The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) on Jan. 25 held its annual in-person advocacy event, Hike the Hill, at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. The event – which was the Institute’s second full-member, fly-in advocacy day – brought FICPA members together with lawmakers to advocate on behalf of the CPA profession in Florida.

“During Hike the Hill, our members met with numerous policymakers who make an impact on our profession every day,” FICPA Board and Council Chair Julian Dozier said. “Adding their voices, not only on behalf of Florida’s CPAs and CPA firms but also on behalf of the clients they serve, to the FICPA’s advocacy efforts strengthens our position among policymakers, the public whose interest we serve, and the profession nationally.”

Advocating on CPAs’ behalf is the cornerstone of the FICPA’s mission, and member involvement is the driving force behind every major advancement and success for the profession since the organization was founded in 1905.

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The FICPA was honored to hear a keynote address from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin. Secretary Griffin expressed her excitement to partner with the FICPA in supporting and strengthening the CPA profession.

In addition to meetings with legislators at the Capitol, Hike the Hill included a Legislative Briefing Luncheon, during which the FICPA celebrated the members of its second Leadership Academy graduating class.

“The CPA profession plays an integral part in Florida’s economy. Our members’ expertise and business relationships provide a unique perspective to share with policymakers. This event is a great opportunity for us to share why CPAs Count, and how they help make Florida a better place to do business,” FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer Justin Thames said.

Hike the Hill was the second of the FICPA’s two CPA Advocacy Days in January, following Virtual Advocacy Day. That event included a legislative briefing from FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer Justin Thames and Liberty Partners of Tallahassee’s Jennifer Green; an interactive CPA lawmaker panel featuring Rep. Mike Caruso, Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Cyndi Stevenson; discussions about the CPA profession with Sen. Ed Hooper, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, Majority Leader Ben Albritton, Rep. Stan McClain and Rep. Bob Rommel; and a Florida Economic Update from the Florida Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Dr. Ben Tabatabaei.