Best Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs In Florida 2025

Why Florida is a Smart Choice for Your Accounting Degree

Florida’s accounting job market is primed for expansion, with projected 8% employment growth for accounting roles through 2030—outpacing the national average of 6% reported by BLS projections. This surge translates to over 8,350 new positions statewide by the end of the decade, concentrated in high-demand sectors like Miami’s international trade finance, Orlando’s tourism-driven corporate accounting, and Tampa’s healthcare compliance roles. Employers increasingly prioritize candidates with hybrid skill sets in automation tools and regulatory frameworks for emerging industries like offshore energy projects and blockchain-based financial services—areas where Florida-based programs integrate real-world case studies into their online curricula. The state’s lack of income tax also amplifies earning potential, allowing you to retain more of your salary even as entry-level CPA roles here reach $68,000 annually and senior positions in forensic accounting exceed $120,000. Beyond traditional CPA licensure, Florida’s online programs prepare you for niche certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner or Chartered Financial Analyst—credentials that boost advancement opportunities in specialized fields, from Jacksonville’s maritime logistics sector to Palm Beach’s wealth management firms. Networking becomes seamless through virtual career fairs hosted by regional chapters of the Florida Institute of CPAs, connecting you directly to employers scaling teams for Miami’s fintech boom or Cape Canaveral’s aerospace contractors. With remote work options letting you compete for roles in high-paying coastal markets while living in affordable inland cities like Gainesville or Lakeland, Florida’s accounting education positions you where flexibility meets upward mobility. Start exploring accredited online accounting programs today to align your skills with a state economy creating tomorrow’s financial leadership opportunities.

Where Can You Work After Graduating?

After completing an online accounting program in Florida, you’ll find diverse opportunities with employers ranging from major firms to growing regional players. Established names like Cherry Bekaert, recognized in Florida Trend’s ranking of top accounting firms, specialize in industries like healthcare and construction, offering roles in audit, tax, and advisory services. Their offices in cities like Tampa and Orlando emphasize collaborative team environments and structured mentorship programs for recent graduates. Another standout is CBIZ, which merged with Mayer Hoffman McCann and provides entry-level positions in forensic accounting and business consulting, particularly for those interested in serving mid-sized companies across Florida’s coastal markets.

For mid-sized firms, Indeed’s list of top accounting employers highlights Marcum LLP, known for tech-driven accounting solutions and hybrid work options in cities like Miami. They frequently hire for roles in international tax compliance and data analytics, appealing if you’re drawn to industries like hospitality or marine logistics. Kaufman Rossin, another firm featured here, focuses on wealth management and risk advisory, with a reputation for fostering professional growth through tuition reimbursement and leadership training.

If corporate accounting interests you, Glassdoor’s top companies hiring in Florida include ADP, which offers payroll and compliance roles in their Sarasota office. Employees often cite flexible scheduling and opportunities to work with enterprise clients as key benefits. Startups in Florida’s growing fintech hubs, such as Miami’s “Silicon Beach,” also seek accountants familiar with cloud-based platforms and regulatory frameworks for crypto or e-commerce ventures.

Central Florida’s Orlando-Tampa corridor and South Florida’s corporate hubs host the majority of these employers. To maximize your job search, attend industry meetups hosted by groups like the Florida Institute of CPAs or connect with alumni through LinkedIn groups focused on Florida’s accounting networks. Many firms prioritize candidates with internships or certifications like CMA or CPA eligibility, so highlighting these credentials early can strengthen your applications.

What Can You Earn as an Accountant in Florida?

Accountant salaries in Florida offer varied earning potential depending on your qualifications and career stage. According to Indeed’s 2025 data, the average annual salary for general accountants in the state is $61,945, with entry-level roles often starting around $48,000 for those with 0-2 years of experience. Mid-career professionals with 3-7 years typically earn between $62,000 and $75,000, while senior accountants managing complex financial systems or teams can reach $85,000 or higher. These figures reflect base pay but don’t account for bonuses or specialized skills. ZipRecruiter’s March 2025 report presents a slightly lower average at $51,059 annually ($24.55 hourly), likely due to differences in data aggregation methods or inclusion of part-time roles. This source highlights how location within Florida impacts earnings—for example, accountants in Miami or Tampa often earn 8-12% more than those in smaller cities due to higher demand and cost of living.

Certifications significantly boost earning power. Indeed’s CPA-specific data shows certified public accountants in Florida average $95,501 annually, over 35% higher than non-certified peers. Entry-level CPAs start near $68,000, with senior roles in corporate finance or consulting exceeding $120,000. Specializing in high-demand areas like forensic accounting, tax strategy, or healthcare finance can add another 10-15% to these figures. Florida’s accountant salaries trend 5-7% below the national average, partly due to the state’s lack of income tax and competitive job market. However, industries like real estate development, tourism, and international trade—all prominent in Florida—often pay premiums for accountants with relevant expertise.

Future salary growth looks steady, with remote work opportunities enabling Florida-based accountants to compete for roles in higher-paying markets while retaining the state’s lower cost of living. Demand for CPAs and tech-savvy professionals familiar with automation tools is expected to outpace other accounting specializations through 2030.

Getting Licensed: What You Need to Practice in Florida

To practice accounting in Florida, follow these state-mandated steps to obtain your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license:

Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree or higher with 150 semester hours of coursework, including 36 hours in accounting (covering auditing, cost accounting, and taxation) and 39 hours in business courses like finance or business law. Programs must be accredited by an agency recognized by the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Step 2: Pass Required Examinations
Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam with a score of 75 or higher within an 18-month period. Florida also requires completion of the AICPA’s ethics exam with a minimum 90% score. Exam fees total $1,300-$1,600 depending on retakes and testing center costs.

Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience
Complete one year (2,000 hours) of full-time work under a licensed CPA. Experience must include skills in auditing, financial advisory, or tax services, verified in writing by your supervisor. Part-time work is accepted if proportional to full-time hours.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Apply through Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation with a $50 application fee and $170 initial licensure fee. Submit official transcripts, exam scores, and experience verification. Fingerprints for a background check must be processed through an approved vendor ($50-$90). Applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

Step 5: Maintain Active Licensure
Renew your license every two years by June 30. Complete 80 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours in Florida-specific ethics and 8 hours in accounting/auditing. Courses must be approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State CPAs
If licensed in another state with education and exam standards equivalent to Florida’s, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Submit verification of your existing license and meet Florida’s ethics exam requirement.

For application forms or to verify education credits, visit the Florida Board of Accountancy portal. Renewal reminders and CE tracking tools are available through their online system.