Restore Florida Water Independence Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill clarifies that compliance with a specific biological opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, related to Florida’s assumption of responsibility for dredge and fill permitting, is considered compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Specifically, it streamlines the process for the state of Florida to manage its own water permits, eliminating the need for additional consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The bill focuses on a particular agreement between the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Key provisions
- Deems compliance with a biological opinion as compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
- Eliminates the need for additional consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service for the covered agency action.
- Defines ‘Agency Action’ as the EPA’s approval of Florida’s request to administer dredge and fill permits.
- Defines ‘Biological Opinion’ as the specific programmatic biological opinion issued in 2020.
Who is affected
- State of Florida
- Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Permittees under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
Notable changes
- Streamlines the process for Florida to manage dredge and fill permits.
- Reduces consultation requirements related to a specific biological opinion.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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9 on record
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