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News and Highlights:

CPA License Renewal Goes Paperless

The Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) began emailing a LICENSE RENEWAL NOTIFICATION, directing licensees with Dec. 31, 2020, renewal dates to visit their online accounts at DBPR’s online services and renew their license.

If DBPR doesn’t have a licensee’s email address, they will mail a notice instructing the licensee to visit their online account and renew.

Licensees will be able to find additional information regarding the online renewal process on the Division of Certified Public Accountants’ website.

The renewal information will be highlighted at the bottom of the homepage. Look for the green tab that reads, “Renew Your License.”

Florida Auditor General Issues CRA Audit Guidance

Florida Statutes require that each community redevelopment agency (CRA) meeting the specified $100,000 threshold provide for an audit and that the resultant audit report accompany the county or municipality annual financial report filed with the Department of Financial Services (see Sections 163.387(8)(c) and 218.32(3)(b), Florida Statutes). Under the recently adopted rules of the Auditor General, the CRA audit is to be separate from the audit of the county or municipality that created the CRA, which include within their reporting entities the CRA as a component unit, and the separate CRA audit report must include the financial statements required by Section 163.387(8)(b)2., Florida Statutes. Accordingly, under the interpretation, the CRA must prepare stand-alone financial statements. In accordance with Auditor General Rule 10.557(3), the CRA audit report must include basic financial statements, notes to the financial statements, and management’s discussion and analysis and other required supplementary information.

Read the Auditor General CRA “STAND-ALONE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GUIDANCE” here:

General Pension Reporting OPEB Reporting

Legislative Town Hall: Senator Joe Gruters

Join the Florida Institute of CPAs for the latest in our series of Legislative Town Halls. During each session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with state lawmakers on the issues of the day.

The session is free with registration. Space will be limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to get an inside look into our state’s legislative process.

Click here to register

Senator Joe Gruters – District 23

Gruters is a CPA and fourth-generation Sarasotan, representing parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties in Senate District 23. In addition to serving in the Florida Senate, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. He also co-chaired the Donald J. Trump campaign for President in Florida.

FICPA Emerging Leaders – Regional Advocacy Events

As part of the FICPA’s annual Emerging Leaders Program, this year’s class has been meeting with local and state elected leaders from their local communities across the state. These local events provide an opportunity for the Emerging Leaders to engage with their local officials and better understand the issues impacting Florida at both the local and state level.

Katie Byrd, Carr Riggs and Ingram, with City of Milton Mayor Heather Lindsay	Katie Byrd, Carr Riggs and Ingram, with State Representative Jayer Williamson
Thomas Angelos, Juda Eskew & Associates, Kathryn Horton, Kathryn K. Horton CPA PA; Alex Welsh, A-Lign; Elizabeth Jackson, RSM; State Representative Dan Daley; Sarah Pariseau, Legislative Staff; Nicholas Angarano, Berkowitz Pollack Brant	Kathryn Horton, Kathryn K. Horton CPA PA; Alex Welsh, A-Lign; Joey Epstein, MBAF; Elizabeth Jackson, RSM; City of Ft. Lauderdale Commissioner Ben Sorensen Nicholas Angarano, Berkowitz Pollack Brant ;Thomas Angelos, Juda Eskew & Associates
Margaret Reach, MBAF; City of Hialeah Councilman Jesus Tundidor, Armando Donado, White Wolf Capital; Adam McMahon, MBAF; Hanisha Laungani, MBAF	Mike Hayes, CJN&W; Sterling Searcy, CPS Invest; Jamie Koepsel; Taylor Kelley, EY; State Representative Josie Tomkow; Corey Adams, Reilly Fisher Soloman
Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond, CPA; Chris Suto, Withum; John Kramer, Withum	John Kramer, Withum; Chris Suto, Withum; State Senator Linda Stewart

Florida CPA/PAC Update

Please note: contributions are strictly voluntary and are not deductible for federal tax purposes. The Florida CPA/PAC is an entity completely separate from the FICPA. The Florida CPA/PAC is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of members of the FICPA and others.

