FICPA honors Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez with 2026 Legislative Champion Award for supporting Florida’s CPA profession

Florida – The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) has recognized Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez with its 2026 Legislative Champion Award, honoring her efforts to support Florida’s accounting profession and her work advancing legislation important to certified public accountants across the state.

The award was presented during the FICPA Scholarship Foundation’s Annual Retreat at Ocean Reef by FICPA President and CEO Shelly Weir and Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell. The recognition highlighted Sen. Rodriguez’s leadership during the 2026 Legislative Session and her partnership with the organization in addressing issues affecting Florida’s CPA community.

Throughout the legislative session, Rodriguez played a key role in helping move forward one of FICPA’s major priorities, Senate Bill 364, also known as Public Accountancy. As a cosponsor of the legislation, she helped guide the bill through the legislative process by presenting it during committee meetings, supporting its passage among fellow senators and ultimately carrying it to unanimous approval on the Senate floor.

FICPA officials said Rodriguez’s involvement was an important factor in the bill’s progress and reflected her willingness to work directly with members of the accounting profession. Her efforts demonstrated the value of collaboration between lawmakers and professional organizations when developing policies that impact industries and communities across Florida.

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Following the award presentation, Rodriguez met with CPA members attending the retreat. During the discussion, she answered questions about the legislative process and spoke with professionals about challenges and priorities affecting the accounting field.

The conversations provided an opportunity for members to connect directly with a state policymaker while reinforcing the importance of maintaining relationships with elected officials throughout the year, not only during legislative sessions.

The FICPA expressed appreciation for Rodriguez’s support and said the organization looks forward to continuing its work with her to represent Florida’s CPAs and promote the importance of the profession.

Along with recognizing legislative achievements, FICPA has continued its efforts to build relationships with candidates and policymakers ahead of the upcoming elections. Over the past several weeks, members of the organization’s Governmental Affairs Team participated in candidate interviews in Tampa and Jacksonville.

Jason Harrell and Brayden Harrell, manager of Legislative & Political Affairs, met with candidates seeking seats in the Florida Legislature, while also reconnecting with current lawmakers. The meetings allowed FICPA representatives to discuss issues affecting CPAs and explain the role the profession plays in Florida’s economy.

The candidate interviews also served as a way to strengthen connections with current and future policymakers. FICPA officials said these relationships help ensure legislators have access to reliable information and understand the concerns facing accounting professionals throughout the state.

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Although the formal candidate interview process has ended, the organization said its political engagement efforts will continue. FICPA representatives plan to remain active during the election cycle by meeting with candidates, maintaining communication with lawmakers and promoting the importance of the CPA license.

Florida’s Primary Election is scheduled for Aug. 18, with campaigns entering the final stage before voters head to the polls. Early voting is already underway in many counties, and candidates are continuing efforts to reach voters before election day.

After the Primary Election, attention will shift toward the General Election, where numerous legislative seats and positions across the Florida Cabinet will be decided. FICPA’s Governmental Affairs Team will continue working throughout the election process to advocate for the CPA profession and encourage strong relationships between accountants and public officials.

The organization is also encouraging CPA members to participate in its Key Person Contact (KPC) Program, a grassroots advocacy effort designed to strengthen communication between professionals and elected representatives.

Through the program, FICPA members develop relationships with local legislators and assist the organization’s advocacy efforts by sharing information, providing insight and helping lawmakers better understand issues affecting the profession.

FICPA officials emphasized that personal connections remain one of the most effective ways to influence public policy discussions. Whether through a phone call, a message or direct involvement in advocacy activities, members who participate in the KPC Program help ensure the voice of Florida’s CPA community is heard in Tallahassee.

As the legislative and election seasons continue, FICPA said it will remain focused on building partnerships, supporting the profession and ensuring that CPAs across Florida continue to have a strong presence in important policy conversations.