How does court-ordered non-binding arbitration work in Florida?

In Florida, a court may refer a civil case to non-binding arbitration under Florida Statutes Section 44.103 and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.800 and 1.820. One, or possibly three, arbitrators hear the matter in a relatively informal proceeding and issue a written decision. The arbitrator conducts the hearing but does not have all the authority of a judge. For example, the chief arbitrator cannot hold anyone in contempt or impose sanctions. The arbitration decision is sealed and is not disclosed to the trial judge unless the parties have not objected and requested a new trial within the 20-day time limit after the decision, or at the conclusion of the trial when necessary to determine whether attorney fees are to be assessed. It is a streamlined way for the court to give the parties a reasoned evaluation of their dispute, in the hope that a neutral assessment will lead them to resolve the case earlier than otherwise and without the judicial time and significant expense of a full trial.