The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations (DBPR) has within it, the Division of Certified Public Accounting and the Florida Board of Accountancy. They clearly state on their website what is, and what is not, within the Board’s jurisdiction to investigate.
Soreide Law Group, is conveniently located in South Florida, and 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. This article is not meant as legal advice.
The following is from the Florida DBPR’s website under the Division of Certified Public Accounting. This is listed under the Florida Board of Accountancy for what is within their jurisdiction to investigate:
• Independence, integrity and objectivity
• Competence and adherence to technical standards
• Confidentiality and records disposition
• Violation of public accountancy rules of fiduciary duty or trust
• Advertising and solicitation practices
• Form of practice and use of the CPA designation
• Ethical or moral violations
• Conviction of a felony or any crime related to the practice of accounting
• Any suspension or revocation of the right to practice accounting before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service or any other state or federal agency
• Any unlicensed individuals using the CPA designation or offering to perform services requiring a CPA license
If a complaint filed against a CPA license is found to be legally sufficient, they will be notified and a copy of the complaint, along with supporting documentation, will be provided to the CPA. The CPA will then have 20 days to respond to the allegations.
Remember, your license is your livelihood.
For more information regarding Florida professional licensing law please call Soreide Law Group for a no-cost consultation with an experienced attorney at: (888) 760-6552.