What does it mean for a mediator to be "Florida Supreme Court certified," and why does it matter?

In Florida, a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator is a neutral who has satisfied the certification requirements established for a particular category of mediation. These requirements may include specified training, education, mentorship, and other qualifications established by the Florida Supreme Court.

Florida currently recognizes five areas of mediator certification: County, Circuit, Family, Dependency, and Appellate mediation. Each category has its own qualification requirements.

Certified mediators are subject to the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, which establish professional and ethical standards addressing matters such as impartiality, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and mediator conduct.

However, Florida Supreme Court certification is not an absolute requirement for every person who mediates a court-ordered case. Florida's mediation ethical standards may also apply to noncertified individuals who serve as mediators in court-ordered proceedings.

Choosing a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator provides parties with assurance that the mediator has satisfied the state's established certification standards for the relevant category and is subject to its professional and ethical requirements.

Certification can therefore be an important consideration when selecting a mediator, particularly in court-connected disputes.