Legislative Update: Register now for CPA Day at the Capitol

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

The FICPA is excited to announce that registration is now open for our CPA Day at the Capitol, scheduled for Dec. 3, 2025, in Tallahassee.  
 
Last February's CPA Day at the Capitol played a vital role in our advocacy efforts, as more than 100 participants took meetings or delivered legislative materials to every single member of the Florida House and Senate. As Session drew to a close and the negotiations became tense, it was the work we did early on – and the impression you made during CPA Day – that resonated in the minds of Florida’s lawmakers. 
 
That’s why we’re asking you to make your plans now to join us in Tallahassee. Licensure remains a top issue for the Legislature, and it’s up to us to protect the profession. This is your chance to make your voice heard in the state capital and let state leaders know about the crucial role CPAs play in protecting the public interest and supporting a strong economy.  

Participants are grouped with key FICPA leadership or staff to hold meetings with legislators from their region, sharing firsthand the value and contributions of CPAs. Whether it’s your first CPA Day or you’ve attended for years, you’ll have the support and resources you need to confidently advocate for the profession or simply listen and learn alongside your group.   
 
Coordinate with your colleagues and come together in support of the CPA profession. Register now so we can count you in! 

Joint Legislative Budget Commission reviews Long-Range Financial Outlook 

The Joint Legislative Budget Commission met this week to review Florida’s Long-Range Financial Outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. This is a part of a report annually issued to the Legislature as required by the Florida Constitution. The report projects a surplus in 2026-27 but deficits in the two following years as spending outpaces revenue growth. The largest long-term budget pressures are expected in human services, natural resources and statewide disaster preparedness. While revenues are projected to hold steady overall, tobacco-related revenues are expected to keep falling and corporate income tax collections are forecast to soften. Meanwhile, expenditures are set to rise, driven by Medicaid costs, growing education enrollment, state employee health benefits and continued transfers to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.  Despite the projected deficits in later years, Florida currently maintains strong reserve balances and continues to meet statutory reserve requirements. Read the full report here.  

Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday begins 

This past Session, the Legislature passed a sales tax holiday on the purchase of hunting, fishing and camping equipment, which was subsequently signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This Monday, Sept. 8, began the four-month-long sales tax holiday which will end on Dec. 31. Eligible items include tents, bait and tackle, reels and rods, assorted camping and fishing equipment and hunting supplies. The sales tax holiday does not apply to rentals of any eligible items or purchases for commercial use. For more, read the Florida Department of Revenue's Tax Information Publication (TIP).

Gov. Affairs and KPCs Meet with Rep. Esposito  

Last Wednesday, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell and a pair of FICPA Key Person Contacts (KPCs) met with State Representative Tiffany Esposito in Fort Myers to discuss issues of importance to the CPA profession. Rep. Esposito chairs the House Careers and Workforce Subcommittee, which focuses on developing policies and programs that focus on student success and addressing workforce needs at the local, regional and state level. As the days to Session continue to countdown, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team will continue to have meetings with legislators as part of the important prework leading to Session.  

How can you help? Join the FICPA KPC Program 

If you have a relationship with a member of the Florida Legislature or Cabinet and would like to participate in the FICPA’s strong advocacy strategy, join our KPC program today. KPCs are FICPA members who have established relationships with their local legislators or Cabinet officials. Whether it’s sending a quick message, making a phone call or participating in strategic outreach, these personal connections help advance the profession’s priorities when it matters most. Join our KPC Program here.