News and Highlights:

Florida Department of Revenue Announces New Proposed Rules

The Department of Revenue has added to its website for Proposed Rules an announcement for a Rule Development Workshop to be held, if requested in writing and not deemed unnecessary by the agency head, for the following rule sections: 

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

• Rule 12-24.001, F.A.C., Scope of Rules
• Rule 12-24.002, F.A.C., Definitions
• Rule 12-24.003, F.A.C., Requirements to File or to Pay Taxes by Electronic Means
• Rule 12-24.004, F.A.C., Enrollment
• Rule 12-24.010, F.A.C., General Administrative Provisions; Voluntary Participation; Confidentiality; Granting of Waivers From Electronic Filing Requirements

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TAX

• Rule 12-19.100, F.A.C., Public Use Forms

Florida Auditor General Draft Rules – Effective 9-30-20

Chapter 10.550 – Local Governmental Entity Audits (Contains Florida Single Audit Act Information)

Rule effective 9-30-20

Summary of Changes:

1. Revised Rules to correct or update references to authoritative literature and effective date of the Rules.
2. Revised Preface To Rules and Rules 10.551(6), 10.554(1), 10.556(1), 10.557(3), and 10.558(3), to include financial audits of certain community redevelopment agencies.
3. Revised Rules 10.554(1)(l)1.h., 10.556(10), 10.557(3)(g), and 10.557(4) to remove extraneous notes.
4. Added Rule 10.556(10)(f) to include within the scope of the financial audit of certain community redevelopment agencies a determination of compliance with Sections 163.387(6) and (7), Florida Statutes.

FICPA State and Local Government Committee Response

FICPA Joins AICPA and Others in Letter Urging Congressional Support for State Tax Filing Relief for Remote Workers

The FICPA has joined more than 120 employers and organizations across the nation in signing a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to support state tax filing and withholding relief for remote workers during the pandemic by enacting Section 403 of S.4318, the American Workers, Families and Employers Assistance Act, and a related measure, S.3995, the Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act.

The profession has consistently supported state tax filing relief for remote workers and advocated for its inclusion in federal legislation.

IRS Launches BBA Centralized Partnership Audit Website 

The IRS announces the launch of the Bi-Partisan Budget Act (BBA) Centralized Partnership Audit Regime website.

The Centralized Partnership Audit Regime replaces the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the electing large partnership rules. The centralized partnership audit regime, or BBA, is generally effective for tax years beginning January 2018. Under the BBA, the IRS generally assesses and collects any understatement of tax (called an imputed underpayment) at the partnership level.

A partnership is subject to BBA unless it is an eligible partnership and makes an annual election out of BBA on a timely filed Form 1065.  An eligible partnership is one with 100 or fewer partners, all of whom are either individuals, C corporations, foreign entities that would be treated as a C corporation if it were domestic, S corporations or estates of deceased partners.

The new webpage is intended to be a one-stop location for anything BBA-related, including regulations and other guidance and instructions related to the Partnership Representative (PR), electing out of the centralized audit regime, Administrative Adjustment Requests (AARs) and what to expect during a BBA administrative proceeding.

Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the website often for information, including electronic submission instructions of forms related to a BBA examination when those instructions are available.

News and Highlights:

FICPA brings CPA voice to economic recovery efforts

In response to the pandemic’s negative impact on Florida’s economy, the FICPA has joined statewide efforts aimed at developing ideas and solutions for lawmakers to consider as they continue to look towards the reopening and rebuilding of our state’s economy. The FICPA State Legislative Policy Committee has worked with many of these groups to provide recommendations and several FICPA members have been selected for leadership roles in the joint taskforces.  We are proud of our members for representing the FICPA and the profession in these efforts.   

Restore Economic Strength through Employment and Tourism (RESET) Task Force

The RESET Task Force is comprised of more than 50 trade associations and business groups from across the state. Led by former President of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Dr. Ed Moore, the coalition has focused their efforts to provide industry-specific solutions to the challenges facing the business community during the pandemic. In addition to Dr. Moore’s leadership, the taskforce is bolstered by the expertise of former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate as a senior advisor. Representing the FICPA on the task force are the following members:                                                                         

	Chris Oatis		W.G. Spoor		Shawn Riordan
	Co-Chair Tax Working Group		Legal Reform/Liability Working Group		Agriculture Working Group

