NE Florida News

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) praised the House of Representatives’ passage of his amendment to codify Florida’s 404 Program as part of H.R. 7023, the “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act.”

Speaking on the House floor, Congressman Bean expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m excited to share that my amendment to protect Florida’s 404 Program from federal overreach has passed. We have to be good stewards of our unique natural resources in the Sunshine State, and my amendment continues to give Florida the flexibility to make the decisions that are best for us. We will reduce project costs and save taxpayer dollars, all while improving responsiveness to applicants and the communities’ projects they serve.”

DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton also commended the House’s action, highlighting the importance of states having the power to regulate their natural resources. Hamilton stated, “The ability for states to have the power to regulate their own natural resources is vital, especially for a state like Florida where its growing economy is contingent on the continued protection of its environment. Congress’ action today is a testament to cooperative federalism, and I applaud Congressman Bean for championing this effort.”

The background of the amendment stems from events in 2018 when Florida’s Legislature passed a bill granting the DEP authority to enhance protections for the state's wetlands and surface waters by assuming the federal dredge and fill permitting program under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act within certain waters. However, a federal judge’s order on Feb. 15, 2024, divested the DEP of its authority to issue State 404 Program permits in Florida, disrupting over 1,000 permit applications pending before the department.

The passage of Congressman Bean’s amendment aims to safeguard Florida’s 404 Program from federal interference, ensuring the state can continue to manage its natural resources effectively and sustainably.