---
title: "Darren Steele | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/darren-steele"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Darren Steele

Martin County Court · County Judge

## Profile

- Court: Martin County Court
- State: Florida
- Role: County Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### media and still photography

Scope: 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.

Evidence excerpt: 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 allowed

[Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.circuit19.org/judges/)
- [Official roster](https://www.circuit19.org/judges/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.circuit19.org/judges/)
- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)

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## 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



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-f9444c394a89ab9f4ffde994) — 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](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450). Collected 2026-07-26.