Accounting Schools in Florida

Florida, known as the Sunshine State, offers beautiful weather throughout the year. The state has the largest coastline in the U.S., offering multiple beach and swimming opportunities. Accounting professionals may choose this state for its environment, booming economy, or growing accounting opportunities.

Florida has an annual gross domestic product of $1.44 trillion, the 14th-largest in the world, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the state's unemployment rate reached 3.3% in June 2024, according to the Florida Department of Commerce, which is nearly a full percentage point lower than the national average. Accountants may have success pursuing jobs within the state due to the growing economy and low unemployment rate.

Americans can pursue an education or career in any state but should consider each area's unique economy, cost of living, and education system. The following page helps prospective students and accountants understand Florida by discussing key education statistics, tuition costs, and popular careers.

Why Go to College for Accounting in Florida?

Students may wish to attend accounting schools in Florida due to the number of programs, financial aid availability, and/or prospective career choices. Florida has a history of promoting education. Its legislation called for the establishment of the state's first two schools in 1851, just six years after joining the U.S. The legislation called for the schools to be available to men and women while providing education in multiple subjects.

Currently, Florida has nearly a million students pursuing a postsecondary degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). NCES also reported a 6.9% drop in enrollment from 2017-2022.

Florida has recently signed House Bill 1285, which aims to improve underperforming schools and student learning outcomes. The bill includes multiple provisions, including protecting the ability of postsecondary students to work and empowering educators to obtain teaching certificates.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) in Florida offers several scholarship and grant opportunities to in-state students. Enrollees can apply for first-generation matching grant programs, Bright Futures scholarships, or work experience programs through OSFA's official website.

Attendees at accounting schools in Florida have years to study accounting and make connections through classmates, internships, and networking events. Graduates with strong networks may have an advantage in pursuing in-state accounting careers.

Education Statistics for Florida

Florida has more two-year and four-year colleges compared to the national average per state. However, the state government provided only approximately 68% of the tax revenue for higher education compared to other states. A higher percentage of students in Florida also enrolled in distance education compared to the national average.

Adults over the age of 25 in Florida have a higher rate of obtaining an associate degree than the national average. Florida adults also proportionately hold fewer bachelor's and graduate degrees than the U.S. average.

Accreditation for Florida Schools

Students should ensure their prospective schools have received accreditation from reputable accreditation agencies. An accredited school demonstrates that it has met standards for its curriculum, student outcomes, and faculty.

Accreditation agencies can focus on institutional accreditation or programmatic accreditation. Schools that obtain institutional accreditation receive accreditation for all of their programs. Programmatic accreditation applies to singular departments or programs within schools.

Each state operates under various regional accreditation agencies. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the primary accreditor for schools in Florida.

Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in Florida

Applicants must consider multiple variables when choosing a school, including delivery formats, residency status, and financial aid availability.

Florida has a higher proportion of students enrolled exclusively or in some online courses than the national average, with over 60% of enrollees taking at least some online courses. Online programs allow attendees to attend class from anywhere, even in another state. The following section compares on-campus, online, and hybrid programs.

Paying for Accounting School in Florida

According to the NCES, the average cost of a Florida public four-year in-state school is less than half of the national average. Out-of-state public four-year and private four-year attendees also pay an average tuition rate less than the national average. Enrollees can further reduce their tuition burden by pursuing financial aid opportunities.

• Financial Aid: Financial aid refers to any type of funding intended to help pay for tuition or school-related costs.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are a type of financial aid that does not require repayment. Applicants may need to meet specific prerequisites based on achievement and/or identity to qualify.
• Grants: Grants provide need-based financial aid to students. This type of funding also does not require repayment. Florida residents can apply for state grants, including the Florida Student Assistance Grant.
• Loans: Private and public institutions can offer student loans, which require repayment with interest in the future. Outside of colleges, private lenders may also offer this type of aid.

Individuals interested in learning more about financial aid options can follow the links below.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

Schools may offer in-state and out-of-state tuition rates based on student residency. Public schools can receive a portion of tax revenue to help fund their daily costs and research. Attendees residing in state can, in return, pay lower tuition rates.

Out-of-state residents may qualify for the Academic Common Market, which offers in-state Florida tuition to non-residents. To qualify, a student must live in one of the 15 member states and not have an equivalent degree at a public institution in their home state.

Cost of Living in Florida

Attendees must budget for tuition alongside daily necessities, including food, transportation, and shelter. Florida's cost of living received an index score of 102.3, according to World Population Review. With a national cost of living score of 100, this places Florida at 2.3% more expensive than average. Students should compare their state's cost of living score against Florida's score when calculating possible expenses.

Careers for Accounting Graduates in Florida

According to IBIS World, Florida's economy grew by 4.7% from 2019-2024 — the fastest in the country. The state hosts multiple industries, including automotive, medical, and commercial banking. Each industry requires financial statements while following industry-specific rules. Accounting graduates can apply to in-house roles and become industry specialists.

Accounting professionals can also apply to professional accounting firms. Each of the Big Four firms has offices in Florida. Individuals may pursue openings in smaller accounting companies to gain hands-on experience.

Companies offer accounting jobs throughout the state of Florida. However, there may be more opportunities in large cities. Florida's largest cities include Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa. Jacksonville's top industries include healthcare, finance, and hospitality.

Individuals interested in pursuing accounting careers in Florida should note popular professions, employment trends, and average salaries. The section below dives into Florida-specific accounting career facts.

Popular Accounting Careers in Florida

Florida Employment Trends

According to Projections Central, Florida is estimated to see a significant increase in available accounting careers from 2022-2032 — three times the pace of the national average.

Graduates of associate, bachelor's, or master's accounting programs can pursue accounting positions in Florida. Students should consider their future earnings when choosing their degree path. Associate-level accounting positions make approximately $50,000 per year, while salaries for certain master's-level careers in the field exceed $160,000.

Florida-based professionals typically earn less in accounting careers than the national average. Individuals who wish to stay in Florida should compare the local cost of living versus prospective earnings.

Florida Requirements for Certified Public Accountants

Certified public accountants (CPAs) must meet specific state requirements before sitting for the exam and earning licensure. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation manages the CPA exam and regulates active CPAs in Florida. The following list details the requirements for individuals pursuing CPA credentials.

• Exam Requirements
  • Submit an online application, transcripts, and a $50 fee
  • Minimum 120 credits, including 24 semester credits in accounting or cost accounting, 24 credits in business, three credits in financial accounting, three credits in taxation, and three credits in business law
• Licensure Requirements
  • Pass all four parts of the CPA exam within 18 months
  • One year of work experience, verified by a licensed CPA
  • 150 credits, including 30 credits in accounting and 36 credits in business
  • No residency or citizenship requirements

Questions About Accounting in Florida