If you moved here, or split the year
Florida has no individual income tax, so a Florida-only filer has no state return at all. The tax questions that bring Sarasota residents to a CPA usually come from somewhere else:
- The state you left. A state you lived or worked in may still expect a return for the year you moved, or for income you earn there. Florida doesn't decide that; the other state does.
- Domicile. Florida lets you file a sworn Declaration of Domicile with the clerk of the circuit court in your county (Fla. Stat. § 222.17 (opens in new tab)). It's evidence of intent, not a guarantee. A former home state looks at the whole picture, which is exactly where a CPA earns the fee.
- Homestead. To claim the homestead exemption, you must own and live in the home as your permanent residence on January 1 and apply to the county property appraiser by March 1 (Florida DOR (opens in new tab)).
If you're retired
Retirement brings federal questions that don't go away in Florida: required minimum distributions (IRS (opens in new tab)), Social Security taxation, and which account to draw from first. If you also work with a financial advisor, ask the CPA whether they'll coordinate with them. A tax plan and an investment plan that never meet are a common and expensive gap.
If you run a business
Businesses here deal with the same Florida taxes as anywhere in the state: sales and use tax at a 6% state rate plus a county surtax (check the current DR-15DSS table (opens in new tab)), Florida corporate income tax for corporations (DOR (opens in new tab)), and an annual tangible personal property return, Form DR-405, due April 1 (DOR (opens in new tab)). A firm that handles bookkeeping and payroll in-house is often simpler than coordinating several providers. Compare them on Sarasota accounting firms.
Nearby options
Sarasota-area CPAs also list Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, North Port or Longboat Key as their city. The county pages for Sarasota and Manatee list them together.
Check the license
Search the name or license number on the DBPR license search (opens in new tab) and look for Current, Active. Our license lookup guide shows each step. For fee ranges, see what a CPA costs in Florida.
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 Sarasota?
- Start with this directory's Sarasota CPA and accounting firm pages, which come from the state DBPR register. Shortlist two or three, ask each who will do the work and how they price it, and confirm the license on the DBPR search before you share documents.
- Do retirees in Sarasota need a CPA?
- Not always. Florida has no individual income tax, so a simple federal return may not need one. A CPA helps with required minimum distributions, deciding which account to draw from, a return still owed to a former home state, or a move where domicile could be questioned.
- How do I make Florida my legal residence?
- Florida lets you file a sworn Declaration of Domicile with the clerk of the circuit court in your county under section 222.17 of the Florida Statutes. It is evidence of intent, not a final answer; a former home state looks at the full facts, so ask a CPA or attorney about your situation.
- When is the Florida homestead exemption deadline?
- You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence on January 1 and apply to your county property appraiser by March 1.
- How do I check a Sarasota CPA's license?
- Search the name or license number on the Florida DBPR license search and look for Current, Active status. It is free and takes about a minute.