Florida TaxWatch COVID-19 Taxpayer Task Force

The Florida TaxWatch is the preeminent taxpayer research and government watchdog organization for the state. Focused on the fiscal management and productivity of the state government on behalf of the taxpayers, TaxWatch was well positioned to pull together many of the state’s talented business leaders to form a task force to address the pandemics impact on the taxpayer. Representing the profession on the task force are the following members:

	Karen Lake, CPA Task Force Chair		Winston Howell,CPA		Santiago Pujals, CPA		Michael Kohner, CPA		Richard Berkowitz, CPA

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Deregulation Bill

On June 30, Governor DeSantis signed his long-anticipated deregulation legislation coined  “The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act” (HB 1193). This act eliminates barriers of entry to certain professions licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR) by adding endorsement and reciprocity provisions, removing supplemental business licenses and corresponding license fees, reducing licensure education requirements, and eliminating other licensure and registration requirements. 

Specifically related to the profession, the legislation deletes the continuing education (CPE) requirements for individuals applying for a license under the “licensure by endorsement process”. Licensure by endorsement generally applies to CPAs that are licensed in other states and who are moving to Florida.  The law does NOT delete the CPE requirements for all CPAs. You can read more about the impacts of The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act here.

New State Tax Laws Effective July 1

Many of the provisions of the state tax law changes legislation, House Bill 7097 , took effect July 1. The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) issued several Emergency Rules implementing the newly enacted law, see rules below. 

Highlights from HB 7097:

Refund Statute of Limitations – Tolls the time to file a refund claim during an informal audit protests, which will extend the time a taxpayer has to file a refund claim for an overpayment of taxes arising from the audit period under protest.

Fuel Bond Requirement Increase – An increase of the annual bond required for fuel dealers from $100,000 to $300,000

Monthly Dyed Fuel Penalty – A change for the improper invoicing of dyed diesel fuel from a per gallon penalty to a $2,500/month penalty

Nonprofit Hospital Exemption Limitation – A potential limitation of the property tax exemption enjoyed by nonprofit hospitals based on the actual community benefit expense provided by the hospital in each county.  Hospitals will be required to annually report to the DOR effective 2022.  If the community benefit is less than the property tax exemption in two or more consecutive years, then the property tax exemption will be reduced proportionately.

1099-K Reporting for SUT Audit Leads – Requiring payment settlement entities (banks, credit card companies and payment platforms) that file IRS form 1099-K (providing information about payments by credit cards or third-party merchants) to also electronically file the form with DOR. A penalty for not filing of $1,000 a month, up to $10,000 per year, is created. 

To view a detailed analysis of all the provisions included in HB 7097, click here.   

Florida Department of Revenue’s Emergency Rules

Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Final Budget

Governor DeSantis has signed the final budget for this fiscal year, which totals at $92.2 billion. The budget includes two issues the FICPA advocated for, with $200,000 going towards the Clay Ford Scholarship and $100,000 for the Unlicensed Activity Fund. The Unlicensed Activity Fund aids in combating unlicensed activity through licensure enforcement and education, while the Clay Ford Scholarship is intended to encourage students to remain in school for the fifth year required to obtain a CPA license. Student applicants who meet the requirements may be eligible for scholarships from $3,000 to $6,000 per semester, which are awarded for a maximum of two semesters. For an in-depth analysis of the budget, Florida TaxWatch has released its “Taxpayer’s Guide to Florida’s FY2020-21 State Budget” providing information on nearly any budget topic you might be interested in!  

CPA Exam Continuous Testing Begins July 1

On July 1, The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Prometric launched year-round testing of the Uniform CPA Examination. According to NASBA, continuous testing has been a goal for some time, and it comes in direct response to feedback from CPA Exam candidates and their desire to test more frequently throughout the year. The new continuous testing model provides greater candidate flexibility and convenience, with more than 75 additional testing dates available throughout the year. Candidates wishing to learn more about continuous testing, as well as how the score release process will work, should visit the CPA Exam Score Release and Continuous Testing Overview pages. Additional information is also available in this short informational video.  

PPP Extended until August

On July 4,  The President signed legislation into law that extends the application window for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until August 8. The program still has roughly $130 billion and there is a growing discussion about whether the program should be extended further. In a recent statement, the architect of the program Florida Senator Marco Rubio stated, “As the scope of the financial damage done to small businesses by the pandemic and resulting lockdowns has grown, it has become clear that longer-term support is necessary.”  Just yesterday, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin commented on his conversations with Senator Rubio regarding the possibility of more assistance for businesses through the loan program. He revealed that he  thinks any further extension of the program will be “much, much more targeted to the businesses that really need this money and the smaller businesses.”

