Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (404) provides states the option of assuming administration of the federal dredge and fill permit program in certain waters. By obtaining 404 assumption, Florida will be able to provide a streamlined permitting procedure where an applicant will come to the state to obtain both the Environmental Resource Permitting and 404 authorizations. This will avoid duplication, provide greater certainty to the regulated community, conserve resources, and will afford the state greater control over its natural resources while complying with federal law.