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Legislative Update: FICPA honors Rep. Benarroch in Orlando

August 21, 2026

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

The FICPA Governmental Affairs Team on Thursday presented its 2026 Legislative Impact Award to Rep. Yvette Benarroch. 

Rep. Benarroch was on hand at the FICPA’s State & Local Governmental Accounting Conference (SLGAC) in Orlando, where she received the award from Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell and addressed the gathered attendees. 

Rep. Benarroch served as a co-sponsor of our FICPA priority legislation during the 2026 Session and has emerged as a true leader for effective, efficient licensure in the Florida House. 

We thank Rep. Benarroch for meeting with our members at SLGAC and for doing her part to protect and promote the CPA license in Florida. 

FICPA Welcomes Jesse Christian as Governmental Affairs Team Expands 

The FICPA is pleased to announce the addition of Jesse Christian as our new Director of Legislative & Political Affairs. He will officially join the team on Monday, Aug. 24, reporting to Jason Harrell.  

Christian brings strong experience in Florida government, legislative strategy and regulatory policy, most recently with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), where he served as Director of Special Projects. During his time at DBPR, he worked closely with Secretary Melanie Griffin and the agency’s executive leadership, gaining valuable firsthand experience with the regulatory and legislative issues that directly impact Florida’s licensed professions.  

Prior to DBPR, Christian worked in legislative affairs and lobbying at Rutledge Ecenia, where he drafted legislation and amendments, managed lobbying and PAC compliance and worked directly with legislators, legislative staff and agency officials. He also brings experience in political campaigns and grassroots engagement, along with strong relationships throughout Florida’s public policy community.  

He fills the role previously held by Lauren Jones. 

“Jesse’s experience working directly with the CPA profession at DBPR and his extensive legislative and political resume make him an ideal fit for our team,” Harell said. “Our goal is to build the strongest state society advocacy team in the country, so that the CPA profession has the powerful representation it deserves in Tallahassee.” 

In keeping with that goal and in addition to Christian’s arrival, the FICPA is also proud to announce two additional changes to its Governmental Affairs Team.  

Now in his third year at the FICPA, Legislative & Political Affairs Manager Brayden Harrell will take on an enhanced role in shaping the FICPA’s political strategy and in strengthening the Institute’s relationships inside the Capitol.  

Finally, Communications & Public Affairs Manager Nick Menta is now a member of the Governmental Affairs Team, reporting to Jason Harrell. Menta has been with the FICPA for six years and has played an increasingly active role in its advocacy program. He will now fully direct his efforts to supporting the Governmental Affairs Team and increasing the visibility of the CPA profession in Florida. 

“Brayden Harrell is one of the fastest rising stars in Florida politics. In his time here, he has demonstrated a tremendous talent for helping us expand our political outreach,” Jason Harrell said. 

“Likewise, in order to have an effective advocacy program, you need to be able to tell your story. Nick Menta is a gifted storyteller who will help us shape our legislative messaging and clearly communicate the needs of the profession at the state level. 

“I am pleased to have Jesse, Brayden and Nick as part of the Governmental Affairs Team, as we work together to protect and promote the CPA profession in Tallahassee.” 

Harrell and Harrell Join FICPA Panhandle Tour 

Jason Harrell and Brayden Harrell were pleased this week to set out with President & CEO Shelly Weir and Chief Growth Officer Jim Gurowka on a series of firm and chapter visits across Florida’s Panhandle.  

Jason presented at the Office Managing Partner (OMP) Roundtable in Panama City on Tuesday, with Brayden addressing the OMP Roundtable in Pensacola on Wednesday. 

Both updates included a look back at the 2026 Session, details on Florida’s 2026 primary and a look ahead to the general election in November. 

The FICPA is grateful for its 20,000 members across the state, and we enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with our friends in the Panhandle.  

Tuesday at a Glance: Florida’s 2026 Primary 

Last but not least, Floridians took to the polls on Tuesday to participate in the state’s 2026 primary election. 

Per the Florida Chamber of Commerce Political Institute, 3.35 million Floridians voted in the primary on election day, during early voting and by mail. From that total, roughly 1.7 million were Republicans, 1.3 million were Democrats and 400,000 were unaffiliated. 

With the primary officially behind us, here is a look at the statewide races of interest following Tuesday’s results: 

  • U.S. Senate: Ashley Moody (R) vs. Angie Nixon (D)
  • Florida Governor: Byron Donalds (R) vs. David Jolly (D)
  • Florida Attorney General: James Uthmeier (R) vs. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D)
  • Florida Chief Financial Officer: Blaise Ingoglia (R) vs. Annette Taddeo (D)
  • Florida Commissioner of Agriculture: Wilton Simpson (R) vs. Joey Atkins (D) 

The FICPA Governmental Affairs Team will be closely monitoring all of Florida’s campaigns and keeping members up to date on the races of interest to the CPA profession in the lead up to the general election on Nov. 3.