To refer an action or claim to mediation, the judge must enter an
order that:
(a) designates the mediator or directs the parties to select a
mediator and to notify the judge of the selection;
(b) establishes a mediation deadline;
(c) requires a lawyer to confirm a mediation date agreeable to the
mediator and the parties and to notify the judge of the date;
(d) requires the attendance — in-person unless otherwise agreed by
the parties — of lead counsel, the parties or a party’s surrogate
satisfactory to the mediator, and any necessary insurance carrier
representative;
(e) notifies the parties that unexcused absence or departure from
mediation is sanctionable;
(f) requires the mediator to report within seven days after
mediation the result of the mediation and whether all required persons
attended; and
(g) directs that the substance of the mediation is confidential and
that no party, lawyer, or other participant is bound by, may record, or
without the judge’s approval may disclose any event, including any
statement confirming or denying a fact — except settlement — that
occurs during the mediation.
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA LOCAL RULES
Chapter Five — Court Proceedings