Call to Action

Please contact your local State Representative, ask them to support their local CPAs and VOTE YES on House Bill 867!

Our CPA lawmakers have worked hard to pass this bill and now we need your help! Take action now!

Step 1: Find YOUR Representative Here

https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

Step 2: Email or call their office in Tallahassee and ask them to support House Bill 867 and the CPA profession.

 

House Bill 867 does the following:

• Creates a “retired” status for CPAs 55 years or older.
• Allows for CPE reciprocity for nonresident Florida CPAs.
• Clarifies ‘licensure by endorsement” requirements.
• Clarifies the definition of “performance audit” for discretionary sales surtax referendums.
• Link to the full bill language here: http://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/867

As a member of the FICPA, we need your support! Take just a few minutes to ask your state Representative to “VOTE YES” on House Bill 867.

Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations by Sen. Albritton

Status: Read Second Time; Substituted for HB 1193; Laid on Table, Refer to HB 1193

SB126 – Sales and Use tax by Sen. Gruters

Status: Favorable by Finance and Tax; YEAS 8 NAYS 0. Now in Appropriations

SB616 – Background Screening by Rep. Powell

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes by Rep. Eskamani

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate by Rep. Diaz

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act by Sen. Brandes

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations by Rep. Renner

Status: Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Appropriations; Rules. Received

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property by Rep. Caruso

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy by Sen. Gruters

Status: Read Second Time; Substituted for HB 0867; Laid on Table, Refer to HB 0867

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs by Sen. Albritton

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform by Rep. Diaz

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy by Rep. Santiago

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

HB7095 – Adoption of the Internal Revenue Code for Purposes of the Corporate Income Tax by Rep. Avila

Status: Passed; YEAS 39 NAYS 0. Ordered enrolled

HB 7097 – Taxation by Rep. Avila

Status: Read Second Time; Amendments Failed (591488, 357978, 859456, 678516, 103672, 758088, 439482, 947834, 819886, 608968); Amendment Adopted (271678); Placed on Third Reading, 03/13/20

Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations by Sen. Albritton

Status: Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

SB126 – Sales and Use tax by Sen. Gruters 

Status: Favorable by Finance and Tax; YEAS 8 NAYS 0. Now in Appropriations

SB616 – Background Screening by Rep. Powell

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes by Rep. Eskamani

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate by Rep. Diaz

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act by Sen. Brandes

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations by Rep. Renner

Status: Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Appropriations; Rules

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property by Rep. Caruso

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy by Sen. Gruters

Status: Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs by Sen. Albritton

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform by Rep. Diaz

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy by Rep. Santiago 

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

HB7095 – Adoption of the Internal Revenue Code for Purposes of the Corporate Income Tax by Rep. Avila

Status: Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/05/20

HB 7097 – Taxation by Rep. Avila

Status: Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/05/20

Other Weekly News and Highlights:

New podcast! Director of Governmental Affairs, Justin Thames, speaks with FICPA member & State Senator Joe Gruters about his service in the Florida Senate, leadership positions, and key policy issues for the 2020 legislative session. LISTEN HERE!

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Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations

Status: CS/CS/CS by Appropriations read 1st time

SB126 – Sales and Use tax

Status: Favorable by Finance and Tax; YEAS 8 NAYS 0. Now in Appropriations

SB616 – Background Screening

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations

Status: CS passed; YEAS 85 NAYS 29

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy

Status: On Committee agenda– Rules, 03/02/20, 12:00 pm, 110 Senate Building

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

HB7095 – Adoption of the Internal Revenue Code for Purposes of the Corporate Income Tax

Status: Introduced -HJ 601

HB 7097 – Taxation

Status: CS by- Appropriations Committee; YEAS 25 NAYS 4

Other Weekly News and Highlights:

FICPA Presents at Blockchain Taskforce Meeting

On February 21, the FICPA represented the profession at the Florida Blockchain Taskforce meeting. Some of the main topics discussed at the meeting included blockchain growth opportunities in state and local governments, and a master plan to work toward development of task force deliverables. We also heard a legislative update including details about the Technology Innovation Bills (HB 1391 & SB 1870) and how they may affect the Blockchain Taskforce.

