By The Guillen Pujol CPAs Newsroom
Hiring a licensed CPA in Florida is one of the most strategic decisions you can make to manage both personal and business finances. Florida is one of only seven states in the U.S. without a personal income tax—alongside Texas, Nevada, Washington, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska—but it leans heavily on sales and property taxes. With a diverse, tourism-driven economy, Florida’s tax system is layered and often counterintuitive. Navigating it effectively requires local expertise—especially if you’re looking to optimize liabilities, leverage exemptions, and stay ahead of compliance risks.
What Is a CPA and Why Florida Businesses Need One
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is not just an accountant. They are licensed professionals who meet rigorous national requirements in education, examination, and real-world experience. Unlike general accountants, CPAs are uniquely [legally] authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS, conduct financial audits, and issue certified opinions on financial statements that go far beyond bookkeeping or routine accounting. These credentials come with ongoing obligations: to maintain licensure, Florida CPAs must complete extensive hours of continuing professional education every two years—keeping pace with constantly evolving tax laws and financial regulations.
In Florida, the stakes are high. The absence of a state income tax does not equate to simplicity. The state leans heavily on sales and property taxes, and localized surtaxes—each with its own set of compliance rules. From county-specific sales tax rates to industry-specific reporting obligations, navigating Florida’s decentralized tax environment demands precision and fluency.
This is where a Florida-licensed CPA becomes indispensable. These professionals bridge the gap between federal tax mandates and Florida’s idiosyncratic financial rules. Whether structuring homestead exemptions, handling multi-county filings, or advising on international transactions, a seasoned CPA offers insights and strategies that go far beyond what a general accountant can deliver
What Makes Florida Taxes So Different? A Quick Look
Florida’s reputation as a tax-friendly state often starts with its lack of a personal income tax—a point that attracts new residents and businesses. But that’s only part of the story. The state’s revenue system leans heavily on other areas, and the rules can vary widely by county or industry. Understanding these nuances is essential for anyone managing personal or business finances here.
Here are some of the key aspects of Florida’s financial landscape—details your CPA should be familiar with to guide you effectively:
- No State Personal Income Tax: We’ve already noted Florida’s absence of a personal income tax, a cornerstone of its tax-friendly reputation. For residents this means more take-home pay, while businesses must still account for a 5.5% corporate income tax on net income, though some exemptions apply to small entities.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Florida offers a homestead exemption in two tiers: the first $25,000 applies to all properties, and an additional $25,000 exemption is available for assessed values above $75,000. In addition, the Save Our Homes cap limits annual assessment increases to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Homeowners can also “port” unused exemption benefits when moving within the state. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
- Sales and Use Taxes: The state sales tax rate is 6%, and each county may impose a discretionary surtax between 0.5 % and 2.5 %. Florida holds several tax-free holidays—back-to-school supplies, hurricane preparedness items, even energy-efficient appliances—where qualified purchases are exempt. A local CPA helps businesses calculate combined rates, file returns accurately, and time major purchases to coincide with these holidays.
- Commercial Rent Tax Repeal: Beginning October 1, 2025, Florida will no longer impose state sales tax—or county discretionary surtaxes—on commercial rent payments. This repeal ends more than five decades of taxation on office, retail, warehouse, and other business leases. While it reduces occupancy costs for tenants, it also requires landlords and business owners to update lease agreements, billing systems, and compliance procedures. A local CPA ensures this transition is handled correctly and that potential refunds or adjustments are not overlooked.
- Tangible Personal Property Tax: Businesses must annually declare and pay tax on tangible assets (furniture, machinery, equipment) by filing Form DR-405 with their county property appraiser’s office, generally by April 1 each year. Late filings can trigger penalties of up to 25%. Proper valuation and timely filing prevent overpayments and late-filing penalties.
- Estate and Asset Considerations: There is no state estate or inheritance tax in Florida, though estates exceeding the federal exemption threshold ($13.61 million in 2024) incur federal estate tax. A CPA collaborates with your attorney or financial planner to structure trusts, lifetime gifts, and other strategies that optimize tax outcomes and safeguard your legacy.
Because these rules vary by county, asset type, and taxpayer profile, Florida’s overall tax system can be deceptively complex. A local CPA knows the required state-specific filings and deadlines—corporate income tax returns, tangible personal property filings, sales tax remittances—and can guide you to leverage every available advantage while avoiding costly mistakes.
Why Working With a Florida-Licensed CPA Makes a Difference
Engaging a Florida-licensed CPA comes with clear benefits for both individuals and businesses:
- Expert Navigation of Tax Rules: A Florida CPA decodes the state’s unique tax maze—claiming homestead exemptions, maximizing available credits, and ensuring sales-tax compliance. Their in-depth knowledge helps you avoid overlooked savings and misinterpretations of state-specific regulations.
- Local Business Insight: Florida’s economy spans tourism, agriculture, real estate, technology, and more—each sector brings its own accounting challenges. A Florida CPA understands these industry nuances. Whether you run a beachfront café or a Miami tech startup, they’ll tailor advice to leverage state incentives and satisfy all local requirements.
- Up-to-Date Compliance: Florida’s tax laws and financial regulations evolve frequently as new incentives and rules emerge. A Florida CPA tracks these changes and adjusts your strategies to ensure ongoing compliance. This proactive stance keeps you ahead of deadlines and prevents missed opportunities for credits or exemptions.
