April 16, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance the skills of accounting and finance professionals, Surgent CPE has unveiled a new lineup of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses. This announcement comes on CPA Day 2025, marking a pivotal moment for professionals aiming to stay current in the rapidly evolving fields of AI, taxation, and cybersecurity.
As the tax season concludes, CPAs are now focusing on meeting their CPE credit requirements. Surgent’s new courses offer a timely solution, with nearly 50 new options designed to keep professionals ahead in their industry.
According to Elizabeth Kolar, Executive Vice President of Surgent, “Understanding the pressing needs of our audience, Surgent is excited to offer a robust selection of timely and practical courses that empower accounting professionals to stay ahead in a dynamic industry.”
The new lineup includes 30 live webinars starting April 22 and 18 new on-demand courses on Microsoft Excel and Power BI, ensuring flexibility for busy professionals. Notably, the courses cover a range of topics, including AI, taxation, and cybersecurity.
Nick Spoltore, Vice President of Tax and Advisory Content, highlights the importance of staying informed post-tax season, especially with new tax laws expected in 2025. “Our tax-focused courses provide essential tools for enhancing practitioner effectiveness and delivering value to clients,” he said.
For professionals navigating the growing influence of technology in accounting, the addition of five specialized courses on artificial intelligence will enhance knowledge and skills in this critical area.
For more information on the new courses, visit SurgentCPE.com.
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
A federal judge has denied class‑certification in the high‑stakes Batton commission lawsuit, delivering a temporary win for NAR and major brokerages while leaving the door open for plaintiffs to try again. With as much as $3.6 billion in potential damages on the line and nearly 80% of the proposed class now disqualified due to conflicts with earlier settlements, the case stands at a pivotal moment. Real estate professionals nationwide — especially in Florida — should watch closely, as the ruling could shape the future of buyer‑agent compensation.
Florida homeowners are paying nearly double the national average for insurance, with premiums now reaching $5,838 a year and denied claims topping 40 percent. Residents report tripled rates, underpaid claims, and mounting financial strain, pushing lawmakers in Tallahassee to propose caps on rate hikes, tax breaks for storm‑proof upgrades, and tighter oversight of insurers. These developments are reshaping real estate and insurance conversations across the state as professionals brace for major industry shifts.
Berkshire County closed Q3 2025 with strong momentum as sales, dollar volume, and buyer competition all climbed year‑over‑year. Inventory showed slight improvement but remains far below demand, keeping the market tilted toward sellers. Single‑family homes and condos led the surge, while multifamily, land, and commercial sectors showed mixed performance. The region continues to stand out as one of New England’s most resilient real estate markets heading into 2026.
Florida homeowners now face the highest insurance burdens in the nation, with average premiums topping $5,800 per year—roughly $3,000 above the national average. As rates triple for some residents, more Floridians are skipping coverage altogether, while denied claims and slow payouts add to the frustration. With over 40 percent of claims closing with no payment and lawmakers battling over reform in Tallahassee, the crisis is reshaping budgets, homebuying decisions, and the real estate industry statewide.
Global capital is surging back into real estate—and this time, investors want more control. Colliers’ 2026 Global Investor Outlook reveals a major shift toward direct investments, joint ventures, and hands‑on strategies as money moves across North America, Europe, and the booming Asia‑Pacific markets. Data centers are now the top‑funded asset class, offices are staging a comeback, and adaptive reuse is reshaping cities worldwide. For real estate and finance professionals, the message is clear: opportunity is accelerating, and those with the right education and licensing will be at the center of the action.
The Fed’s recent rate cuts should have offered relief to commercial real estate—but long-term borrowing costs haven’t budged. While short‑term rates are falling, stubborn long‑term yields, broken deal math, and a trillion‑dollar refinancing wave are keeping the market frozen. For investors and professionals across Florida and the nation, understanding this disconnect is key to navigating the opportunities and risks emerging in today’s shifting CRE landscape.
