Florida Wildlife Agency Tracked Critics Using Law Enforcement Database
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) secretly used the state's Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID) to investigate at least 16 critics, including environmental activists and an elected Republican property appraiser. The Orlando Sentinel and Miami Herald reported that FWC employees accessed records of documentary filmmaker Brent Fannin and activist Katrina Shadix, who successfully sued the state over manatee deaths. Many searches occurred shortly after individuals publicly criticized FWC policies, with the stated reason being 'Criminal Investigation.' An FWC spokesperson denied misuse of authority, citing security concerns, but declined to provide evidence of threats. The incident has raised concerns of First Amendment retaliation under Governor Ron DeSantis' administration, following similar cases of officials investigating residents for critical speech.
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