Remembering Fred Brummer, CPA

Former Rep. Fred Brummer passed away on May 1 at the age of 76. He leaves behind a legacy of public service – much of which has been devoted to his profession.

First elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 from Apopka, Brummer entered with a large freshman class of Republicans. He was subsequently re-elected, was term-limited in 2006, and eventually served on the Orange County Commission – all while maintaining and practicing in his own CPA firm. Brummer’s relationship with the media led to regular sparring with his local newspaper. His conservative positions led to his rise in the House as chair of several key committees with oversight for finance, tax and commerce issues.

“Fred was a delight to work with – always, always spoke his mind but was always a team player,” said former FSU President and Senator John Thrasher, who served as House Speaker during Brummer’s first term. “His first political loyalty was to his constituents. His independent voice for doing the right thing will be missed.”

Brummer’s service to the profession was evident through his sponsorship of many pieces of legislation affecting the CPA profession. As a licensed CPA since 1976, he was