HB 7043 & SB 1402 - State Assumption of Federal Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permitting Authority

On Wednesday, February 21st, HB 7043 by the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee and Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) was read for a third time on the House floor and passed by a vote of 112 yeas to 2 nays.

On Thursday, February 22nd, SB 1402 by Senator David Simmons (R-Longwood) was heard before the Senate Committee on Appropriations and passed by a vote of 20 yeas to 0 nays.  AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

This legislation would give authorization to FDEP to assume implementation of the federal dredge and fill permits.

HB 7043 will go on to the Senate floor for consideration.

SB 1402 will go on to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF supports the state assumption of the 404 program which will help create a more efficient and predictable process for businesses to navigate the wetland permitting process in a timely manner.