Committee advances bill adding licensure pathways for certified public accountants

The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries on Oct. 12 advanced CS for SB 160, a bill that would add additional pathways to become a certified public accountant in Florida while retaining current licensure standards.

Sponsor Senator Corey Gruters, the bill’s author, said the measure “will add additional pathways to become licensed in Florida while not lowering standards.” The committee adopted a technical amendment (barcode 794,636) offered by Gruters that staff described as clarifying provisions related to the licensure application process and revising the bill’s effective date.

Jason Harrell of the Florida Institute of CPAs filed an appearance form and waived his time in support of the bill. The committee chair called the roll after debate and reported CS for SB 160 favorably. The amendment was adopted by voice with no objection.

The amendment was described on the record as technical; no substantive changes to licensing standards were described during the committee’s explanation. No opposing testimony or appearance forms against the bill were entered into the record during the meeting.

The committee’s favorable report sends CS for SB 160 to the next stage of the legislative process.