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BenchPath

Mediation Compliance

Before filing

  1. 1

    Read the mediation order or referral for the selection window, completion deadline, and cost split

  2. 2

    Agree on the mediator within the order's window

    If the parties do not agree in time, the court appoints.

Before the hearing

  1. 3

    Serve any pre-mediation certification the rule or order requires

    In circuit civil, appearance certifications are commonly due ten days before the session under Rule 1.720.

At the hearing

  1. 4

    Appear with full settlement authority

    Rule 1.720 requires the party (or an authorized representative) and, where applicable, an insurer representative with authority — not just counsel.

  2. 5

    Keep mediation communications confidential

    Sections 44.401–44.406, Florida Statutes, make mediation communications confidential with narrow exceptions.

After the hearing

  1. 6

    Handle the mediator's report and any agreement per Rule 1.730

    Reduce agreements to writing at the table; filing and enforcement run through the rule.

Steps marked “check the division's instructions” vary by judge — that variance is exactly what BenchPath tracks. Search your county and division for the specific requirements before relying on the generic sequence. Not legal advice.