---
title: "W Matthew Stevenson | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/w-matthew-stevenson-7083"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# W Matthew Stevenson

Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal
- State: Florida
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, District Court of Appeal of Florida, 1994-present
- W. Matthew Stevenson is a retired judge of the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal, serving from 1994 until his retirement in 2016
- Appointed: 1994 by Governor Lawton Chiles to the Fourth District Court of Appeal — the first African-American judge appointed to that court
- Earlier judicial roles: Circuit Judge, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit (appointed 1989 by Governor Bob Martinez) Assistant Public Defender, West Palm Beach (1978–1979)
- Was a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG)

### Education

- Florida State University — B.A.
- Florida State University — J.D.

### Additional information

- In the 2014 Florida Bar retention poll, 92% of members recommended Stevenson for retention
- Chief Judge: held the role of Chief Judge from July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2007
- Judge, 1993-1993
- He was active in numerous bar associations and civic organizations, including the Florida Bar Juvenile Court Rules Committee, Palm Beach County Bar Association, and boards for Palm Beach Atlantic College and the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County
- Judge W. Matthew Stevenson was a trailblazing appellate judge in Florida, recognized for his legal scholarship, community service, and leadership as Chief Judge, with a career spanning over two decades in the state’s judicial system

## 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

### 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.courtlistener.com/person/7083/w-matthew-stevenson/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7083/w-matthew-stevenson/)
- [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7083/w-matthew-stevenson/)
- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7083/w-matthew-stevenson/)
- [Former Judges](https://4dca.flcourts.gov/judges/former-judges)
- [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7082/matthew-stevenson/)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7082/matthew-stevenson/)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7083/w-matthew-stevenson/)

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