Douglas Soule
State Government ReporterTallahassee can feel far away — especially for anyone who’s driven on a congested Florida interstate. But for me, it’s home.
As WUSF’s state government reporter, I live in and report out of the capital city, so I can give you the firsthand flavor and facts from this news epicenter. I focus on Your Florida, a project connecting people with policies passed in Tallahassee.
I was already covering the Florida Capitol as a print journalist when I joined public radio, working for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. As Florida’s first First Amendment reporter, I brought focus and clarity to complicated, contentious issues and held public officials accountable.
Before that, I worked as a state government reporter in my home state, West Virginia.
Outside of work, I love to read and write on top of a slew of other hobbies that are a testament to why I love living in Tallahassee: hiking, biking, kayaking, playing pickleball, and, of course, complaining about Florida traffic.
You can send me a message at douglassoule@wusf.org or follow me on X @DouglasSoule.
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The Escambia County School Board deposed student plaintiffs in a book ban lawsuit, including a 7-year-old who wanted access to a picture book. Now, board members are asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to let them avoid getting deposed themselves, arguing "legislative privilege" shields them from questioning. -
Can James Fishback stay in Florida's race for governor? A judge is weighing whether the Republican candidate meets the state's seven-year residency requirement after Lt. Gov. Jay Collins challenged his eligibility. -
Artificial intelligence is changing politics. Just look at the Florida governor's race. From political spending to data center debates, here's how AI is shaping this election season. -
After removing hundreds of books, Clay County is debating the purpose of high school libraries. School officials called it modernization. Critics see it as the next phase of the book debate targeting fiction books. -
Florida Democrats believe they can win more seats this election. GOP leaders push back on their enthusiasm. -
A Tallahassee judge has set a two-day hearing beginning July 21 in Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' challenge of James Fishback's eligibility to run for Florida governor. -
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan plan to fund prison upgrades and said lawmakers tied it to correctional officer pay raises in a "D.C. swamp game." The move also wiped out those raises. Here's what you need to know. -
Gov. Ron DeSantis says the 2026-27 budget continues a trend of declining state spending. Democrats say his nearly $810 million in line item vetoes disproportionately targets their districts. -
A little-noticed provision in a new Florida transportation law changes how new vehicle brands can enter the state's market. A journalist explains his reporting on the contributions behind it. -
The Common Ground Party could be coming to a ballot near you, if Morgan's effort takes off.
