Stephany Matat

First Amendment Reporter

Tallahassee Democrat

Stephany Matat is the First Amendment reporter for the USA TODAY Network-Florida. Matat previously followed South Florida politics with a focus on President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign while at The Associated Press, and before that at the Palm Beach Post. She also covered state politics for Politico Florida and Fresh Take Florida. Matat graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in journalism and political science and a minor in sociology.

Stephany Matat, Tallahassee Democrat

Articles by this First Amendment reporter

Police car is seen in Miami Beach, United States on April 30, 2024.

First Amendment alarm over Florida police visit for online speech

A woman was questioned over a Facebook comment criticizing the mayor.
A demonstrator waves a "Protect Free Speech" sign following a protest against the suspension of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show, held near the theater where the show is produced in Hollywood.

Free speech is facing threats in the US and beyond. Here are the pressure points

Five First Amendment reporters explore the state of free speech.
An image showing two intersecting rainbow crosswalks, with a white SUV driving nearby

Florida orders cities to erase street art, sparking free speech debate

The question: Is art in street crosswalks protected political speech?