---
title: "Stephen Matt Whyte | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/stephen-matt-whyte"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Stephen Matt Whyte

Florida Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court
- State: Florida
- Role: Circuit 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.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [Official roster](https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [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

- Prior to that, he was a shareholder at the law firm Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. in Sarasota, Florida, from approximately July 2013 through December 2016
- Judge Whyte’s legal experience spans personal injury, criminal law, and insurance claims
- He also held the role of a Certified Legal Intern with the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

### Additional information

- As a judge, Whyte emphasizes adherence to courtroom standards and proper filing procedures.
- Stephen Mathew Whyte was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Twelfth Circuit Court, filling a new judicial seat created by House Bill 5011.
- He reviews motions for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial to determine whether hearings are required and ensures that attorneys and parties comply with the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and local administrative orders.
- He also maintains strict ethical standards regarding communication about pending cases.
- He presides over cases in DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, adhering to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Standards of Professionalism and the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs judicial behavior and courtroom procedures
- Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte’s career reflects a blend of legal expertise, administrative experience, and judicial responsibility, making him a key figure in Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit
- His professional profile highlights a combination of litigation experience, administrative legal work, and active participation in legal education and mentorship
- He has been involved in professional legal organizations such as Phi Alpha Delta, Phi Delta Phi, and the Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court.
- During his academic career, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and received multiple honors, including the J.C. Aspley Scholarship and the Gordon Paul Scholarship for Excellence in Marketing.
- He was also active in numerous honor societies and student organizations, reflecting a strong academic and leadership background



## 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.
