Hire a Forensic Accountant in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

By Joey N. Friedman, CPA, ABV, MAcc, MIB — President, Joey Friedman CPA PA.

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Hire forensic accountant Florida step-by-step guide 2026
Hire a Forensic Accountant in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 1

Hiring a Florida forensic accountant for divorce, fraud investigation, or litigation involves five steps: (1) identify what financial question you need answered — business valuation, hidden asset tracing, lifestyle analysis, damages quantification, or fraud investigation; (2) verify credentials — ABV (AICPA) for business valuation, CFE/CFF for fraud, CPA license foundational; (3) check recent litigation experience — testimony in the last 24 months, Daubert-comfortable methodology; (4) understand engagement structure — refundable retainer plus hourly billing, with principal rates that vary by firm and credentials. Most forensic accounting work is records-driven and can be performed remotely from anywhere in Florida — physical proximity matters less than credentials, experience, and methodology. For Florida-specific matters, a Florida-licensed CPA who knows Florida statutes (UVTA, equitable distribution, fair value) and Florida court procedure provides distinct value.

Step 1: Identify Your Financial Question

Your question Specialist to hire
What’s a closely-held business worth? ABV-credentialed CPA
Are there hidden assets in this divorce? Forensic CPA + asset tracing specialist
Does reported income match documented lifestyle? Forensic CPA + lifestyle analysis specialist
What are economic damages from this breach? Damages-specialist CPA + economist
Did embezzlement occur — and how much? CFE-credentialed CPA + ACFE member
How is alimony / child support calculated? Forensic CPA with income reconstruction specialty

Step 2: Verify Credentials

CPA license — foundational.

ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation) — AICPA credential for business valuation.

CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) — ACFE credential.

CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) — AICPA forensic services credential.

ACFE membership.

Joey Friedman CPA PA’s President holds: CPA, ABV (AICPA), ACFE membership, MAcc, MIB.

See CVA vs ABV vs MAFF.

Step 3: Check Litigation Experience

  • Recent testimony. Depositions and trial in last 24 months
  • Florida-specific experience. Knowledge of Florida statutes
  • Daubert-comfortable methodology
  • References from Florida attorneys
  • Sample reports

See Daubert-ready CPA checklist.

Step 4: Understand Engagement Structure

Refundable retainer at engagement. Unused portion refunded at engagement close.

Hourly billing at principal rates. Vary by firm and credentials.

Periodic invoicing. Retainer depletes → invoices issued → client replenishes.

Engagement letter. Defines scope, deliverable, timeline, billing structure.

What drives total cost:

  • Number of records to analyze
  • Years covered
  • Number of business entities
  • Whether settling or trial-bound
  • Complexity of financial picture
  • Daubert challenge risk

Step 5: Evaluate Fit

Initial consultation. Phone or video call. Free or low-cost.

Sample report review. Evaluate methodology discipline.

Reference check. Three+ references in similar matters ideal.

Specialty alignment. Match matter to CPA’s strongest specialty.

Court availability. Confirm CPA meets expert disclosure deadlines + trial dates.

Conflicts check.

What to Avoid

Choosing on price alone. An ABV-credentialed CPA produces better outcomes than an uncredentialed CPA.

Generic CPA without specialty credentials.

No recent testimony experience.

Out-of-state CPAs without Florida context.

CPAs who guarantee outcomes. Ethical CPAs don’t guarantee specific results.

When You Need a Forensic Accountant vs Other Professionals

Question Right professional
What’s this business worth? Forensic CPA with ABV
How do I prove fraud? Forensic CPA with CFE
Is reported income accurate? Forensic CPA
What are my legal options? Attorney (not CPA)
What does my tax return mean? Tax CPA
Should I prosecute criminally? Attorney + law enforcement
Should I file for divorce? Divorce attorney

Florida-Specific Considerations

Florida-licensed CPA preferred.

Daubert standards (since 2013).

Florida-specific statutes. §61.075 (equitable distribution), §61.30 (child support), §607.1436 (shareholder buyout fair value), §726 (UVTA), §766.118 (med-mal caps), Chapter 718/720 (HOA/COA).

Florida court schedules. Expert disclosure typically 60-90 days before trial.

Engagement Timeline

Week 1. Initial consultation + engagement letter + retainer.

Weeks 2-4. Records collection + initial analysis.

Weeks 4-12. Deep analysis, normalization, valuation, damages calculation.

Weeks 12-16. Written report preparation.

Weeks 16-20. Deposition preparation/testimony.

Weeks 20+. Trial preparation/testimony.

Engaging Joey Friedman CPA PA

Joey Friedman CPA PA provides forensic accounting, business valuation, expert witness, and litigation support services throughout Florida. The firm uses a refundable retainer plus hourly billing engagement structure.

Contact:

Joey’s specialty areas:

  • Business valuation (ABV-credentialed)
  • Forensic accounting and fraud investigation
  • Florida divorce + family law forensic work
  • Economic damages and lost profits quantification
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Shareholder oppression + partnership dissolution
  • Estate and gift tax valuation
  • Asset investigation + hidden asset tracing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a forensic accountant in Florida?

Referrals from Florida divorce or commercial litigation attorneys. AICPA and NACVA directories. State Bar referral services.

How long does the engagement take?

Focused: 4-8 weeks. Standard: 12-20 weeks. Trial-bound: 6-12 months engagement-to-trial.

Do I need a Florida-licensed CPA?

Strongly preferred for Florida matters.

What credentials should I look for?

CPA license foundational. ABV for business valuation, CFE for fraud, CFF for forensic services.

Can a forensic accountant work remotely?

Most analytical work yes. Trial testimony requires in-person presence. See forensic accountants near me.

About Joey Friedman CPA PA

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice.

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