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 — a written engagement letter, 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

Retainer at engagement. Unused portion refunded at engagement close.

Billing at principal rates. 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

For a detailed breakdown of typical engagement costs, see our complete guide to how much a forensic accountant costs in Florida.

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.

For help comparing your options, see our guide to the best forensic accounting firms for litigation support.

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 scopes each engagement to the specific matter under a written engagement letter.

Contact:

Mr. Friedman’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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