Business Law and Freedom of Speech

Business Law and Freedom of Speech
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Silvia, an attorney in Florida, also was a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) and a certified financial planner (CFP). Silvia placed an ad in the yellow pages listing her credentials, including the CPA and CFP designations. The Florida Board of Accountancy reprimanded Silvia for using both the CPA and CFP credentials in an ad essentially emphasizing her legal work. Silvia challenged the board's right to issue this reprimand. What is the legal basis for Silvia's challenge? Explain. While Silvia advertised her professional attainments and services as a CPA and CFP, this was commercial speech meant to indicate her credentials. Even if the CFP is licensed by a private organization and the CPA by the Florida Board of Accountancy (Board), Silvia simply indicated her professional attainments truthfully. As such, Florida Board of Accountancy was wrong for reprimanding her for exercising her freedom of speech without intentionally misleading or using false information.  Similarly, Silvia would argue that her expressive activity was meant to inform the public about her services, and prohibiting the free exercise of expression would be infringing on her rights.  Distinguishing between commercial and non–commercial speech should not be used to limit the freedom of express...