Judge Paul B. Kanarek: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Paul B. Kanarek (Ret.) was a judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Kanarek was appointed to the bench by former Governor Bob Martinez in 1987. He resigned from the bench in 2018 and opened his own private mediation practice.

The 19th Judicial Circuit encompasses Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and Saint Lucie County. Kanarek presided over cases in the Civil Division and the Family Division, serving as an administrative judge for both divisions.

Prior to his appointment, Kanarek was a sole practitioner in his own private practice, a law firm he established in 1980.

Kanarek received a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1972. He went on to earn a J.D. from the

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, in 1975.

After graduating from law school, Kanarek began his legal career as an assistant public defender with the Office of the Public Defender for the 19th Judicial Circuit. During his tenure there, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming chief assistant public defender in 1978.

He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida.