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Legislative Update: Kicking Off the Pre-Season of Legislature

August 29, 2025

Summer has concluded, and the FICPA is preparing for the start of legislative committee weeks, which will arrive before we know it. The Governmental Affairs team continues to meet with stakeholders on key issues, ensuring the CPA profession’s voice is heard as policymakers shape the upcoming session. This week President & CEO Shelly Weir, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell and longtime external lobbyist Jennifer Green met with Chair Buchanan, Senator Gruters, CPA and KPC Eric Robinson, CPA. These efforts position the FICPA to remain a strong advocate at the Capitol.

First Bills of Session Have Been Filed

Keeping the trend of the upcoming Legislative Session, the window for legislative bill filing has opened. The very first House bill of the 2026 Session has now been filed. As is typical at this stage, the initial filings have been claims bills, which authorize payments from the state to compensate petitioners when damages exceed statutory limits. These bills are not substantive in policy, but they do mark the start of the formal legislative process.

In the coming weeks, you can expect to see the earliest substantive bills begin to appear. As a reminder, the FICPA previously reported that the House bill-filing deadline has been set for January 9, 2026, just ahead of the January 13 start of Session. The first interim committee week is scheduled to begin on October 6, with the pre-work of Session is already in full swing. As always, the FICPA will closely monitor legislation with potential impact on the CPA profession and will highlight bills of specific interest in forthcoming legislative updates.

Update on Appointments 

Last Friday, State Senator Joe Gruters, CPA was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). He was endorsed for the position and ran unopposed.

FICPA Holds State Legislative Policy Meeting

This week, the FICPA hosted the State Legislative Policy (SLP) Committee in Orlando. The SLP Committee is responsible for developing the legislative policies that guide the FICPA’s advocacy in Tallahassee and help ensure the legislative priorities reflect the needs of the profession.

President & CEO Shelly Weir, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell, and SLP Chairman Guy Strum, CPA provided updates on legislative actions from the most recent session. The committee also engaged in discussions on various issues affecting CPAs and began laying the groundwork for the year ahead. The insights and perspectives shared by volunteer leaders play a critical role in shaping the FICPA advocacy agenda and helping the Governmental Affairs Team remain responsive to the challenges and opportunities facing the profession.

The FICPA is grateful for the strong commitment of members who serve on this committee and contribute their time, expertise, and perspective to support the profession.

Do You Know an Elected Official? Join Our Key Person Contact Program

No one tells your story better than you and a local touch can make all the difference in Tallahassee.  One of the most powerful ways to shape the future of the CPA profession is through personal connections with policymakers. Relationships with local lawmakers and members of the Florida Cabinet 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.