Florida Senate confirms wildlife commissioner who backed toll road through forest

Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel on Apr 29, 2025

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate confirmed a controversial state wildlife commissioner on Tuesday who drew the ire of environmentalists for blessing a planned toll road through Central Florida’s Split Oak Forest.

Senators voted 31-7 to back South Florida developer and lobbyist Rodney Barreto’s reappointment as chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, attempted to block Barreto from returning to the post. He said the commission entrusted with protecting Florida’s wildlife, waterways and conservation lands has been “captured by development interests.”

“Mr. Barreto’s personal, financial and development interests directly conflict with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation’s mission,” Smith said. “It’s a mission of conservation.”

Barreto is also facing scrutiny over a proposal to allow a black bear hunt. Barreto said the wildlife commission is in a “public dialogue” over “hot spots where we have bear problems.” Wildlife commissioners will review proposed rules for the hunt next month, which would take place in December if given final approval.

Gov. Jeb Bush first appointed Barreto to the commission in 2001. Barreto’s new term will run until January 2029.

Barreto is listed as partner at Capital City Consulting, a lobbying firm. He’s been described as one of the most powerful people in Miami by multiple publications, according to his bio.

Sen. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs, defended Barreto and urged the Senate to confirm him. He described Barreto as a “successful developer” who has also worked to revitalize Biscayne Bay and rid the Everglades of invasive pythons.

“There is certainly a lot of noise,” he said. “I think it’s important for us to sometimes put the noise aside and look at the accomplishments.”

Barreto was among the 6-1 vote last May when FWC’s governing board set aside objections from environmental groups to back a deal that allows the Central Florida Expressway Authority to cut through Split Oak.

He and fellow FWC commissioners were showered with shouts of “shame” after that decision.

Barreto again defended the vote, extolling the land swap with developers that was part of the Split Oak deal.

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(Orlando Sentinel staff writer Stephen Hudak contributed to this report.)

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