A Weekend Focused on Leadership, Education, and Community 

The Florida Bar Tax Section officially launched the 2026–2027 Bar year during its annual Organizational Meeting, held over the Independence Day weekend at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa.

The event brought together tax attorneys, accountants, advisors, and their families for three days of education, leadership planning, networking, and community-building. While the Tax Section hosts educational programming throughout the year, the Organizational Meeting serves as the official starting point for the new Bar year and provides an opportunity for members to reconnect, welcome new participants, and begin work on upcoming Section initiatives.

The meeting also reflected one of the Tax Section’s defining characteristics: balancing high-level tax education with a strong sense of professional community.

Leadership Activities Set the Direction for the Year

The weekend opened with leadership and planning sessions focused on the Section’s priorities and objectives for the coming year. These meetings allow Section leaders to coordinate programming, identify future initiatives, and discuss opportunities to strengthen member engagement.

Throughout the weekend, members also participated in division meetings, committee meetings, and Executive Council activities. These groups play a significant role in developing future CLE programs, monitoring tax developments, coordinating outreach efforts, and supporting the work of tax professionals across Florida.

As a result, the Organizational Meeting is often where much of the groundwork for the Section’s annual programming begins.

Educational Programming Remains a Core Focus

Professional education continues to be one of the Tax Section’s primary missions.

A major highlight of the weekend was the annual Ullman Year in Review CLE program. The program examined significant tax developments from the prior year and provided attendees with practical insights into emerging issues affecting practitioners.

The CLE featured presentations from both established and emerging tax professionals, reinforcing the Section’s commitment to supporting the next generation of tax leaders.

In addition, attendees participated in a professional development session designed to help newer members better understand how the Tax Section operates, how committees function, and how members can become involved in leadership opportunities.

These programs continue to provide value for attorneys across a variety of tax disciplines, including state and local tax, federal tax, estate planning, business taxation, and controversy matters.

Women in Tax Initiative Holds Inaugural Gathering

One of the most significant developments during the Organizational Meeting was the inaugural gathering of the Tax Section’s Women in Tax initiative.

The program represents a new effort to support women working in the tax profession through networking, professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Attendees discussed future programming and explored ways the initiative can help foster stronger professional connections among practitioners throughout Florida.

The launch of the initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen diversity, mentorship, and long-term engagement within the Tax Section.

As the program develops, it is expected to become an important component of the Section’s professional development offerings.

Building Professional Relationships Outside the Conference Room

Although education and governance are central components of the Organizational Meeting, the event also emphasizes the value of professional relationships.

Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in networking events, hospitality activities, family-focused programming, and informal gatherings that allowed members to connect outside traditional conference settings.

These interactions often create opportunities for collaboration that continue long after the meeting concludes.

For many attendees, the ability to develop relationships with practitioners from different firms, practice areas, and regions of the state is one of the primary benefits of Tax Section involvement.

The family-friendly nature of the event also remains a longstanding tradition that distinguishes the Tax Section from many professional organizations.

Celebrating Section Traditions

The weekend concluded with one of the most anticipated events on the Tax Section calendar: the annual Family Reception and Dinner.

This year’s Independence Day celebration featured entertainment, networking, and social activities designed for attendees of all ages.

The gathering provided members with an opportunity to relax and reconnect after a full schedule of meetings and educational programming.

Events such as the Family Dinner have become important Tax Section traditions because they strengthen relationships among members and reinforce the collaborative culture that has defined the organization for decades.

These traditions continue to help attract new members while maintaining the strong sense of community valued by long-time participants.

Looking Ahead to the New Bar Year

As the 2026–2027 Bar year begins, the Organizational Meeting provided a clear reminder of the Tax Section’s ongoing commitment to education, leadership development, and professional service.

The event successfully brought together experienced practitioners, emerging tax professionals, and future leaders to collaborate on the initiatives that will shape the coming year.

With new programs, continuing educational opportunities, and active committee involvement already underway, the Tax Section appears well positioned for another productive year serving tax professionals throughout Florida.