Florida lawmakers extend the 2025 legislative session as FICPA remains on high alert to defend CPA licensing standards

Florida – In what was originally expected to be the final stretch of Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session, the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) found itself in the middle of a critical battle to defend the accounting profession from a wave of proposed deregulation. The fight, led by FICPA staff and lobbyists, centered around a controversial amendment to Senate Bill 110 that threatened to dismantle key protections for CPAs and other licensed professionals across the state.

While the regular 60-day session came to a close without the bill’s passage, the Florida Legislature announced late Friday that the session would be extended until June 6. Among the 16 bills still under consideration is SB 110, the bill that has become a flashpoint for debate and concern in the CPA community.

Originally introduced as a measure to support rural economic development, SB 110 took a dramatic turn when language from HB 991 was added to it in the House. That amendment proposed the elimination of all professional licensing boards under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), including the Florida Board of Accountancy. Additionally, it called for the removal of continuing education requirements for DBPR-regulated professions — a move that would drastically alter standards for CPAs statewide.

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The House approved the revised SB 110 on April 25 by a vote of 69 to 42, prompting concern and swift action from FICPA. “We’re here to protect the CPA profession every step of the way, and we will not rest until Session has finally concluded,” the organization emphasized in a statement to its members.

Upon returning to the Senate, however, the amended version of SB 110 was met with resistance. On Wednesday, the Senate declined to concur with the House’s changes and sent the bill back, reopening the door for negotiations. That decision marked a significant victory for those opposing deregulation, especially given the high-stakes nature of end-of-session legislative maneuvering.

“Giving CPAs and all licensed professionals a strong voice in the House,” Rep. Mike Caruso and others worked alongside FICPA to stand firm against what many viewed as a dangerous move toward deregulation. On the Senate side, Sen. Joe Gruters was recognized for playing a vital role in opposing the amendment and upholding the integrity of professional standards.

Although sources within the Capitol have indicated that any renewed discussion of SB 110 during the extended session will likely focus only on the bill’s original rural development goals, FICPA remains cautious. “We will closely monitor the Legislature’s work for any renewed threats to the profession,” the organization stated.

This isn’t the only legislation FICPA has been tracking. Earlier this year, the Senate passed SB 160, a bill supported by the organization that would expand licensure pathways, improve interstate mobility for CPAs, and streamline the endorsement process. Despite the recent pivot toward fighting deregulation, FICPA has not abandoned those efforts and expressed optimism about reintroducing the bill in the future.

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“We were pleased that our proposed regulatory reforms were very well received by the full Legislature,” FICPA said, adding that the bill represents a proactive approach to modernizing the CPA licensing process without sacrificing quality or accountability.

Throughout the tense final days of April, FICPA’s advocacy team — alongside lobbyists from Liberty Partners — maintained a nonstop presence at the Capitol. Their goal: to prevent the deregulation proposal from gaining any further traction. This round-the-clock effort was cited as a major factor in stalling the momentum of SB 110 in its amended form.

Now, with the session extended and SB 110 still technically active, FICPA is urging members to remain alert but refrain from contacting lawmakers directly unless otherwise advised. “As we did last week, we will issue a call to action if we believe direct FICPA member involvement to be the right advocacy tool at the right time,” the organization explained.

For now, the message is clear: the fight is not over. The extension offers lawmakers more time to finalize the state’s budget and other pressing issues, but it also gives FICPA a continued window to ensure that CPA licensure and regulation remain strong.

In the meantime, FICPA is encouraging members to stay informed by monitoring email updates and following the organization on social media. “No matter the threat, no matter the hour, we’re here for you,” the group reassured its members.

As June 6 approaches, the future of SB 110 — and the broader regulatory landscape for Florida’s licensed professionals — remains uncertain. But what is clear is that FICPA has no intention of letting down its guard.

With trust, professionalism, and public safety on the line, the organization has committed to seeing this fight through to the end.