Becoming a CPA in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

Become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Florida marks the beginning of a rewarding career in accounting, finance, and beyond. The CPA designation is more than just a title; it signifies your expertise, ethical standards, and dedication to the accounting profession.

This comprehensive guide is here to lead you through every step of becoming a CPA in Florida, breaking down the complex requirements into manageable tasks. From educational prerequisites and passing the CPA exam to gaining relevant experience and upholding professional ethics, we'll cover everything you need to know to obtain your CPA certification in Florida.

In this article, we'll explain how to become a CPA in Florida, what the requirements are, and why it's beneficial to become a CPA.

CPA Requirements in Florida

The path to becoming a CPA in Florida is governed by specific requirements set by the Florida Board of Accountancy. These requirements ensure that all CPAs possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to perform at the highest professional standards. Let's explore these requirements in more detail.

Educational Requirements

The educational path to CPA certification is designed to provide a solid foundation in accounting, business, and ethics. In Florida, the educational requirements include:

• Completion of 150 semester hours of post-secondary education. This typically involves earning a bachelor's degree (120 hours) plus an additional 30 hours, which can be achieved through a master's degree or additional coursework.
• Earning a degree in accounting or a closely related field from an accredited institution to ensure the quality and recognition of your education.
• Within your education, you must complete specific coursework in accounting and business. This includes at least 36 semester hours in accounting subjects (beyond introductory courses) and 39 semester hours in general business courses. These courses cover essential areas like taxation, auditing, financial accounting, and business law.

Educational Pathway

• When selecting a college or university, consider programs specifically tailored for aspiring CPAs. Look for programs that offer a CPA track or emphasize CPA exam preparation.
• Work closely with an academic advisor to ensure your coursework meets the CPA requirements. Prioritize taking advanced accounting and business courses that align with CPA exam topics.
• Many students opt for a Master's in Accounting or Taxation to fulfill the 150-hour requirement. This helps meet the educational criteria and enhances your expertise and preparation for the CPA exam.

CPA Examination

1. The CPA exam is a rigorous assessment designed to test your knowledge and skills across various areas of accounting and business. The exam is divided into four sections:
2. Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Tests your knowledge of auditing processes, including ethics, professional responsibilities, and the preparation of reports.
3. Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): Covers business concepts and the importance of understanding the business environment in which accounting functions operate.
4. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Assesses your understanding of financial reporting frameworks from standards setters such as FASB, IASB, and GASB.
5. Regulation (REG): Examines your knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional responsibilities in tax practice, and business law.

Preparing for the Exam

• Enrolling in a CPA review course is highly recommended. These courses provide structured study materials, practice questions, and simulations that closely mimic the CPA exam.
• Dedicate a consistent schedule for your CPA exam preparation. Balancing study time with work and personal commitments is crucial for success.
• Regularly take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas for improvement. This also helps in managing time during the actual exam.

Gaining the Required Work Experience

In Florida, CPA candidates must complete one year (2000 hours) of supervised work experience. This experience can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia and must involve providing services or advice using accounting, attesting, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.

Making the Most of Your Work Experience

• Ensure your supervisor is a licensed CPA who can verify your work experience. This mentorship is invaluable for your professional development.
• Seek opportunities to work on a variety of projects and tasks. This broadens your skills and understanding of different accounting practices and specialities.
• Keep detailed records of your work experience, including the nature of your work, hours completed, and skills developed. This documentation will be necessary when applying for your CPA license.

Ethics Examination

The ethics exam is an open-book test designed to assess your understanding of professional conduct and the ethical standards expected of CPAs. The Florida Board of Accountancy specifies the approved ethics courses candidates can take to meet this requirement.

Approaching the Ethics Exam

• Utilize the study materials from the ethics course to understand the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct and other ethical frameworks.
• Focus on understanding how ethical standards apply in real-world scenarios. This helps in both passing the ethics exam and practicing as a CPA.
• Although the ethics exam is open-book, dedicate adequate time to studying and understanding the material before attempting the exam.