We are seeking an extension to the Taskforce and potential reauthorization through HB 1077 and SB 1404, which comprise one of the DFS agency bills this year. These two bills include provisions to re-authorize the Taskforce until January 2021 in order to fully investigate the emerging technology and develop high-quality recommendations. In addition to last week’s presentation, the profession is represented on the Task Force by FICPA member Gary Ruderman, CPA.

You can watch the full meeting video here.

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Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations

Status: Now in Appropriations

SB126 – Sales and Use tax

Status: On Committee agenda– Finance and Tax, 02/13/20, 12:30 pm, 401 Senate Building

SB616 – Background Screening

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations

Status: Original reference(s)- removed: Appropriations Committee. Referred to- Calendar

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy

Status: Favorable by Commerce and Tourism; YEAS 5 NAYS 0. Now in Rules

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

Other Weekly News and Highlights:

Journal of Accountancy Podcast: What’s next for potential CPA licensure changes  

A new model proposed by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the AICPA is designed with an eye on the future for newly-licensed CPAs. Carl Mayes, CPA, AICPA associate director–CPA Quality & Evolution, provides background on the project and a look ahead to 2020.

https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/podcast/new-cpa-licensure-model.html  

AICPA Issues Report for CIRAs – ASC 606 

The AICPA Center for Plain English Accounting has issued a report on key aspects of the application of FASB ASC 606 to CIRAs. You can read the report here.

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Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations

Status: Now in Appropriations

SB126 – Sales and Use tax

Status: On Committee agenda– Finance and Tax, 02/13/20, 12:30 pm, 401 Senate Building

SB616 – Background Screening

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations

Status: Original reference(s)- removed: Appropriations Committee. Referred to- Calendar

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy

Status: Favorable by Commerce and Tourism; YEAS 5 NAYS 0. Now in Rules

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

Other Weekly News and Highlights:

Florida House Tax Package includes $100 million in cuts

On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Committee released its annual tax cut proposal. The proposal includes a reduction of the Business Rent Tax from 5.5 percent to 5.4 percent and a reduction of the Communication Services Tax from 4.93 percent to 4.42 percent. Read a summary of the tax package prepared by government watchdog Florida TaxWatch here.

Download the full tax package proposal here.

Journal of Accountancy Podcast: What’s next for potential CPA licensure changes

A new model proposed by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the AICPA is designed with an eye on the future for newly licensed CPAs. Carl Mayes, CPA, AICPA associate director–CPA Quality & Evolution, provides background on the project and a look ahead to 2020.

https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/podcast/new-cpa-licensure-model.html

Bill Tracking

SB474 – Deregulation of Professions and Occupations 

Summary: Deletes the requirement that a yacht broker maintain a separate license for each branch office; specifies that the failure to repay certain student loans is not considered a failure to perform a statutory or legal obligation for which certain disciplinary action can be taken; revises licensure requirements for engineers who hold specified licenses in another state; provides that certain cosmetology services may be performed in a location other than a licensed salon under certain circumstances.

Status: Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) – (Committee Substitute)

SB126 – Sales and Use tax 

Summary: Revises the definition of the term “retail sale”; renames the term “mail order sale” to “remote sale” and revises the definition; revises conditions under which certain dealers are subject to sales tax levies and collection; provides that certain marketplace providers are subject to registration, collection, and remittance requirements for sales taxes.

Status: Introduced – SJ 13

SB616 – Background Screening 

Summary: Prohibits employers from excluding applicants from an initial interview for employment under certain conditions; provides a civil penalty; provides applicability; provides exceptions; requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to enforce the act.

Status: Introduced – SJ 47

HB6021 – Corporate Income taxes 

Summary: Repeals provisions relating to corporate income taxes imposed, automatic refunds, & downward adjustments to tax rates.

Status: Introduced – HJ 258

SB740 – Real Estate

Summary: Creates the “Florida Real Estate Management Corporation Act”; requires a written contract with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; prohibits the management corporation from exercising certain authority assigned to the board of directors; provides that the board, rather than the department, receive complaints and investigate and deter the unlicensed practice of real estate.

