordinance banning large-scale (50 MW+) data centers in unincorporated Volusia (passed 6-1). In the News 6 guide he said data centers should be judged on compatibility, tax benefit, jobs and utility rates.