MEDIATOR

Sections 627.7015 and 627.745, Florida Statutes provide for alternative procedures for resolution of disputed homeowners, commercial residential and automobile insurance claims in an effort to provide effective, fair, and timely handling of property insurance claims. Specific to automobile, mediation of claims filed with an insurer for personal injury in an amount of $10,000 or less or any claim for property damage in any amount, arising out of the ownership, operation, use, or maintenance of a motor vehicle, as either party may demand mediation of the claim prior to the institution of litigation.

The Department shall randomly select approved mediators for these cases.

All persons seeking to be approved as mediators must file an application under oath to the Department for approval. (Mediator Application)

State Qualifications

To qualify for approval as a mediator, an individual must possess an active certification as a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit court mediator. A Florida Supreme Court certified circuit court mediator in a lapsed, suspended, sanctioned, or decertified status is not eligible to participate in the mediation program.

Notes

• Certification as a County, Family, or Dependency mediator type does not qualify.
• All mediators approved by the department as of July 1, 2014 that have not conducted at least one (1) mediation on behalf of the department within four (4) years immediately preceding that date must be recertified as a mediator by possessing an active certification as a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit court mediator.