Darren Steele at a glance
- Current role
- County Judge
- Court
- Martin County Court
- Jurisdiction
- Florida · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Darren Steele
County Judge · Martin County Court
Biography
Professional career
- Since 2016, he has been an adjunct professor at Indian River State College, teaching criminal justice and paralegal studies
- Martin County Court in Florida since his appointment by Governor Charlie Crist in May 2009, following the passing of Judge David Harper
- Began his legal career as a public defender in the 19th Judicial Circuit from 1994 to 1998
- Judge Steele’s office is located at 100 East Ocean Blvd., Suite A249, Stuart, FL 34994
Education
- Tulane University — B.A.
- University of Wyoming College of Law, along with summer certificates in Comparative Law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Guanajuato in Mexico — J.D.
Additional information
- His teaching excellence was recognized in 2019 when he was named Adjunct Professor of the Year for public service education
- He oversees misdemeanor and juvenile cases and was re-elected without opposition in November 2010.
- Prior to his judicial appointment, Steele practiced law at Watson & Steele Law Office from 2000 to 2009 and at Crary, Buchanan Law Office from 1998 to 2000.
- Beyond his judicial and academic roles, Steele has been active in professional organizations, serving as president of the Martin County Bar Association and the Healthy Start Coalition.
- He emphasizes transparency and public education in the legal system, often engaging with students and the community to enhance understanding of court processes
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media And Still Photography
Statewide
Electronic media and still-photography coverage is allowed in Florida public trial and appellate proceedings under Rule 2.450's equipment and conduct standards, always subject to the presiding judge's control of decorum, distractions, and fair administration.
Subject at all times to the authority of the presiding judge to: (i) control the conduct of proceedings before the court; (ii) ensure decorum and prevent distractions; and (iii) ensure the fair administration of justice in the pending cause, electronic media and still photography coverage of public judicial proceedings in the appellate and trial courts of this state shall be allowedFlorida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage
Martin County Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster ↗Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage ↗