About Us

We get it: You hate taxes. They’re boring, they keep changing the rules, and there are steep penalties for doing them wrong. We understand that better than most, since we spend our days trawling the dark depths of the tax code for our clients.

But that’s also the point—we know our way through all the deductions, exemptions, schedules and forms. We’ve dedicated ourselves to guiding others over the pitfalls and to a brighter financial future.

A Thought Leader in the Tax Industry

A TAX PRO TO FOLLOW

@AdamMarkowitzEA has been named a Top Tax Pro on social media for 2021 and 2022 by Forbes and Bloomberg

A TRUSTED NAME

Luminary Tax Advisors has been interviewed as an expert source on tax matters in dozens of articles for local and national news outlets.

Meet the Luminaries

ADAM MARKOWITZ

I’m not ashamed to admit that I spent the first 22 years of my life doing everything I could to avoid following in my father’s footsteps. At one point, I decided I was going to be a meteorologist. Then a trumpet player. Then a hotel manager. Then a sportswriter. But in 2007, after graduating from Florida State University, I finally gave into fate and joined my father’s business (named Howard L Markowitz PA CPA at the time). And thank goodness I did, since it’s turned out to be my calling — not taxes themselves, but their impact. My dad taught me everything he knew about taxes and the people who file them (“treat every client like they’re your grandmother,” he said). I studied my butt off to become an Enrolled Agent and worked my way up to becoming a partner in 2014. When I got my first phone call from a national news outlet — then my second, and my third, and my fiftieth — looking for an expert opinion on taxes that affect millions and millions of people, I truly realized that this stuff mattered, a lot. A little tax know-how has the power to ignite opportunities and elevate communities. I saw that firsthand in 2020 and 2021, when I led our COVID relief initiative, and in 2022 when we did the same for victims of Hurricane Ian. My dad retired in 2023, but I continue his legacy, sharing everything I know and igniting opportunities for my clients, my employees, and my community.

JOVANNA ROMAN

Leading with enthusiasm, I manage client communications and do my part to navigate everyone through tax season. As a leader of our upcoming neurodivergent careers program, I’m absolutely thrilled to guide and support an exceptional team on an exciting journey of fostering inclusivity. I’m eager to absorb knowledge, radiate positive vibes, and contribute to our cheerful atmosphere.

CHRISTINA SCHMITZ

As a young, ambitious accounting professional, my journey with Luminary is one of continuous growth, both personally and professionally. My philosophy is to lead with kindness, value everyone’s voice, and never stop learning. I see every spreadsheet, balance sheet, and tax return as an opportunity — not just for meticulous calculation, but also to seek out and welcome diverse perspectives. I believe that our strength lies in our diversity. I’m excited to be part of a team with such a strong commitment to paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future.

AMANDA TORNOW

I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic new team, dedicated to helping clients navigate their tax needs with expertise and care. Alongside my passion for providing exceptional service, I am excited to be starting a new journey as an equestrian, embracing the challenges and joys of this rewarding sport. Balancing professional growth with personal development is a value I hold dear, and I look forward to making a positive impact in both arenas.

TY NOBOA

My goals in life include stepping outside of my comfort zone and never being afraid to learn new life skills. I believe the sky is the limit and I’m excited to be a part of a team that values diversity and strives for excellence. It is within my desires to be the biggest helping hand possible in any way for Luminary as needed and beyond, as well as build my own experience.

CADE CHRETIEN

I joined the Luminary team in September of 2024. While I had never particularly envisioned myself working anywhere in the accounting or business worlds, I knew that Luminary Tax Advisors would be a great place for me to put my “number-crunching” and technology skills to good use. I am eager to help assist our clients with their tax returns and other accounting needs, in addition to improving our firm’s workflow automation processes.

Passing the Torch

After a decade of running the rat race into Manhattan every day, Howard Markowitz packed his family’s bags and moved to Florida in 1991. With lessons learned from working at a typical stuffy firm, Howard vowed to do things differently.

When he first opened his modest one-man practice in Leesburg, Florida in 1993, he had no way of knowing how it would grow. But he dreamed that one day, his business could be a family business. When his son Adam graduated college in 2007, that dream became a reality—and in 2014, Adam became a full-fledged partner, creating a father-son team with accounting and tax clients from coast to coast.

2023 marks the business’s 30th anniversary, as well as Howard’s 44th and final tax season before a well-deserved retirement. Howard spent four decades in small business and personal accounting; three of those decades were spent right here, serving central Florida’s individuals and businesses. The drive and passion that he put into this business remains at the heart of Luminary Tax Advisors’ human-first approach.

Whether you’ve never heard of us before or you’ve had Howard Markowitz filing your returns for the past 30 years, we remain dedicated to earning your trust.

Passing the Torch