Become A Florida CPA
What is a CPA?
The certified public accountant (CPA) license is a symbol of trust. CPAs not only serve the public interest, but also act as the backbone of the business community. By becoming a CPA, you immediately put yourself in high demand in an economic environment that needs both high-quality financial reporting and rigorous tax compliance. Whether you're assisting a small business, joining a Big Four firm, working in private industry or serving in the public sector, your license gives you the freedom to craft your career on your terms.
Benefits of Earning Your CPA
- Becoming a CPA can boost your earning potential throughout your career. According to the AICPA, CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs working in accounting-related jobs.
- CPAs have access to jobs with higher authority and responsibility, as well as greater career stability.
- CPAs are the most-trusted advisors to business owners and are known for their high level of integrity and competency.
- Being a CPA allows you to do meaningful work with motivated and talented people.
- You can travel internationally or work right within your local community.
- When you earn your CPA in Florida you become a member of a larger exclusive statewide professional community.
How to Become a Florida CPA
You can sit for the CPA Exam before completing the all of education required for licensure. At a minimum, candidates need 120 semester hours to take the CPA Exams.
To be eligible to sit for the CPA Exam, you will need to obtain the following credits:
- 120 semester (or 160 quarter) hour credits.
- 24 semester (or 36 quarter) hours must be in upper-division (junior or senior level) accounting, in areas such as taxation, auditing, financial and cost.
- 24 semester (or 36 quarter) hours must be in upper-division general business, including 3 semester (or 4 quarter) hours in business law.
This rigorous, four-part exam is made up of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. It will test your knowledge and skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business concepts.
Once you have met the educational requirements listed in Step 1, you will apply to sit for the CPA Exam through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- The application requires a $50 non-refundable fee.
- Once the State Board of Accountancy approves your application, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) will send you a Notice to Schedule (NTS).
- The CPA Exam is made up of 3 Core Sections and 3 Discipline Sections. You must pass all 3 Core Sections as well as 1 Discipline of your choice.
- You are required to pass all 4 sections of the CPA Exam during a rolling 30-month time frame.
- You can take the CPA Exam either before, after, or during your remaining education (Step 3) and work experience (Step 4).
Learn more about applying for the CPA Exam
Learn more about scheduling your CPA Exam
Learn more about exam scoring
Apply for the CPA Exam
While 120 semester hours are required to be eligible to take the exam, an additional 30 semester hours (150 semester hours total) are needed to apply for a Florida CPA license..
In addition to the education listed in Step 1, to be eligible to apply for your CPA License, you will need to meet the following educational requirements:
- 150 semester (225 quarter) credit hours.
- 30 semester (45 quarter) credit hours must be in upper-division (junior or senior level) accounting such as taxation, auditing, financial and cost.
- 36 semester (54 quarter) credit hours must be in upper-division business, including 3 semester (4 quarter) hours in business law based on US law.
- You can complete your remaining education either before or after finishing the CPA Exam (Step 2) and work experience (Step 4).
Beyond school, you’ll also need one year of verified accounting-related work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
To be eligible to apply for your CPA License, you will need to meet the following work experience requirements:
- One year (at least 2,000 hours) of work experience verified by a licensed CPA who is licensed by a state or territory of the United States.
- Work experience shall include any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
- Work experience is acceptable if it was gained through employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice and constituted a substantial part of the applicant’s duties.
- You can begin tracking your work experience either before or after finishing the CPA Exam and remaining education, but you must first complete the initial education requirement as outlined in Step 1.
Learn more about these requirements
Verification of Work Experience Form
Once you have met the education, exam, and experience requirements, you can officially apply for your CPA License.
You will apply for your CPA License through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida DBPR regulates the certification process in the state.
- The licensure application requires a $50 non-refundable fee.
- You will need to submit evidence of one year of acceptable work experience by submitting the Verification of Work Experience Form.
- You will also need to submit official transcripts evidencing completion of the required hours listed above.
Learn more about applying for the CPA License
Apply for the CPA License
CPA Exam Resources
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Congrats! Now You're Newly Certified!
Join for Half Off!
You deserve to join the FICPA at 50% off the regular price! Contact Member Services to take advantage of this exclusive offer at 800-342-3197, ext.1 or email msc@ficpa.org.
We're here to help you through your journey to success!
Newly-Certified Swearing-in Ceremony
Each year the FICPA recognizes all Newly Certified CPAs at a Swearing-in Ceremony held in conjunction with our Mega Conference in Orlando. Meet leaders from the Board of Accountancy and the FICPA and get the recognition you deserve!
Need additional help? Email emergpro@ficpa.org.
For more information on the CPA career opportunities and the licensure process, check out these resources:
