Are you a licensed Florida Certified Public Accountant who has received a complaint?

On the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) website they say that the professions and businesses regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the disciplinary action that may be taken is administrative in nature.  These actions may result in a reprimand, fine, restriction of practice, remedial education, administrative cost, probation, license suspension or license revocation.

The Florida DBPR cannot represent you in civil matters to recover fees paid or seek remedies for injuries. They also suggest you may wish to consult a private attorney regarding these matters.

The Florida DBPR says that on average, a complaints can take about four months to be investigated before being forwarded to the legal section for review by the prosecuting attorney.  The investigations may take considerably longer based upon the complexity of the complaint and whether criminal charges are involved.  After the complaint is in the legal section, it typically takes an additional two months to one year to settle depending on whether the case is resolved by way of a closing order, an informal hearing, a settlement agreement, or a formal hearing.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) complaints and all information obtained during the investigation is confidential until 10 days after probable cause is found. Any case against unlicensed activity is considered public records according to the Florida DBPR.

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, if a complaint is filed against your license and it is found to be legally sufficient, you will be notified and a copy of the complaint along with supporting documentation will be provided to you.  You then have 20 days to respond to the allegations against you and your professional license.

Remember, your license is your livelihood.

Soreide Law Group, conveniently located in South Florida, represents all Florida licensed CPA’s statewide in front of the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) regarding licensing issues.

For more information about professional licensing law please call Soreide Law Group for a no-cost consultation with an attorney at: (888) 760-6552.