Legislative Update: FICPA continues inter-Session advocacy roadshow
August 15, 2025
By FICPA Governmental Affairs
Throughout the summer, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team has remained diligently engaged, providing updates to our membership, working in coordination with legislators and executive branch officials, and preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session, which officially convenes on Jan. 16. The Florida Legislature is currently preparing for its Interim Committee Weeks, which are set to begin in October. Interim Committee Weeks serve as the foundation for the upcoming Session and represent the initial phase of the policy development process.
This summer has already brought notable developments, including committee reorganizations, revised bill-filing deadlines and active policy discussions. In response, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team continues to maintain a strong presence, ensuring the profession’s interests are effectively represented throughout the legislative process.
In this update, you will find a summary of the latest developments in state government, highlights from the Governmental Affairs team’s recent roadshow, and a timeline of key milestones to watch in the coming months.
Governor Appoints Sen. Jay Collins as New Lieutenant Governor
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced at a press conference in Tampa that Sen. Jay Collins will serve as Florida’s next lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy left in February when Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez resigned to become president of Florida International University (FIU). The lieutenant governor’s primary constitutional role is to be first in the line of succession to the governor. The lieutenant governor also assumes additional responsibilities as assigned. The FICPA looks forward to continuing to work with Lt. Gov. Collins within his new role.
FICPA Governmental Affairs Team Presents Legislative Update at the State & Local Government Conference
On Thursday, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell and Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Lauren Jones presented a legislative update at the FICPA’s State & Local Government Conference held in Orlando. Harrell and Jones highlighted the 2025 Legislative Session, including Session statistics, FICPA’s priorities and the impact of legislation this year. They also provided an in-depth review of the state’s tax package, detailing its effects on both state and local governments. This work is part of the FICPA’s year-round commitment to advancing the profession’s priorities, keeping members informed and ensuring CPAs have a strong voice in the legislative process.
FICPA Attends Board of Accountancy Meeting
This week, the Florida Board of accountancy met in Orlando. FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir and CEAO Jason Harrell attended along with Jennifer Green from Liberty Partners of Tallahassee to participate and collaborate on issues important to the profession.
Key Dates in Preparation for 2026 Session
The Florida Legislature has released its Interim Committee Weeks meeting schedule, along with key bill drafting and filing deadlines.
Committee weeks will be held:
- Oct. 6-10, 2025
- Oct. 13-17, 2025
- Nov. 3-7, 2025
- Nov. 17-21, 2025
- Dec. 1-5, 2025
- Dec. 8-12, 2025
Opening day of the 2026 Regular Session is Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
With the calendar in place, the countdown to the 2026 Legislative Session has begun, and the FICPA will remain actively engaged to protect and advance the CPA profession. Each committee week, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team will publish a Legislative Update blog and a Capitol Brief video, reviewing the developments of session and the latest bills filed.
Last week, several critical deadlines were also announced:
- Aug. 18, 2025 – House Members may begin filing legislation and appropriations projects through the legislature’s filing system.
- Nov. 21, 2025 – House member bill submission deadline and appropriation project request form submission deadline.
- Jan. 7, 2026 – House member bill final draft form deadline.
- Jan. 9, 2026 – House member bill filing deadline.
SAVE THE DATE: CPA Day at the Capitol
The FICPA is excited to announce that our annual CPA Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2025.
No one tells your story better than you. Each year, the FICPA invites members to Tallahassee to join their peers and advocate for the CPA profession. 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.
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.
Join the FICPA on Dec. 3 to advocate and promote the value of CPAs during one of the most impactful times for the profession.
Do You Know an Elected Official? Join Our Key Person Contact Program
As the FICPA prepares for next Session, your support is needed. 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.
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.