Legislative Update: Bill to eliminate licensing boards and CPE filed in Florida House

On Monday evening, the Florida House of Representatives filed a substantial committee amendment to House Bill 1461 – Department of Business and Professional Regulation that could significantly reshape the state’s approach to occupational and professional licensure. At 389 pages, the Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) for HB 1461 is one of the most expansive efforts in recent memory to restructure and potentially deregulate professional licensure in Florida – and it includes sweeping changes that would directly affect the CPA profession.

The Broader Context: Legislative Interest in Deregulation

The Florida Legislature’s focus on reducing barriers to workforce entry is not new. For the past several years, the FICPA has been communicating to our membership the legislature’s continued interest in changing the structure of professional licensure in the Florida. Legislative leaders have publicly expressed a desire to review – and in some cases eliminate – licenses that may be viewed as outdated or unnecessarily burdensome.

The FICPA has long anticipated major legislative activities around licensure and have worked proactively to ensure that the CPA profession is well represented in these discussions. Over the past year, we’ve engaged with legislators, met with new candidates and conducted a thorough review of the CPA Practice Act. This groundwork shaped our strategy and 2025 priority legislation, which has already passed unanimously in the Florida Senate.

Key Provisions in the PCS for HB 1461

The PCS for HB 1461, filed by Rep. Yarkosky and Rep. Esposito, introduces a number of significant changes to the regulatory structure overseen by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). While the bill is still early in the legislative process and subject to revision, the initial language includes the following:

The elimination of all professional and occupational licensing boards under DBPR, including the Florida Board of Accountancy, with regulatory responsibilities moving to DBPR staff. The Division of Certified Public Accountancy would also be relocated from Gainesville to Tallahassee.

Removal of all continuing professional education (CPE) requirements for DBPR-regulated professions, including:

The 80-hour biennial CPE requirement for CPAs
All CPE requirements tied to license reactivation

A directive for DBPR to study alternate pathways to licensure, such as experience-only or experience-plus-exam models, without requiring formal education. The study is to be completed by Jan. 1, 2026.

As a practical matter, CPAs need CPE in order to stay on top of a changing landscape and evolving profession. But more than that, the elimination the CPE requirement would put Florida out of sync with the rest of the nation. With the loss of CPE reciprocity between states, Florida CPAs may be required to take and report CPE in other states. With the potential loss of mobility while statutes are open, CPAs would need to obtain additional licenses in other states.

FICPA's own priorities

As you know, for several weeks the FICPA has reported on the progress of our 2025 Legislative Priorities. SB 160 Public Accountancy unanimously passed the Senate on March 19, and the FICPA has worked diligently to get a companion measure moving in the Florida House. Included within the nearly 400-page PCS are several of our own priorities, including:

New pathways to licensure without lowering standards
Automatic mobility expanding practice privileges
Streamlining licensure by endorsement

We are grateful that the hard work of the FICPA Governmental Affairs Team and the support of our FICPA members resulted in these provisions moving forward in the House. This is a positive development and a win; however, it is extremely complicated, as these priorities are included in legislation that has potential negative impacts on the profession.

FICPA’s Response: Engaged, Strategic and Focused

While these proposed changes raise legitimate concerns, we want to be clear: This bill is not final. The legislative process is complex, and early versions of major legislation often undergo significant revisions. The FICPA Governmental Affairs team was prepared for the possibility of a PCS and moved swiftly, securing meetings and having productive conversations with both the bill sponsors and senior legislative leaders within hours of the bill filing. President & CEO Shelly Weir immediately sprang into action, traveling to Tallahassee to join the entire lobby team for an all-hands-on-deck effort.

It is also important to note that the CPA profession is not the intended target of this legislation. In fact, the Florida Board of Accountancy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible, balanced oversight – traits that stand apart from the type of regulatory overreach this bill seeks to address.

FICPA Advocacy in Action

On Wednesday, the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee heard HB 1461. FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir testified before the committee, reaffirming the profession’s willingness to collaborate constructively while protecting the standards that safeguard the public and support the credibility of the CPA designation.

The FICPA supports maintaining the Board of Accountancy and current continuing education requirements to ensure Florida CPAs are not at a disadvantage or diminished nationally.

