Michael Jaray Dobson

October 21, 1958 – January 13, 2026 Michael Jaray Dobson, a third-generation Floridian, longtime Tallahassee-based lobbyist, political consultant, businessman, writer, and devoted man of faith, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 67. Born in Mulberry, Florida, to Jerome Foster and Elease Simon, Michael spent his early years between Bartow, Florida, and Elizabeth, New Jersey, where his mother introduced him to the United Methodist Church—a faith that guided his life. He was an active member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, where he sang in the church choir and headed the jail and prison ministry. A graduate of Bethune-Cookman College, Michael’s professional career spanned insurance, rehabilitation services, and public policy. He served as President of Claimpro Insurance of Tampa before relocating to Tallahassee to pursue an MBA from Florida A&M University. He later worked in the Florida House of Representatives, served as Communications Director for the Federation of Physicians and Dentists (AFL-CIO), and founded Dobson and Associates in the mid-1990s. Over more than three decades, Michael became a respected political consultant and strategist, later founding the Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association, Talking Florida Politics, and serving as Chair of Florida Voters Campaign PAC. As a lobbyist, Michael shepherded the nation’s first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. specialty license plate, the “Live the Dream” plate, through Florida’s Legislature. In 2017, he became President of The Dream Foundation, Inc., expanding its mission and promoting Dr. King’s legacy. Guided by his faith and love for his family, Michael will be remembered for his leadership, compassion, and enduring commitment to service and unity. Michael is survived by his children: daughter Sameya Porter Roundtree and husband, Larry; daughter Mikaela Jaray Dobson; son Noah Michael Craig Dobson and wife, Jordan. Siblings: Rodney Dobson, Cheryl Maise, Pamela Suarez, Jerry Foster, Steve Foster, Gerald Simon, Cynthia Simon, and Maggie Foster; his former partner, Cynthia Craig, as well as several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church at 2 pm in Tallahassee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the jail and prison ministry at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church. Mr. Dobson is under the care of Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home, Tallahassee, Florida. 850.610.4444

Michael Jaray Dobson

October 21, 1958 - January 13, 2026