Rebecca Schnirman
FGFOA Board Director

Rebecca Schnirman is the Director of Financial and Support Services for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. She has served the County for more than twenty years, leading teams responsible for budgeting, payroll, revenue management, procurement, customer service, volunteer services, and financial support.

Rebecca joined FGFOA in 2013, early in her role as a young Finance Director who was still finding her footing. Her first FGFOA conference was a turning point, providing education, confidence, and a supportive community that helped her overcome imposter syndrome. Today, she credits FGFOA with shaping her professional growth, expanding her statewide network, and creating lifelong friendships.

Learn More About Becky

Call for Singers!

Call for Singers

The Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) is seeking a member to perform the National Anthem during the Opening General Session of the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 13–17, 2026, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.

This performance is a special opportunity to represent the Association and set an inspiring tone as we open our signature annual event. 

Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026

Interested members are invited to ​submit a brief vocal audition video (no more than 60 seconds) here.

We look forward to showcasing the talent and professionalism of our FGFOA membership at this year’s conference.

IRS PROVIDES RELIEF FROM PENALTY FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY OBBBA

The IRS has issued Notice 2025-62 granting transitional penalty relief for taxable year 2025 related to the new reporting requirements established by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The Act requires employers to separately identify and report qualified tips and qualified overtime compensation so employees can claim the associated deductions.

For 2025, the IRS will waive penalties under IRC Sections 6721 and 6722 for failing to provide this separate reporting, as long as information returns and payee statements are otherwise complete and accurate. The IRS emphasizes that 2025 will function as a transition year to allow employers and payroll providers time to update systems and processes.

Full enforcement is expected to begin with the 2026 filing year. The IRS will issue additional instructions for individual taxpayers explaining how to claim these deductions when filing their

Certification Committee Update: A Milestone at the School of Governmental Finance

Success was the hallmark of the Certification Committee’s efforts at this year’s School of Governmental Finance. All five CGFO review sessions were delivered seamlessly, thanks to the newly expanded CGFO Instructor Pool. With twenty certified instructors—more than twice the previous count—the committee now benefits from enhanced subject matter expertise and increased scheduling flexibility, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

Conference Committee

To help you get familiar with what’s coming, the Conference Committee will highlight one track each month leading up to the Annual Conference. This month’s spotlight is on the Accounting Track.

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates in governmental accounting and auditing — where compliance meets accountability and best practices come to life. 

• Avoiding Common Audit Findings in Local Government
• Guardians of the Public Trust: Ethics and Controls in Government Finance
• Auditor General and Department of Financial Services Update
• Follow the Money: Forensic Auditing in Action

Virtual Learning Opportunities

Upcoming Webinars

Stay current and connected with FGFOA’s lineup of professional development webinars! Each session is designed to provide practical insights, timely updates, and tools you can apply directly in your daily work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or expand your leadership skills, there’s a webinar for you.

Visit the FGFOA Webinar page and click “Register Now” or log in to your member portal and go to the “Events” tab.

Don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities!

Webinar Registration Link

Webinar Registration

Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?

The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).

Learn More and Register

FGFOA 2026 Leadership Program

Applications for FGFOA Leadership 2026 are now open. This immersive, five-day program is designed to elevate your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and prepare you to lead in Florida’s government finance community.

Program Dates: April 13–17, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando
Member Cost: $1,495 (subsidized from $3,000)
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

FGFOA Leadership Program

Submit Your Leadership Application Here

Local Chapter News

FGFOA’s local chapters are the heartbeat of our organization, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within their own communities. These events range from professional development sessions and technical trainings to networking socials and community outreach initiatives.

Attending your local chapter events is a great way to stay engaged, expand your professional network, and share ideas with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of government finance. Be sure to check your Local Chapter Calendar for upcoming local chapter events and opportunities to engage with your peers.

Link to all Fiscal Forum Newsletters