- Time and Stress Savings: Handling accounting on your own can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Florida’s requirements. By delegating to a CPA firm, you reclaim valuable hours and reduce stress. From routine bookkeeping to communications with the IRS or Florida Department of Revenue—and even IRS representation in Florida—a CPA firm manages it all on your behalf.
- Long-Term Planning and Advice: An experienced CPA with decades in the field becomes a strategic partner in your financial journey. They guide retirement planning—leveraging Florida’s exemption of most retirement income—planning major life events like relocation or business sale, and structure your affairs around robust asset protection measures such as homestead exemptions and trust vehicles. Working with your estate attorney, they ensure wealth transfers align with Florida’s favorable legal framework.
All these advantages show why a Florida-licensed CPA can transform your financial outlook. You gain professional expertise combined with the local insight needed to thrive in the Sunshine State.
Florida vs. Other States: A Brief Comparison
Florida’s standout feature is its 0% personal income tax, which shifts a CPA’s focus toward federal tax optimization, sales and use taxes, property-tax planning, and corporate filings. In contrast, CPAs in high-tax states dedicate most of their work to state and local income-tax strategies.
| State | Personal Income Tax | Corporate Income Tax | Base Sales Tax | Key Notes |
| Florida | 0% | 5.5% | 6% + up to 2.5% local | No state estate/inheritance tax; focus on property and sales |
| New York | 4.0–10.9% | 6.5% (+ MTA surcharge up to 0.375%) | 4% + up to 4.875% local | NYC residents pay an additional 3.876% personal income tax |
| California | 1.0–13.3% | 8.84% (+ 3.5% LLC fee) | 7.25% + up to 2.5% local | Highest top personal rate; no estate/inheritance tax |
| Texas | 0% | None (franchise tax instead) | 6.25% + up to 2% local | No personal income tax; franchise tax applies |
Relocating from a high-tax state to Florida is common, but improperly handled residency changes can leave you owing your former state. A Florida CPA guides you through:
- Filing a Declaration of Domicile
- Meeting physical-presence and “close connection” tests
- Severing tax ties (driver’s license, voter registration, homestead exemption)
By understanding how Florida’s rules differ from those of your previous state—and avoiding out-of-state assumptions—a Florida CPA ensures your move delivers the full tax benefit.
Choosing the Right CPA in Florida
Selecting a CPA goes beyond ticking a box—it’s about choosing a financial partner who understands your needs and adds real value.
- Verify licensing. Use the state’s official portal: myfloridalicense.com/DBPR to confirm both the CPA’s individual license and the firm’s registration with the Florida Board of Accountancy.
- Look for local experience. If you’re a small-business owner, ask about their work with Florida startups or family-run shops. Planning for retirement? Choose a CPA who knows pension and IRA rules inside out. Industry-specific expertise—real estate, hospitality, agriculture—can turn a good CPA into a game-changer.
- Pay attention to communication. Do they explain complex rules in a way you can actually understand? Are they responsive when deadlines or surprises arise? Clear, timely communication can save you stress and money.
- Compare fee structures. Some CPAs bill by the hour, others offer flat-rate packages, and some use hybrid or results-based models. The key is to understand exactly what’s included before you compare value.
- Check their reputation. Membership in the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) or AICPA can signal commitment to professional standards, though it’s not a legal requirement. Ask if they carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance—a common safeguard for clients, even if not legally required in Florida. What is nonnegotiable is a clean record with the Florida Board of Accountancy.
By focusing on fit as much as on credentials and cost, you’ll land a CPA who feels less like a vendor and more like a partner in your financial success.
What Guillen Pujol CPAs Can Do for Your Business in Florida
At Guillen Pujol CPAs, we do more than handle numbers; we empower businesses and individuals with tailored strategies that protect wealth, ensure compliance, and unlock opportunities. With over 35 years of global expertise, our CPA firm in Miami specializes in international tax planning, high-income tax advisory, outsourced accounting, and representation before tax authorities. Whether you need cross-border tax optimization, bookkeeping and controller services, or guidance on Florida real estate taxes—such as property tax planning, homestead exemption strategies, and support with documentary stamp tax in Miami-Dade—our team is equipped to help you thrive locally and internationally.
Whether you’re juggling a growing business in Miami, managing rental properties in Orlando, or simply optimizing your personal finances, hiring a CPA in Florida can bring significant advantages. In a state with unique financial rules and opportunities, the right CPA doesn’t just keep you compliant—they position you to take full advantage of Florida’s tax environment while adapting strategies to your personal or business goals.
A Florida CPA is a trusted partner who anticipates risks, identifies opportunities, and helps you navigate financial decisions with confidence. By working with one, you gain peace of mind, save time and resources and put yourself in the best position to thrive in the Sunshine State’s vibrant economic landscape. When it comes to financial well-being in Florida, the guidance of a CPA can make all the difference.
Take Action Now: Need professional tax guidance? Contact us today.
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Editor’s Note: This post is part of the ‘GPCPAs Info Hub,’ an initiative dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the U.S. tax system and financial strategies. Visit our Information Hub, a curated resource offering the latest in tax, economic, and business news, alongside actionable guidance on tax strategies, accounting, and business advisory—because Planning Tomorrow starts here.
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