Legislative Update: FICPA Presents Legislative Champions Award to Sen. Rodriguez
August 06, 2026
During the FICPA Scholarship Foundation's Annual Retreat at Ocean Reef, President & CEO Shelly Weir and Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell presented Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez with the 2026 Legislative Champion Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and steadfast partnership with the CPA profession.
Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, Sen. Rodriguez played a pivotal role in advancing the FICPA's priority legislation, SB 364 – Public Accountancy. As a cosponsor, she championed the bill through the legislative process by presenting it in committee, advocating for its passage among her Senate colleagues, and ultimately carrying the legislation to unanimous passage on the Senate floor. Her leadership and willingness to engage with the profession were instrumental in advancing one of the FICPA's top legislative priorities.
Following the award presentation, Sen. Rodriguez spent time visiting with CPA members, discussing issues impacting the profession and answering questions about the legislative process. These conversations provided members with valuable access to a key policymaker while reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong relationships with elected officials well before the start of the Legislative Session.
The FICPA is grateful for Senator Rodriguez's partnership and leadership and looks forward to continuing to work together on behalf of Florida's CPAs.
FICPA Participates in Candidate Interviews
Over the past two weeks, Jason Harrell and Manager of Legislative & Political Affairs Brayden Harrell participated in candidate interviews in Tampa and Jacksonville, concluding another successful round of meetings ahead of the Primary Election.
These interviews provided an opportunity to meet with candidates seeking election to the Florida Legislature, reconnect with incumbent lawmakers and discuss issues impacting Florida's CPA profession. Just as importantly, they helped strengthen relationships with current and future policymakers while reinforcing the FICPA's role as a trusted resource for legislators.
While the formal candidate interview process has concluded, the work is far from over. Throughout the remainder of the election cycle, the FICPA will continue traveling the state to meet with candidates, strengthen relationships and ensure the CPA profession remains a respected and influential voice in Florida's political process.
Looking Ahead
Florida's Primary Election, which will be held Aug. 18, is now less than two weeks away, and campaigns across the state are entering their final stretch. In many counties, early voting is already underway. As candidates continue meeting with voters, the FICPA Governmental Affairs Team remains actively engaged in the political process, promoting the CPA profession.
Once the Primary is complete, attention will then turn to the General Election, where many legislative seats—and the entire Florida Cabinet—will be decided.
In the meantime, the FICPA will continue engaging with legislators and candidates across the state, strengthening relationships and promoting the value of the CPA license across Florida.
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.