Florida CPA: How to Find the Best CPA in Florida

When most people hear the term CPA, they immediately think: taxes. And yes, taxes are a big part of what a CPA handles. But the truth is, a Florida CPA does so much more than just crunch numbers during tax season. 

Whether you’re a small business owner in Miami, a freelancer in Tampa, or a retiree in Orlando trying to make sense of your investments, having a Florida CPA on your side can make a huge difference. And no, this isn’t just about saving a few bucks here and there it's about making smarter financial choices, staying compliant with laws, and even sleeping better at night.

What Is a CPA?

CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. It’s not just someone who’s good at math or someone who does bookkeeping. A CPA has to go through years of education, pass a tough national exam, meet experience requirements, and maintain ongoing education each year to stay certified. In Florida, they also need to meet state-specific requirements, which are just as strict. So, when you work with a Florida CPA, you’re not just hiring someone who can prepare a tax return you’re partnering with a licensed professional who understands Florida tax laws, federal tax rules, financial planning, and a whole lot more.

Read more about Florida income tax

What Services Does a Florida CPA Offer?

Now we’re getting into the meat of it. A lot of people assume CPAs only pop up around tax time, but in reality, they do so much more all year round. Here’s a closer look at the services a good Florida CPA might provide:

• Tax Preparation and Planning

Of course, this is the big one. But it’s not just about filling out forms. A CPA helps you plan ahead so you’re not surprised by a big tax bill or penalties. They can advise you on how to structure your income, investments, or business to legally lower your taxes.

• Bookkeeping and Accounting

For small businesses and freelancers, keeping track of expenses, invoices, and payroll can be overwhelming. A Florida CPA can handle the books or help you set up an accounting system like QuickBooks that fits your business needs.

• Business Consulting

Thinking about expanding your business? Starting a new one? Buying equipment? Hiring employees? A Florida CPA can help you figure out if the numbers make sense. They’ll help you look at the pros and cons, from a financial angle.

• Financial Planning

Even if you’re not a business owner, a CPA can help you make smart choices with your money. That might include retirement planning, saving for your kid’s college, or deciding whether to buy or rent a home.

• Audit Support

If you ever get audited by the IRS or the Florida Department of Revenue (and yes, it happens), a CPA can represent you, speak on your behalf, and help you get through it without stress.

CPA Requirements in Florida

If you’re wondering what it takes to become a Florida CPA, you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t realize how much training and effort goes into earning that title. It’s not just a matter of being good at math or learning how to use tax software. Becoming a licensed CPA in Florida takes years of dedication, study, and real-world experience.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required to become a Certified Public Accountant in Florida:

1. Education Requirements

To start, anyone who wants to become a CPA in Florida must complete 150 semester hours of college coursework. This includes:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
  
  

• At least 30 credit hours in accounting subjects (like auditing, tax, financial accounting)
  
  

• 36 credit hours in general business courses
  
  

Most people meet these requirements by earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and then either doing a master’s degree or taking additional courses to reach the 150-hour minimum.

2. Pass the CPA Exam

After completing the education requirement, the next step is passing the Uniform CPA Exam. This is a tough, four-part test that covers:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
  
  

• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
  
  

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  
  

• Regulation (REG)
  
  

It’s not easy many people study for months for each section—but passing all four parts is a must to get licensed.

3. Gain Work Experience

Florida also requires at least one year (or 2,000 hours) of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia as long as it involves the kind of work a CPA does (like audits, tax prep, or financial analysis).

4. Apply for Licensure

Once you’ve completed your education, passed all four parts of the CPA exam, and gained the required experience, you can apply for your license through the Florida Board of Accountancy. You’ll need to submit documents, pay a fee, and pass a background check.

5. Keep Your License Active

Becoming a CPA doesn’t end with getting your license. In Florida, CPAs must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every two years to stay current with changing laws, ethics, and best practices. That includes a few mandatory ethics hours as well.

How to Find the Best CPA in Florida 

Choosing the right CPA in Florida is a big deal. You’re trusting someone with your money, your business, maybe even your future. So it’s important to find someone who’s not just qualified on paper, but someone who actually cares, explains things clearly, and has a strong track record in the state.

Here’s how you can find the best Florida CPA and why SK Financial CPA is often the first name people recommend in Tampa and beyond:

1. Look for Experience You Can Count On

A seasoned CPA knows how to handle all kinds of situations tax planning, audits, business growth, and everything in between. SK Financial has been serving clients across Florida for more than 23 years. That’s over two decades of hands-on experience helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate their finances with confidence.

2. Check the Reviews

These days, it’s easy to see what others are saying. And when it comes to client satisfaction, SK Financial CPA stands out. We proudly hold a 5-star rating on Google, with hundreds of happy clients praising our professionalism, fast service, and friendly communication.

3. Make Sure They Know Florida Inside and Out

Florida has some unique tax advantages no state income tax being one of them but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. From sales tax to small business filings, you want someone who really understands how things work here. Based in Tampa, we know Florida’s tax laws inside and out, and we’ve helped thousands of locals get the most out of them.

4. Find Someone Who Talks to You Like a Human

No one wants to sit through a meeting filled with confusing tax jargon. A good CPA will break things down, answer your questions, and make sure you actually understand what’s going on. That’s one reason why people keep coming back to SK Financial we take time to listen, explain, and make it all feel less overwhelming.

5. Go with a CPA Who Does More Than Just Taxes

While taxes are a big part of what CPAs do, you’ll get the most value from someone who helps with everything bookkeeping, payroll, business setup, financial planning, and beyond. We offer a full range of services tailored to Florida residents and businesses, our services are starting from just $210 so you can grow with us, not outgrow us.

Do I Really Need a CPA, or Is a Tax Preparer Enough?

This is one of those questions that depends on your situation. If you have a simple tax return maybe just a W-2 and no investments or business income a basic tax preparer or even tax software might be fine.

But once your finances get more difficult owning a home, running a business, selling stocks, receiving rental income then a Florida CPA can bring a lot more value. They’ll not only help you file everything correctly, but also offer advice you wouldn’t get from software or a seasonal tax helper.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a Florida CPA isn’t just someone who helps with numbers. They’re a financial guide, a business partner, and sometimes even a stress-reliever. Life is full of changes jobs, moves, businesses, families and with each shift, your finances get a little more complicated. Instead of doing it all yourself, why not lean on someone who knows the Florida system inside and out. So, whether you’re just curious or seriously considering hiring help, now’s a great time to talk to a professional. And if you're in Florida, connecting with a local CPA like SK Financial CPA might be one of the smartest money moves you make this year.

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