Legislative Update: Post-Session summer heating up

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

The 2025 Regular Session is done, but the legislative process never stops. And as the summer heat rises, so too does the behind-the-scenes activity in Tallahassee. 

State agencies are diving into implementation and rulemaking of newly enacted laws. Across Florida, legislators are back at home in their districts handling constituent matters, and some politicos are already laying the groundwork for the 2026 Session and midterm election cycle. 

Governor's Bill Activity and Agency Rulemaking

With the extended Session going well into June, Gov. Ron DeSantis had limited time to take action on all the bills that passed the Legislature this year. In total, 269 bills passed both chambers, with 11 ultimately vetoed by the governor. Of the remaining bills, 246 were signed into law, and three more were allowed to become law without the governor’s signature.  

2025 Regular Session
Status of Passed Bills as of June 30, 2025

Notably, this marks the first time in his seven years in office that Gov. DeSantis allowed a bill to become law without his signature. 

Looking ahead, state agencies will continue developing rules to implement these new laws. The FICPA will closely monitor rulemaking activity, especially those that may impact the CPA profession. 

Governor Appoints New CFO 

On Wednesday, Gov. DeSantis appointed Sen. Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Office of CFO was left vacant when former CFO Jimmy Patronis resigned to run for Florida's 1st Congressional District. Gov. DeSantis had previously announced he would appoint a new CFO after the end of Legislative Session. CFO Ingoglia will serve the remainder of Patronis’ term, which is set to expire in January 2027.

FICPA Governmental Affairs Takes Leading Role at Interchange 

This week, FICPA Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Lauren Jones participated in the AICPA Interchange conference, alongside colleagues from state CPA societies across the country. 

Jones served as a panelist in two advocacy sessions, where she was joined by Geno Fragnito, Director of Government Relations for the Minnesota Society of CPAs, and James Cox, Associate Director of State Regulation and Legislation for the AICPA. 

Throughout the conference, Jones led discussions on pressing policy issues, particularly legislative threats to the CPA profession during the recent Session. Jones also shared effective advocacy strategies to navigate complex legislative landscapes. The FICPA Advocacy Team is proud to share Florida’s story with national peers as we collectively work to protect, promote and defend the profession. 

Know a State Official? Become a Key Person Contact

No one tells your story better than you, and a local touch can make all the difference in Tallahassee. Whether it’s a quick text, a phone call or direct involvement in our advocacy efforts, Key Person Contact (KPCs) relationships help amplify the voice of the profession when it matters most. 

KPCs are FICPA members who have built meaningful relationships with their local legislators or state cabinet officials and are willing to assist the advocacy program with strategic outreach to those contacts during the legislative process. 

Whether you've been part of the KPC program for years or are looking to join, take a moment today to explore the new platform or become a KPC for the first time, bringing your voice to the political process on behalf of the CPA profession.   

CPA/PAC Launches 2025 Firm Champions Program 

This week, the Florida CPA/PAC was proud to launch its 2025 Firm Champions program. The Firm Champions program is the best way for CPA firms to ensure we have the resources we need to protect the CPA profession. The CPA/PAC supports pro-CPA, pro-business candidates for office and vastly increases our political voice and presence at the Florida Capitol. If you lead a CPA firm, we respectfully ask you to consider joining our Firm Champions this year and supporting the Florida CPA/PAC. 

As you are aware, this year we successfully defended the CPA profession from the greatest deregulation threat in decades. We KNOW these threats will be back, and we need strong support from the CPA/PAC to make sure our voice is heard and the license is protected.  

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss contribution options for you or your firm, please contact a member of our team at Govaffairs@FICPA.org 

There are two ways to give. You can pay online here. Or, you can mail a check to:   
 
Florida CPA PAC - Main  
250 S. Orange Ave, Suite 300P  
Orlando, FL 32801  
c/o Jason Harrell, Firm Champions Program  

**Contributions are strictly voluntary and are not deductible for federal tax purposes. The Florida CPA/PAC is an entity completely separate from the FICPA. The Florida CPA/PAC is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of members of the FICPA and others.