How Much Does Mediation Cost in Florida and Who Pays?
Direct Answer
Florida mediation fees vary by case type, but costs are usually split equally between the parties unless the court orders otherwise or the parties agree differently.
Private mediator fees in Florida typically range from $150 to $400 per hour per party for county and circuit civil matters, and $200 to $500 per hour per party for complex commercial or appellate cases. Most mediators bill a minimum of two to four hours. Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.720(g), the cost of mediation is generally split equally between the parties unless the court orders otherwise or the parties agree to a different allocation. In family cases, the court may apportion costs based on the parties' financial circumstances. For court-ordered mediation in county court, the fee is capped by administrative order in each circuit — typically $60 to $120 per party for a two-hour session. The Mediation Assistance Program (MAP) in circuits such as the 11th (Miami-Dade) and 13th (Hillsborough) provides free or sliding-scale mediation for qualifying low-income litigants. Community mediation centers operated under Florida Statute §44.201 also offer free or low-cost services for neighborhood and small claims disputes.