TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Records obtained by environmental activists show the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission repeatedly accessed sensitive driver information belonging to critics of the agency, prompting questions about whether law-enforcement databases were used for legitimate security purposes.
At least 16 activists discovered that FWC employees searched their records in Florida’s Driver and Vehicle Information Database, known as DAVID. The system contains addresses, photographs, signatures, emergency contacts and other personal information available only for authorized government purposes.
Documentary filmmaker Brent Fannin’s records were accessed seven times in 2025 under the stated justification of a criminal investigation. Bear Warriors United founder Katrina Shadix was reportedly searched 17 times between 2023 and 2025. Several people said they had never attended an FWC meeting or been informed that they were under investigation.
FWC spokesperson Shannon Knowles denied that the agency weaponized its authority. She said officers assess potential security risks following threats involving agency employees and commissioners. Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto separately said people speaking at meetings were checked after threats connected to the state’s bear-hunt debate.
The agency acknowledged that the activists are not currently under criminal investigation. Some are considering lawsuits alleging that officials accessed their private records without a lawful purpose.
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