Where to look, west to east
Directory listings follow the city each CPA registers with the state, so search a few:
- Escambia and Santa Rosa: Pensacola (firms), Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, Navarre. County pages: Escambia, Santa Rosa.
- Okaloosa: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview. County page: Okaloosa.
- Bay: Panama City. County page: Bay.
Many CPAs work with clients by phone, video and secure upload, so a CPA one county over is a real option.
Military households
If your household is connected to NAS Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field or Tyndall Air Force Base, start with the IRS's military tax resources (opens in new tab) and ask any CPA how often they prepare military returns, especially if you have a home-of-record state other than Florida.
After a storm
After a federally declared disaster, the IRS usually postpones filing and payment deadlines for the affected counties (IRS disaster relief (opens in new tab)). A CPA who tracks those announcements can tell you whether relief applies and how to handle casualty losses.
Businesses and the Florida taxes that still apply
Florida has no individual income tax, but businesses deal with sales and use tax (a 6% state rate plus a county surtax; see the current DR-15DSS table (opens in new tab)), the annual tangible personal property return (Form DR-405, due April 1; DOR (opens in new tab)), and, for corporations, Florida corporate income tax (DOR (opens in new tab)). Not sure you need a CPA at all? Read Do I need a CPA in Florida?
Check the license
Search the name or license number on the DBPR license search (opens in new tab) and look for Current, Active. Our Florida CPA license lookup guide shows each step. Enrolled agents are in the IRS preparer directory (opens in new tab).
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and it doesn't recommend any particular CPA or firm. Confirm any license on the DBPR register before you hire.
Common questions
- How do I find a CPA in Pensacola, FL?
- Start with this directory's Pensacola CPA and firm pages, then widen to Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton or Navarre if you are open to a short drive or working remotely. Confirm any license on the Florida DBPR search before you hire.
- Are there CPAs across the Florida Panhandle?
- Yes. Listings follow each CPA's registered city, so search Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview and Panama City, or use the county pages for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Bay.
- Do IRS deadlines change after a hurricane in the Panhandle?
- Often, yes. After a federally declared disaster the IRS usually postpones filing and payment deadlines for the affected counties. Check the IRS disaster relief page or ask your CPA.
- How do I check a Panhandle CPA's license?
- Search the name or license number on the Florida DBPR license search and look for Current, Active status. It is free.