Florida’s accounting education landscape offers diverse pathways to CPA licensure and accounting careers, with over 150 AACSB-accredited programs statewide. With the state’s unique 150-credit hour requirement and growing demand for accounting professionals (projected 4% growth through 2033), choosing the right educational path is crucial for your career success.
This guide, developed with input from Florida CPAs and education experts, breaks down everything you need to know about accounting education in the Sunshine State—from program selection to CPA exam preparation.
Florida Accounting Education Quick Facts:
- 150 credit hours required for CPA licensure
- Average in-state tuition: $6,360/year (public universities)
- 95,820 accountants employed statewide (2024)
- Median salary: $78,450/year
- 4% projected job growth through 2033
Florida CPA Requirements Overview
The Florida Board of Accountancy is responsible for licensing Florida’s CPAs and, in accordance with the Uniform Accountancy Act, requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum with a total of 150 semester hours of college credit, a year of experience, and passing scores on the Uniform CPA Exam.
While satisfying the experience requirement, many CPA licensure candidates also begin working to earn a master’s degree in accounting to satisfy the semester hour requirement for CPA licensure in Florida. Major employers of CPAs in the state include public accounting firms Crowe Horwath, LLC located in Fort Lauderdale, as well as “Big Four” international CPA firms KPMG with offices in Miami and Ernst & Young with a location in Tampa.
Find out more about CPA requirements in our step-by-step guide on how to become a CPA in Florida.
Educational Pathways for Florida Accountants
Florida offers multiple educational routes to becoming an accountant, each tailored to different career goals and timelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
A bachelor’s degree in accounting is the foundation for most accounting careers in Florida. Programs typically require 120 credit hours and cover:
- Financial accounting principles
- Managerial accounting
- Taxation fundamentals
- Auditing procedures
- Business law and ethics
Master’s Degree Options
To meet Florida’s 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure, many students pursue graduate education:
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc): Focused specifically on advanced accounting topics
- MBA in Accounting: Combines accounting expertise with broader business management skills
- Master of Science in Taxation: Specializes in complex tax issues
Online Programs
Florida’s universities offer numerous online accounting degree programs, providing flexibility for working professionals. These programs maintain the same accreditation standards as on-campus offerings while allowing students to balance education with career and family obligations.
Top Accounting Schools in Florida
Florida hosts several nationally recognized accounting programs. Here are some of the state’s top institutions:
Florida-Specific Accounting Considerations
Florida’s unique economic landscape creates specialized opportunities for accountants:
No State Income Tax Advantage
Florida’s lack of state income tax creates unique considerations for accountants specializing in:
- Multi-state tax planning for businesses
- Retirement planning and wealth management
- Estate planning strategies
Industry Specializations
Florida’s economy offers distinctive accounting niches:
- Tourism & Hospitality: Accounting for hotels, theme parks, and cruise lines
- Real Estate: Property management and development accounting
- International Business: Miami’s role as a gateway to Latin America
- Healthcare: Large retirement population drives medical accounting demand
- Disaster Recovery: Specialized services for hurricane and natural disaster claims
Career Opportunities for Florida Accountants
CPAs involved in investigative accounting are credited with building the body of evidence responsible for prosecuting both white-collar crimes and the illicit money laundering activities of organized crime syndicates. Forensic accounting is emerging as one of the hottest jobs in accounting, and in Florida, major accounting firms like the Sanford Barrows Group, LLC, as well as Miami’s U.S. Marshals Service, retain these professionals for their unique investigative expertise.
According to the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, one of the biggest areas of employment for Florida’s accountants is in the world of big business. Corporate accountants serve as accounting managers, internal auditors, and financial control officers for the many Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, including:
- Fidelity National Financial (Jacksonville)
- Office Depot (Boca Raton)
- Publix Super Markets (Lakeland)
- NextEra Energy (Juno Beach)
Emerging Opportunities
The field of accounting is booming in Florida as Wall Street firms relocate their offices to business-friendly cities like Jacksonville, where operational costs and tax rates are lower than almost anywhere on the East Coast. According to recent reports, there are corporate defectors coming down south as well, with the state’s reputation as a tax haven pulling in former talent from Morgan Stanley and Squared Capital, along with other fund managers coming to set up shop.
Florida Accountant Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals across various specializations and experience levels:
Statewide Salary Overview
Top-Paying Florida Metro Areas
Specialized Accounting Roles
- Forensic Accountants: $88,100 (75th percentile)
- Controllers: $118,070 median, up to $208,000+
- CPAs in Management: $103,420 (Jacksonville), $128,300 (Miami)
- Chief Financial Officers: $182,900 median
Steps to CPA Licensure in Florida
Becoming a CPA in Florida requires careful planning and dedication. Here’s your roadmap:
1. Educational Requirements (150 Credit Hours)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 24 semester hours in accounting courses (upper division)
- 24 semester hours in business courses
- An additional 30 credits (often completed via a master’s degree)
2. Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Four sections: AUD, BEC, FAR, REG
- Must pass all sections within 18 months
- Florida accepts scores from any jurisdiction
3. Gain Required Experience
- One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience
- Must be supervised by a licensed CPA
- Can be completed before, during, or after education
4. Apply for Licensure
- Submit application to the Florida Board of Accountancy
- Provide official transcripts
- Pass the ethics examination
- Pay applicable fees (approximately $350)
Financial Planning for Your Accounting Education
Understanding the costs associated with becoming an accountant in Florida helps you plan effectively:
Financial Aid Resources
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: Covers 75-100% of tuition for eligible students
- FICPA Educational Foundation: Offers scholarships for accounting students
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Many Florida firms offer education benefits
- Federal Aid: FAFSA-based grants and loans
Timeline to Becoming a Florida CPA
Planning your path to CPA licensure? Here’s a typical timeline:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an accountant in Florida without a CPA license?
Yes, you can work as an accountant in Florida without a CPA license. Many positions, such as staff accountant, bookkeeper, or tax preparer, don’t require CPA certification. However, a CPA license significantly expands your career opportunities and earning potential, particularly for roles in public accounting, auditing, and senior management positions.
How long does it take to meet Florida’s 150-credit hour requirement?
Most students complete the 150-credit hour requirement in 5 years total. This typically includes a 4-year bachelor’s degree (120 credits) plus one additional year for a master’s degree or additional coursework (30 credits). Some accelerated programs allow completion in 4.5 years.
What’s the difference between Florida CPA requirements and other states?
Florida’s CPA requirements are similar to most states, requiring 150 credit hours, passing the CPA exam, and one year of experience. However, Florida is unique in accepting experience gained before completing education requirements, and it has reciprocity agreements with many states, making it easier to transfer your license.
Are online accounting degrees accepted for Florida CPA licensure?
Yes, online accounting degrees are accepted for Florida CPA licensure as long as they’re from regionally accredited institutions and meet the specific course requirements. The Florida Board of Accountancy doesn’t distinguish between online and traditional degrees when evaluating applications.
What’s the job outlook for accountants in Florida?
The job outlook for accountants in Florida is excellent, with projected growth of 4% through 2033. Florida’s business-friendly environment, growing population, and status as a financial hub contribute to strong demand for accounting professionals across all specializations.
How much can I expect to earn as an entry-level accountant in Florida?
Entry-level accountants in Florida (10th percentile) earn approximately $47,970 annually. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with major metros like Miami and Tampa offering higher starting salaries. With experience and CPA certification, salaries can quickly increase to the median of $78,450 or higher.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
