United States Magistrate Judge William Matthewman was appointed to the federal bench in 2012. He retired from full time judicial service as Chief United States Magistrate Judge for the SDFL on July 31, 2026, although he remains available for judicial recall. As a United States Magistrate Judge, he has handled a myriad of civil and criminal cases, hearings and trials.

Prior to joining the federal bench in 2012, Judge Matthewman was a very active trial attorney who handled both criminal and civil cases, in both state and federal courts, including high profile cases which were covered on live in-session Court TV, Dateline, 48 Hours, and other programs. He was Board certified by The Florida Bar in criminal trial practice and is currently AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 1983. He began his legal career as an attorney with Holland & Knight in Miami. He was an associate and partner in litigation firms, and he was also a sole practitioner during his career.

Before becoming an attorney, he was a police officer and sergeant in Miami, Florida, serving on road patrol, K-9, and SWAT.

Judge Matthewman received his B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University in 1978, his Master of Public Administration degree from Florida International University in 1981, and his Juris Doctorate (Law Degree), with Honors, from the University of Florida School of Law. While at the University of Florida School of Law, he was Research Editor on the University of Florida Law Review.

Judge Matthewman is a prolific public speaker who has lectured and taught over the years on numerous panels, seminars, classes, and legal programs. He is also a speaker each year at the University of Florida School of Law e-Discovery Program, most recently held in February 2026. He speaks many times each year at universities, bar associations, and other legal and public events. He also has presided over moot court programs for students at all levels.