#CPAsCount: FICPA members unite to champion profession in Florida

SUELLEN WILKINS FICPA Advocacy and Political Affairs Manager

Advocating on CPAs’ behalf is the cornerstone of the FICPA’s mission, and member involvement is the driving force behind every major advancement and success for the profession since the organization was founded in 1905. Ahead of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, FICPA members gathered virtually and in person to advocate on behalf of the CPA profession in Florida.

The FICPA on Jan. 11 held its third annual Virtual Advocacy Day, bringing members together with key lawmakers in an online format.

“I’m so glad to be with you all as we kick off our 2023 Advocacy Days to raise awareness about the CPA profession among our state lawmakers, FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir said in her opening remarks. “At every turn, the FICPA has continued to be the voice of the CPA profession in Florida and ensures the leaders of our state listen to what you have to say.”

The Virtual Advocacy Day event included a legislative briefing from Justin Thames, then the FICPA’s Chief External Affairs Officer, and Jennifer Green, President of Liberty Partners of Tallahassee; an interactive CPA lawmaker panel featuring Rep. Mike Caruso, Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Cyndi Stevenson; a discussion of the CPA profession from Sen. Ed Hooper, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, Majority Leader Ben Albritton, Rep. Stan McClain and Rep. Bob Rommel; and a Florida Economic Update from the Florida Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Dr. Ben Tabatabaei.

“The FICPA is the voice of CPAs in our state’s capital,” FICPA Chair Julian Dozier said, “and this virtual event was filled with policymakers who can (and do) make an impact on our profession every day. We were honored to have the opportunity to meet with them about issues relevant to the CPA profession in Florida.”

On Jan. 25, the FICPA held its second full-member, fly-in advocacy event –Hike the Hill – at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. The event connected FICPA members with lawmakers for in-person meetings to advocate on behalf of Florida CPAs.

“Adding their voices, not only on behalf of Florida’s CPAs and CPA firms but also on behalf of the clients they serve, to the FICPA’s advocacy efforts strengthens our position among policymakers, the public whose interest we serve, and the profession nationally,” Dozier said.

In addition to legislative meetings at the Capitol, Hike the Hill included a Legislative Briefing Luncheon, during which the FICPA celebrated the members of its second Leadership Academy graduating class. The FICPA was honored to hear a keynote address from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin. Secretary Griffin expressed her excitement to partner with the FICPA in supporting and strengthening the CPA profession.

“The CPA profession plays an integral part in Florida’s economy,” Weir said. “Our members’ expertise and business relationships provide a unique perspective to share with policymakers. These events are a great opportunity for us to share why CPAs Count, and how they help make Florida a better place to do business.”