Legislative Update: Election season heating up; FICPA political affairs in full swing
July 24, 2026
Just as the summer months bring the heat, election season is heating up in Florida, with just 25 days until the state’s Primary Election. In the coming weeks, you'll no doubt see more political advertisements in your mailbox, online and on television.
At the same time, the FICPA is working hard to ensure the CPA profession has a strong voice in the political process, as we keep our members fully updated on what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.
The political offseason is an important time for FICPA advocacy. This is when the Governmental Affairs Team has the opportunity to build relationships with legislators and enhance our grassroots outreach to support our work when they return to Tallahassee.
This update highlights the FICPA's advocacy efforts and engagement with some of the highest levels of political leadership in Florida. From national advocacy conferences and legislative engagement to grassroots outreach, the FICPA continues to take a leading role in advocating for the profession while preparing for Florida's 2026 election cycle.
FICPA Attends AICPA & CPA/SEA Interchange
Last week, the FICPA attended AICPA & CPA/SEA Interchange in Indianapolis. Interchange is an annual event that brings together CPA societies from across the country to share ideas, exchange best practices and strengthen connections with peers.
This year, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team took on a leadership role, with Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell presenting on a pair of conference panels.
On Wednesday, Harrell joined a panel discussion focused on advocacy days at state capitols. As the FICPA has continued to expand its own CPA Day at the Capitol, held each winter before the start of Florida's Legislative Session, Harrell shared insights with fellow CPA societies on planning and executing a successful advocacy day that maximizes legislative engagement and advances the profession's priorities.
On Thursday, Harrell was part of “The New Deregulation Handbook”panel. The FICPA recently concluded a legislative battle that spanned two extended Sessions and represented one of the greatest threats the CPA profession has ever faced. Professional licensure and mobility remain priorities for the Florida Legislature, which requires continued strong advocacy on behalf of the profession. The key to being successful against future threats to the license is to build our political strength today.
Other states are now beginning to face their own licensure and deregulation proposals. Drawing on Florida's experience, Harrell shared strategies with fellow state societies, including proactively identifying efficiencies in licensure, cultivating key legislative relationships, communicating with and educating CPA members and adapting advocacy strategies to an evolving policy and political landscape.
The FICPA was proud to take a continued leadership role in national advocacy conversations during Interchange and will continue serving as a resource for CPA societies across the country.
FICPA Attends American Legislative Exchange Council Annual Meeting
This week, the FICPA attended the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) annual meeting in Orlando.
ALEC is a nonprofit membership organization that brings together state legislators and private-sector stakeholders from across the country to develop and share model state law. Through research, collaboration and policy discussions, ALEC provides a forum for experts to discuss business and economic issues facing the states with a focus on promoting efficient, effective and accountable government.
As the FICPA continues to lead conversations surrounding licensure and the role CPAs play in strengthening Florida's business community, the Governmental Affairs Team attended ALEC to share ideas, build relationships and promote the profession among legislators from across the country. It is critically important that the FICPA and the CPA profession are part of these conversations as policies are shaped for the future.
FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir, Jason Harrell and Legislative and Political Affairs Manager Brayden Harrell attended the conference and joined the Florida Legislative Delegation at Florida Night to continue promoting the profession and ensuring Florida's CPAs are represented in every room and at every level of state government.
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GA Team Engaging Across the State
The FICPA continues to build momentum across the state, strengthening relationships with candidates, providing updates, educating stakeholders on the value of the license and ensuring the CPA profession has a seat at the table in Tallahassee. As highlighted in previous updates, the Governmental Affairs team has been traveling statewide to participate in candidate interviews, connecting CPAs with key policymakers and ensuring legislators understand the critical role CPAs play in Florida's economy. This week, Brayden Harrell attended an event hosted by an FICPA member and attended by several other local CPAs, including a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives. (Left to right: Yvonne Clayborne, CPA, Robyn Hattaway, Christine Noll-Rhan, CPA, Brayden Harrell, and Randy Coleman, CPA)
The FICPA is grateful for members who are actively engaged in the political process, helping strengthen relationships with policymakers who support Florida's business community and the CPA profession.
As election season continues, the FICPA remains committed to elevating the profession through strong advocacy, meaningful engagement and trusted relationships with leaders across the state.
FICPA Attends Board of Accountancy Meeting
Last week, Jason Harrell attended the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) meeting in Orlando. The FICPA remains committed to maintaining its strong relationship with the Board, values the Board’s expertise and leadership, and proudly attends every BOA meeting on behalf of Florida's CPA profession.
Election Season Heats Up: Why the Next 25 Days Matter
With Florida's primary election just 25 days away, election season is entering one of its most consequential phases. Over the coming weeks, candidates will make their final push to connect with voters, build momentum and distinguish themselves in competitive races across the state.
The Primary Election will be held on Aug. 18, with the mandatory early voting period running Aug. 8-15. While not every office will appear on every ballot, the primary will determine many nominees who will advance to the general election and, in some districts, effectively decide the race.
Following the primary, campaigns will quickly pivot toward the general election, which will be held on Nov. 3. Mandatory early voting for the general election will take place Oct. 24-31, marking the final stretch of one of Florida's most active election cycles.
The FICPA will continue engaging with candidates and elected officials throughout the election season while keeping members informed on important developments and what they mean for Florida's CPA profession.
Join Our Key Person Contact Program
One of the most impactful tools for connecting with lawmakers is our Key Person Contact (KPC) Program, a vital component of the FICPA's grassroots advocacy efforts.
KPC are FICPA members who have built meaningful relationships with their local legislators and are willing to assist the advocacy team with strategic outreach throughout the legislative process.
No one tells your story better than you do, and a local connection can make all the difference in Tallahassee. Whether it's a quick text message, a phone call or direct involvement in our advocacy efforts, KPC relationships help amplify the profession's voice when it matters most.