What We Need from You

What Not to Do
At this time, we respectfully ask that FICPA members refrain from contacting legislators directly. This is a complex bill still in its early stages. Coordinated and targeted messaging is essential.

What to Do
We kindly ask for your support in the following ways:

Understand that these issues are complex: What may appear on the surface as a simple change or good idea could have catastrophic unintended consequences for the entire profession.
Trust your advocacy team: We are engaged in the process and actively representing the profession’s interests in Tallahassee.
Project professionalism and confidence: Let’s respond to this moment with clarity and strength, not fear.
Stay engaged: Communicate your concerns with the FICPA Governmental Affairs Team.

This is precisely why the FICPA exists – to advocate for and protect the CPA profession in moments like these.

FICPA Meets With Reps. Blanco and Albert

Also this week, President & CEO Shelly Weir joined Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell to meet with members of the Florida House of Representatives, including Reps. Omar Blanco and Jon Albert. The FICPA is excited to continue relationships with these new members and looks forward to collaborating with them in the future.

House and Senate Pass Their Respective Budgets

Also this week, the Florida House and Senate passed their respective budgets, with the House taking up the Senate budget and amending it. With the Senate bill passed as amended, the Legislature goes into a process called the Budget Conference, which the FICPA reported on last week. This year, the Senate is proposing a $117.3 billion dollar budget, which is $1.3 billion less than the current year's $118.6 budget. The House proposed budget is $112.95 billion. The House and Senate are more than $4 billion dollars apart in their respective budget proposals. The Budget Conference is the process by which the chambers resolve their differences and a final version is presented for review. Once the Legislature passes the General Appropriations Act, the bill is sent to the governor for his review and line-item vetoes. Each year's budget takes up a large amount of attention and time in the Legislature. During this time, many bills begin to die in committee, as competing interests demand attention from legislators.

Furthermore, Senate President Albritton released his proposed tax package. Included in this proposal was a permanent sales tax exemption on clothes and shoes costing $75 or less and a renewal of several annual sales tax holidays, freezes and credits. The proposal would also direct the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to study and establish a plan to reduce or eliminate property taxes on homestead property. These provisions will be discussed as a part of the budget conference as they impact the revenue of the state. The FICPA will keep you up to date on changes in state tax policy and the movement of discussions on the state budget.

Moving Forward

Next week begins Week 7 and the 40th-day rule: No House bill may be retained for the purpose of reconsideration in committee or subcommittee after the 40th day of a regular session. We anticipate an action-packed end to Session, and we remain laser focused on passing our 2025 FICPA Legislative Priorities and protecting the profession.

2025 Bill Tracker

Here are some of the key bills of interest the FICPA is monitoring ahead of Session:

Mobility and licensure and education

Senate Bill 160 - Public Accountancy by Sen. Gruters / House Bill 133 - Public Accountancy by Rep. Caruso. FICPA’s priority legislation seeks to modernize the CPA licensure for the future by opening new alternative pathways to licensure:

Current Path: 150 semester hours, one year of experience, and pass the CPA exam.
New Pathway 1: Master’s degree in accounting/finance, one year of experience, and pass the CPA exam.
New Pathway 2: Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance, two years of experience, and pass the CPA exam.
New Pathway 3: Bachelor’s degree in any field, with coursework in accounting/finance, two years of experience, and pass the CPA exam.

The bill also streamlines practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs who seek to practice in Florida by introducing the concept of automatic mobility. Out-of-state CPAs who hold a license, graduated with at least a bachelor's degree, and passed the CPA licensure exam will be granted practice privileges in the state with no notice and no fee. The bill also streamlines the licensure by endorsement process, creating the most efficient system in the nation.

HB 133 has been referred to the Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee in the House of Representatives.
SB 160 passed unanimously off the Senate floor. It will now be sent in messages to await the House companion.

House Bill 1461 – Department of Business and Professional Regulation by Rep. Yarkosky / Senate Bill 1452 – Department of Business and Professional Regulation by Sen. Truenow. The bill repeals continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals. The bill repeals certain boards, councils, and commissions from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). The bill increases the pathways to licensure for certified public accountants. The bill requires DBPR and DACS to conduct certain studies.

