Today, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) celebrates the signing of its priority legislation for the CPA profession.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed CS/HB 813 – Certified Public Accountants by Rep. Mike Caruso (CS/CS/SB 954), a bill that creates a new retired license status in statute for certified public accountants (CPAs) in Florida.
“We want to thank Gov. DeSantis for signing this great bill, CPA Lawmakers Rep. Caruso and Sen. Gruters for sponsoring it, and the entire Legislature for supporting the profession. This is a proud day in our history,” FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir said. “The FICPA’s Governmental Affairs team has worked for years to secure this important designation. Now, more than ever, CPAs count in the state of Florida.”
Passed unanimously by the Florida House on Feb. 15 and by the Florida Senate on March 5, the legislation allows licensed CPAs who are at least 65 years of age to apply to the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) to place their license into retired status. Under this designation, an individual may use “retired CPA” as part of their business card, letterhead, or any electronic communication. This allows individuals who have had long and distinguished careers to continue serving, without compensation, on boards or in other mentoring or advisory roles for certain specified charitable or civic organizations. Should a retired CPA want to go back into public practice, the bill allows for reactivation of their license.
The new law goes into effect on July 1.
“This legislation means a lot to Florida’s CPAs. Now, they can continue serving and contributing to their communities in retirement while maintaining a title that has meant so much throughout their careers,” FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell added. “Advocacy is at the heart of the FICPA. We now look forward to working with our members and the Board of Accountancy to implement this important change.”
