Who Files Complaints Against Florida CPAs
In Florida, complaints against cpas are filed with the Florida Board of Accountancy. Complaints can come from many sources — every Florida board accepts written complaints from the public:
- Clients (individuals, businesses, audit committees)
- The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, SEC, or PCAOB
- Peer reviewers and AICPA Ethics Division
- Former partners and employees
- State tax authorities
Common Ethics Violations Florida CPAs Face
- Audit failures and GAAS violations
- Independence violations under AICPA rules
- Failure to file or fraudulently filing client tax returns
- Misappropriation of client funds
- Lack of due professional care
- Disciplinary action by the SEC, PCAOB, or IRS Office of Professional Responsibility
- Confidentiality breaches
- Failing peer review
How Florida CPA Investigations Work
Once the Florida Board of Accountancy dockets a complaint against a Florida cpa, the process moves through several stages:
- Notice and demand for response. You receive written notice from the Florida Board of Accountancy with a deadline — usually 20–30 days — to file a sworn written response. This document becomes part of the permanent record.
- Document discovery. The Florida Board of Accountancy can issue subpoenas for records — files, billing, prescriptions, communications.
- Witness interviews. Investigators interview the complainant, colleagues, and other witnesses.
- Probable cause review. A panel decides whether to file formal charges. The Florida Board of Accountancy may also seek interim restrictions or summary suspension.
- Negotiated resolution or hearing. Most cases resolve through a consent agreement before formal hearing.
- Final order and appeal. The board issues a final order, appealable to the Florida courts.
Florida-Specific Context
Florida Bar grievances are governed by Chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, with a unified statewide grievance committee structure. The Department of Health prosecutes nearly all healthcare licensees through the Division of Medical Quality Assurance — a single agency with broad investigative authority.
Consequences of an Upheld Complaint
State boards can impose fines, mandatory CPE, practice restrictions, suspension, and revocation of the CPA license and firm permit. Federal action by the SEC or PCAOB triggers parallel state board proceedings in nearly every case.
In Florida, sanctions imposed by the Florida Board of Accountancy are reported to national clearinghouses and to every other state where you hold or seek a license.
Don't Respond Alone.
Free, confidential consultation for Florida cpas. We will tell you what the Florida Board of Accountancy can and cannot do, what your real exposure is, and what your response should look like.