HB 1461 passed the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the State Administration Budget Subcommittee.
SB 1452 has been referred to the Regulated Industries Committee in the Senate.

Senate Bill 1038 – Proration of or not Requiring Continuing Education by Sen. Gruters / House Bill 1059 – Proration of or not Requiring Continuing Education by Rep. Esposito / Senate Bill 740 – Continuing Education Requirements by Sen. Harrell. These bills introduce new provisions for veterinarians, building code administrators and inspectors, stating that these professions are no longer exempt from continuing education as part of licensure renewal. As you may recall from last year, this provision already applies to the CPA profession. The FICPA will continue to monitor the bill to ensure that the continuing education requirements for CPAs remain unaffected.

SB 1038 has been referred to the Regulated Industries Committee in the Senate.
HB 1059 has been referred to the Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee in the House of Representatives.
SB 740 has been referred to the Regulated Industries Committee in the Senate.

House Bill 195 – Education in Correctional Facilities for Licensed Professions by Rep. Chambliss / Senate Bill 472 – Education in Correctional Facilities for Licensed Professions by Sen. Truenow. The bill requires professional boards regulated by DBPR to ensure that inmates in a correctional institution who take classes that meet the necessary curriculum requirements receive credit toward licensure requirements for the successful completion of classes.

HB 195 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill now sits on the House calendar to await presentation.
SB 472 passed the Senate. The bill now sits on the House calendar to await presentation.

House Bill 1185 – Department of Management Services by Rep. Sapp / Senate Bill 1532 Executive Branch by Sen. McClain. The bill amends various Florida statutes to remove provisions related to business enterprises and to promote the engagement of small businesses in various state sectors. Additionally, it revises multiple definitions, agency responsibilities, programs, evaluation measures, and reporting requirements throughout these statutes.

HB 1185 has been referred to the House Government Operations Subcommittee.
SB 1532 has been referred to the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Senate Bill 320 – Licensure Requirements for Surveyors and Mappers by Sen. Gaetz / House Bill 339 – Licensure Requirements for Surveyors and Mappers by Rep. Abbott. The bill creates alternative pathways to licensure for Surveyors and Mappers. Similarly to the CPA profession, surveyors are licensed and regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). While the bill does not impact the CPA profession, the FICPA will continue to monitor changes in professional and occupational licensure which may impact the profession.

SB 320 was placed on agenda and temporarily postponed in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.
HB 339 passed out of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. It will be sent to its third and final committee of reference, the House Commerce Committee.

Audit/Tax/Industry

Senate Bill 852 – Study on the Elimination of Property Taxes. The bill requires the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to study the elimination and replacement of property taxes. The bill requires the study to also develop a plan of compensating for the lost revenue.

SB 852 has been referred to Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Senate Bill 354 – Public Service Commission by Sen. Gaetz. The bill requires a certified public accountant to sit on the Public Service Commission.

SB 354 passed out of Senate Regulated Industries. It will be sent to its second committee of reference Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.

HJR 1325 – Succession to the Office of the Governor, Auditing, and Government Efficiency by Rep. Sirois / SJR 1756 – Succession to the Office of the Governor, Auditing, and Government Efficiency by Sen. Fine The House Joint Resolution (HJR)/Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) proposes a constitutional amendment that would be placed on the ballot in 2026 that would amongst other things create the Commissioner of Government Efficiency as a Cabinet officer responsible for investigating and reporting on fraud, waste, and abuse and also eliminates the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

HJR 1325 passed out of House State Affairs. It has been placed on the House Special Order Calendar for presentation on April 16.
SJR 1756 was withdrawn from further consideration following the resignation of Sen. Fine.

HB 7031 – Sales Tax Rate Reductions by Ways & Means and Rep. Duggan. The bill proposes a cut to Florida sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. This bill also includes reducing the rate on commercial rent from 2.0% to 1.25%, the rate on electricity from 4.35% to 3.6%, the rate on sales of new mobile homes from 3.0% to 2.25%, and the rate on coin-operated amusement machines from 4.0% to 3.25%. The House’s proposed sales tax reductions total an estimated $5 billion.

