Legislative Update: FICPA honors legislative leaders; CPA Day date announced
August 01, 2025
By FICPA Governmental Affairs
Each year, the FICPA is proud to present advocacy awards in recognition of key lawmakers who demonstrate strong support for the CPA profession within the Florida Legislature.
Last week, we had the honor of hosting Rep. Yvette Benarroch at our headquarters in Orlando and presenting her with the FICPA's 2025 Legislative Leadership Award. This award recognizes Rep. Benarroch’s outstanding leadership during the 2025 Legislative Session and her commitment to preserving the integrity and value of the CPA license. Representing House District 81 in Collier County, Rep. Benarroch has already distinguished herself as a dedicated advocate for the CPA profession. The FICPA extends its sincere appreciation for her leadership in the Florida House and looks forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.
On Thursday, we were honored to welcome Rep. Omar Blanco to the FICPA Scholarship Foundation’s Annual Retreat at Ocean Reef in Key Largo, where he was presented with the FICPA's 2025 Legislative Partnership Award. This award recognizes Rep. Blanco’s collaborative approach and his strong commitment to working alongside Florida’s CPAs. Representing House District 115 in Miami-Dade County, Rep. Blanco proved to be an invaluable partner during the 2025 Legislative Session through his active engagement and support of the FICPA’s legislative priorities.
Fostering strong relationships with legislators is essential to the long-term success of the FICPA’s advocacy efforts. These partnerships form the foundation for ongoing collaboration and help ensure that the voice of the CPA profession remains well-represented throughout the legislative process.
The FICPA extends its sincere appreciation to Reps. Benarroch and Blanco for their leadership, engagement and dedication during their first session. The FICPA is grateful for their commitment to the profession and the people of Florida, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.
SAVE THE DATE: CPA Day at the Capitol, Dec. 3, 2025
The FICPA is excited to announce that our annual CPA Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2025.
Last year’s 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.
That’s why we’re asking you to save the date and make your plans to join us in Tallahassee. Now, more than ever, Florida’s CPAs need to speak in a unified voice and impress upon our state leaders the crucial role our profession plays in protecting the public interest and backstopping the business community.
Circle Dec. 3 on your calendar, coordinate with your colleagues and be on the lookout for official registration information in the weeks ahead.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
As part of the Florida Legislature’s annual tax package, HB 7031, lawmakers approved the establishment of a permanent Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This year’s holiday begins Friday, Aug. 1, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. The holiday now occurs annually, every August. During the annual sales tax holiday period, tax is not due on the retail sales of:
- Clothing, footwear, wallets, bags, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
- Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item.
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.
- Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for non-commercial home or personal use.
Do you know an elected official? Join our Key Person Contact Program
No one is better positioned to advocate for the CPA profession than you. Personal connections with local lawmakers make a powerful impact in Tallahassee, and the FICPA’s Key Person Contact (KPC) program is one of the most effective ways members can engage.
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.
If you’ve been a part of the program before, we encourage you to explore the new KPC platform and recommit to this important work. If you’re new to the program, now is the perfect time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard in the legislative process.