Status: Introduced- SJ 56

SB450 – Whistleblower’s Act 

Summary: Revises the actions that an agency or independent contractor is prohibited from taking against an employee who participates in protected activity or discloses certain information; specifies that whistleblower remedies and protections do not apply to certain persons; revises applicability of provisions relating to investigative procedures upon receipt of whistleblower information; revises investigative procedures in response to retaliatory actions.

Status: Introduced -SJ 34

HB707 – Legislative Review of Occupational Regulations

Summary: Authorizes schedule for the systematic review of occupational regulatory programs; authorizes Legislature to take certain actions before scheduled repeal of occupational regulatory program; provides regulation of occupation to state if such occupation’s regulatory program has been repealed through this act; provides schedule of repeal for occupational regulatory programs.

Status: On Committee agenda– Health and Human Services Committee, 02/06/20, 12:00 pm, Morris Hal

HB1141 – Taxation of Real Property

Summary: Exempts from sales & use tax certain property that is rented, leased, subleased, or licensed to specified small business; provides application procedures; requires DOR to approve or deny such application within specified time period; provides requirements for DOR & small business; provides for expiration of approval letter; provides renewal procedures.

Status: Introduced -HJ 100

SB1140 – Public Accountancy 

Summary: Requires certain applicants to not be licensed in any state or territory in order to be licensed by endorsement; provides license renewal requirements for nonresident licensees; requires that a majority of the hours required for continuing education include specific content; authorizes certain Florida certified public accountants to apply to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to have their license placed in a retired status; provides that retired licensees are not required to maintain continuing education requirements, etc.

Status: Favorable by Commerce and Tourism; YEAS 5 NAYS 0. Now in Rules

SB1526 – Food Donation Programs 

Summary: Creates an agricultural commodity donation tax credit; authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt rules; revises the department’s powers and duties relating to school food and other nutrition programs; deletes a provision authorizing district school boards to opt out of implementing universal school breakfast programs; requires the department to annually allocate to participating sponsors a reimbursement in addition to the sum appropriated for the Florida Farm to School Program if certain conditions are met; requires the department to develop the Florida Gleaning Support Grant Program, etc. APPROPRIATION: $1,650,000

Status: Introduced -SJ 112

SB1238 – Regulatory Reform 

Summary: Establishes the Red Tape Reduction Advisory Council within the Executive Office of the Governor; requires an agency adopting a rule to submit a rule replacement request to the Administrative Procedures Committee; requires the committee to examine rule replacement requests and existing rules; requires the Administrative Procedures Committee to establish a regulatory baseline of agency rules; provides that a proposed rule may not cause the total number of rules to exceed the regulatory baseline, etc.

Status: Introduced -SJ 90

HB963 – Consumer Data Privacy 

Summary: Prohibits use of personal data contained in public records for certain marketing, soliciting, & contact without person’s consent; requires operator of certain website or online service to establish designated request address & provide specified notice regarding collection & sale of consumer information; prohibits sale of consumer information upon request of consumer; requires DLA to adopt rules; provides for injunctions & civil penalties.

Status: Introduced -HJ 83

Other Weekly News and Highlights:

Deregulation Bills on our Radar

We’ve been closely monitoring two bills regarding the “sunset” and “sunrise” review of occupations and professions, including the CPA profession. The sunset review bill, HB 707, was last heard on January 16, where it was favorable by a 22 to 1 vote. It was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday where the bill sponsor, Representative Paul Renner, discussed his desire to have a structured review for all occupational licenses. The last time he presented the bill, he clarified that he believes it’s not a deregulation bill, but simply uses a sunset to force structured review. Meanwhile, the “sunrise” review bill, HB 1155, was favorable with a 10 to 2 vote. This bill, sponsored by Representative Hage, expands the current laws that created a process to review any regulation of a previously unregulated profession or occupations to now include a review of any expansion of regulation for an existing regulated profession or occupation. For more updates on these bills, be sure to follow our weekly bill tracker.

Advocacy At Work

State Representative Cyndi Stevenson, CPA and FICPA President-CEO Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA

FICPA President-CEO Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA, State Representative Mike Caruso, CPA, FICPA Director of Governmental Affairs Justin Thames

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