HB 7031 passed the House of Representatives. The House requests that the Senate pass the bill as passed by the House or agree to include the bill in the Budget Conference.

Senate Bill 282 – Home and Service Warranty Association Financial Requirements by Sen. Truenow / House Bill 367 – Home and Service Warranty Association Financial Requirements by Rep. Partington. The bill makes changes to the regulation of home and service warranty association financial requirements by requiring an association licensed under 634.3077 to meet requirements by providing "one of" the following options, rather than both, the annual audited financial statements and the Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, or Form 20-F.

SB 282 passed the Senate. It will now be sent to the House calendar to await presentation.
HB 367 passed out of the House Commerce Committee. It will be placed on the calendar to await presentation on the House floor.

Senate Bill 192 – Revenue Administration by Sen. Gruters / House Bill 1303 – Revenue Administration. The bill amends multiple Florida statutes to adapt revenue administration, specifying tax terms and assessment procedures, and repealing redundant sections. Grants revised powers to county legislative bodies regarding tax levies and municipal service assessments.

SB 192 has been referred to Senate Community Affairs Committee.
HB 1303 has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 503 – Local Business Taxes by Rep. Botana. This bill enhances auditing and compliance processes for local business taxes in Florida and revises tax rate structures and conditions. Requires the Auditor General to contact non-compliant local governments regarding local business taxes, requesting evidence of corrective actions within specified timeframes, and notifying the Legislative Auditing Committee if compliance is not achieved. Authorizes specified entities to continue levying certain taxes, prohibits the repeal or modification of some tax ordinances after a future date, and provides exceptions. Revises conditions imposed on taxing authorities regarding the levy of specified taxes and introduces new provisions for recalculating and capping revenue from certain local business taxes.

HB 503 passed out of the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. It will now be sent to its third and final committee of reference, the House State Affairs committee.

House Bill 771 – Local Government Assessment by Rep.Steele. This bill removes special assessments as a funding source from several clauses, preventing counties from using them for services like fire protection, law enforcement, and more within municipal service taxing or benefit units. Ensures the removal of text allowing counties to levy special assessments for debt service on outstanding agricultural land bonds after a specified date. Creates a new law requiring local governments to reimburse landowners for fees or taxes assessed on land development projects that involve conservation easements.

HB 771 has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Condos/HOAs

Senate Bill 1742 – Condominium and Cooperative Associations by Sen. Bradley. The bill creates many new policies in the operation of Condominiums and Cooperative Associations. The bill mandates electronic delivery as an option for distributing the most recent financial report to association members. The bill permits associations to invest reserve funds in specified financial institutions with restrictions. Stipulates that associations form an investment committee that will document and record all meetings.

SB 1742 passed out of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. It will now be sent to its second committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.

House Bill 913 – Condominium Associations by Rep. Lopez (V). The bill makes several changes in the governance of condominium associations. The bill requires Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to deny insurance to condominium associations and unit owners unless specific inspection requirements are met. Sets terms for board member delinquency based on failure to meet payment deadlines as specific in governing documents.

HB 913 passed out of the Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the House Commerce Committee.

Senate Bill 368 – Community Associations by Sen. Garcia. The bill creates the Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Economic Crime, Fraud, and Corruption Investigation Pilot Program under the Department of Legal Affairs. It gives the Department the power to issue subpoenas and conduct audits for investigations in furtherance of the pilot program and administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and compel the production of books, papers, or other records relevant to such investigations. If, after reviewing a complaint filed under the pilot program, the department finds sufficient evidence for criminal prosecutions, it must refer the case to the appropriate state attorney for prosecution.

SB 368 has been referred to Regulated Industries in the Senate.

Senate Bill 586 – Actions by Condominium Associations by Sen. Leek / House Bill 6005 – Statute of Repose for Actions by Condominium Associations. This bill revises limitations on actions that condominium and cooperative associations can undertake, specifying that the statute of limitations for any legal actions begins only after unit owners elect a majority of the board members. Removes references to the statute of repose in the context of condominium and cooperative associations’ ability to take legal action. Establishes that the statute of limitations on any legal or equitable actions available to these associations starts when the majority of the board is elected by the unit owners.

SB 586 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
HB 6005 has been referred to the Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee.