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

On Wednesday, March 7th, SB 1402 by Senator David Simmons (R-Longwood) was laid on the table and substituted with HB 7043 by the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee and Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo).

On Thursday, March 8th, HB 7043 was read for a third time on the Senate floor and passed by a vote of 35 yeas to 1 nay.

This legislation would give authorization to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to assume implementation of the federal dredge and fill permits.

HB 7043 will go on to the desk of the Governor.

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.