Legislative Update: FICPA honors lawmakers at Capitol

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

Lawmakers returned to Tallahassee this week for the first round of Interim Committee meetings, launching the early work of the 2026 Legislative Session. These meetings mark the start of months of policy development, as committees begin setting priorities, hearing agency updates and reviewing the implementation of recently passed legislation.  

To help kick off FICPA’s Committee Week work, FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir joined the Governmental Affairs Team in Tallahassee for a full week of advocacy and engagement on behalf of the CPA profession. Between official hearings, member meetings and ongoing outreach, the FICPA continued to build momentum around our 2026 priorities, meeting with key legislators, discussing key policy issues and presenting Legislative Awards to champions of the CPA profession from the 2025 Session. 

For the FICPA, these initial weeks are critical and provide valuable insight into the fiscal and policy issues shaping the road ahead. Early discussions centered on Florida’s economic outlook and state spending trends, and a growing roster of new bill filings is a clear sign that legislative momentum is beginning to build.  

Among the highlights, the Senate Appropriations Committee received a presentation on the Long-Range Financial Outlook from the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR). The FICPA previously reported on this same presentation when it was delivered to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. The briefing provided important context on the state’s financial position heading into the 2026 Session and identified emerging budgetary trends that could shape future policy discussions. You can find the full meeting packet here and a recording of the committee here. 

This update highlights FICPA activities and legislative engagement during the first Interim Committee Week, as preparations for the 2026 Legislative Session continue. 

FICPA Meets With Senate President Albritton

On Monday, the FICPA met with Senate President Ben Albritton to present him with our 2025 Legislative Statesman Award in recognition of his support for the CPA profession last Legislative Session. As President, Sen. Albritton serves as the chamber’s presiding officer and manages the operations of the Senate, including presiding over sessions. 

FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell, longtime external lobbyist Jennifer Green, and Key Person Contact Jim Luffman, CPA, presented the award and discussed key priorities for the upcoming Session. Having a strong supporter of the CPA profession in the Senate President is invaluable, as the FICPA continues advocating on behalf of Florida’s CPAs. The FICPA is grateful for Sen. Albritton's continued partnership and support. 

FICPA Continues Award Presentations to Senate Leadership 

In addition to our meeting with the Senate President, the FICPA continued to present awards to members of Senate leadership. On Tuesday, we delivered our 2025 Legislative Impact award to Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd.

This award recognizes Sen. Boyd’s collaborative leadership during the 2025 Legislative Session and his positive impact on the CPA profession. His partnership and engagement as a cosponsor of FICPA priority legislation and an advocate for the CPA license are deeply valued. The FICPA is proud to honor Sen. Boyd for his commitment and his continued support of Florida CPAs. Sen. Boyd is next in line to serve as Senate President and will assume the role following the conclusion of the 2026 election. 

On Wednesday, the FICPA presented the 2025 Legislative Advocate Award to Sen. Ed Hooper in recognition of his steadfast leadership and longstanding support of Florida’s CPA profession. 

Throughout his years of service, Sen. Hooper has been a consistent advocate for policies that strengthen the profession and protect the integrity of the CPA license. His ongoing partnership with the FICPA and commitment to advancing sound fiscal policy have made a meaningful impact on both the profession and the broader business community. 

The FICPA is proud to honor Sen. Hooper with this award, and we extend our sincere appreciation for his continued dedication to Florida’s CPAs. 

Florida House Republican Conference Designates Sam Garrison as Next Speaker  

As part of the Florida House Republican Conference’s biennial process to select its next leader, members convened Thursday to formally designate Rep. Sam Garrison, who represents Clay County in House District 11, as the next Speaker of the Florida House. 

Under the Republican Conference’s internal rules, the conference holds a designation meeting in advance of the formal vote conducted during the Legislature’s Organizational Session. If Republicans maintain their majority in the House following the 2026 general election, Rep. Garrison will assume the speakership upon being sworn in at the Organizational Session, which occurs 14 days after the election. 

The designation ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the House and a moment closely watched across Florida’s political landscape. It signifies continuity in the chamber's leadership and sets the stage for the next speaker’s term. The FICPA congratulates Rep. Garrison on his designation, extends best wishes for success in his upcoming term and looks forward to working with him in the years ahead. You can watch the full ceremony here.  

FICPA Attends Board of Accountancy Meeting  

On Oct. 3, President & CEO Shelly Weir and Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell attended the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) meeting. The FICPA provided general updates to the Board and reaffirmed commitment to the CPA profession, with a focus on supporting the profession legislatively. The FICPA is grateful for the Board and its subject-matter expertise. The next BOA meeting will be held virtually on Nov. 21.