Professional Licenses 5 pts total
Law, psychology, accounting, social work, mental health, health care, education, or mediation in any U.S. jurisdiction (regardless of number held).
Florida Mediator Certification: Requirements, Training, and the 100-Point System
A reference guide to the five Florida Supreme Court mediator certifications, current as of April 2026
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Verified Apr 24, 2026
In Short
To become a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, an applicant must be at least 21 years old, be of good moral character, complete a Florida Supreme Court approved mediation training program in the certification category sought, accumulate 100 qualification points across education, mentorship, and miscellaneous categories, and apply through the Florida Dispute Resolution Center in Tallahassee.
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The Five Certification Categories
Verified against Rule 10.100 • Apr 2026
The Florida Supreme Court certifies mediators in five categories. Each category has its own minimum education, point requirements, and approved training course. Applicants may hold more than one certification.
| Category | Minimum Education | Points Required | Training Hours | Governing Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Court | High school / GED | 100 | 20 hr | 10.100(c) |
| Family | Bachelor's degree | 100 | 40 hr | 10.100(d) |
| Circuit Civil | Bachelor's degree | 100 | 40 hr | 10.100(e) |
| Dependency | Bachelor's degree | 100 | 40 hr | 10.100(f) |
| Appellate | Active certification in another category | Special path | Short course | 10.100(g) |
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The 100-Point Qualification System
Verified against Rule 10.105 • Apr 2026
Florida is one of the few states that uses a points-based qualification system. Applicants accumulate 100 points across three buckets — education, mentorship, and miscellaneous — to satisfy the requirement for county, family, circuit, or dependency certification.
Up to 60 ptsEducation
Highest degree only. Ph.D. in conflict resolution scores highest.
10 / 5 ptsMentorship
Per supervised mediation / per observed session. Two mentors minimum.
Up to 15 ptsMiscellaneous
Professional licenses, language ability, prior training, prior certification.
Worked Example
A Florida-licensed attorney pursuing circuit civil certification typically arrives with 50 points (J.D.) and 5 points (law license). They need 45 more points — most reach this through 4 supervised mediations (40 pts) plus 1 observation (5 pts) with two different certified circuit mediators.
A Florida-licensed attorney pursuing circuit civil certification typically arrives with 50 points (J.D.) and 5 points (law license). They need 45 more points — most reach this through 4 supervised mediations (40 pts) plus 1 observation (5 pts) with two different certified circuit mediators.
Education Points
Points are awarded only for the highest level of education completed. Honorary degrees are not included.
High school diploma or GED15 pts
Bachelor's degree from accredited institution25 pts
Master's degree from accredited institution35 pts
J.D., M.D., or other professional doctorate50 pts
Ph.D. from accredited conflict resolution program60 pts
Ph.D. from other accredited program45 pts
Mentorship Points
All mentorship must be completed in the certification category sought, working with at least two different Florida Supreme Court certified mediators.
- Each supervised mediation completed: 10 points
- Each mediation session observed: 5 points
- Observations count from the start of the required training course
- Co-mediations count only after training course completion
- The certified mediator must remain in control of the case throughout
Miscellaneous Points
Additional points may be earned through professional credentials, language abilities, and prior training.
Language Proficiency 5 pts total
Conversational ability in American Sign Language or a foreign language as demonstrated to the Court (regardless of number of languages).
Prior Training 5 pts total
Successful completion of mediation training programs (minimum 30 hours) certified by jurisdictions other than Florida.
Prior Certification 5 pts / category
Current Florida Supreme Court certification in another mediation category.
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Florida Supreme Court Approved Training Providers
Verified Apr 2026 • updated quarterly
The following training programs are approved by the Florida Supreme Court to satisfy the certification training requirement. Schedules and costs change frequently — confirm with each provider directly.
| Provider | Categories | Format | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric D. Dunlap, Esq. | County, Circuit, Appellate | In-person | Altamonte Springs |
| Mediation Training Group, Inc. | County, Family, Circuit | Hybrid | Multiple FL cities |
| [Additional providers in live registry] | Various | Various | Statewide |
Contact each provider directly for current schedules, costs, and availability. Online and hybrid formats may have different requirements for interactive participation.
Source: Florida Dispute Resolution Center, approved trainer registry. View source open_in_new
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Application Process and Timeline
The full path from first interest to active certification typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on category, mentorship availability, and how quickly an applicant accumulates points.
1
Confirm Baseline Eligibility
Minimum age 21, good moral character, and the education minimum for your chosen category.
2
Complete an Approved Training Program
20 hours for county; 40 hours for family, circuit, or dependency. Appellate has its own short course.
3
Begin Observation and Co-Mediation
Work with at least two different Florida certified mediators in the category sought. Observations count from the start of the course; co-mediations count after completion.
4
Reach 100 Points
Combine education, mentorship, and miscellaneous points to meet the threshold for your category.
5
Submit Application and Supporting Documents
File with the Dispute Resolution Center in Tallahassee. Include education proof, mentor verification forms, and the application fee.
6
Pass Background and Good Moral Character Review
Florida-specific review including criminal history and any prior professional discipline.
7
Receive Certification and DRC Directory Listing
Active for two years, renewable through Continuing Mediator Education.
Required Documentation
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts or diplomas
- Mentor verification forms for all observed/co-mediated cases
- Professional license verification (if applicable)
- Background check authorization
- Application fee (verify current amount with DRC)
Contact
Florida Dispute Resolution Center
500 S. Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 921-2910 • Email: drcmail@flcourts.org
Processing time: Typically 4–8 weeks after submission of complete application.
Florida Dispute Resolution Center
500 S. Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 921-2910 • Email: drcmail@flcourts.org
Processing time: Typically 4–8 weeks after submission of complete application.
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Continuing Mediator Education and Renewal
Verified against Rule 10.900 • Apr 2026
Florida certifications are valid for two years and renewed by completing Continuing Mediator Education (CME). Hours and category breakdowns are set by Rule 10.900.
16 hrsTotal CME
Per 2-year renewal cycle
4 hrsEthics Minimum
Within the 16-hour total
2 hrsDiversity / Cultural
Within the 16-hour total
4 hrs maxMentoring Cap
Cannot apply to ethics or diversity requirements
CME Categories and Limitations
- Live presentations, lectures, or seminars
- Interactive internet presentations (count as live attendance)
- Non-interactive internet presentations (count as audio-visual, limited)
- Audio-visual materials (maximum limits apply)
- Mentoring new mediators (maximum 4 hours; cannot apply to ethics or diversity requirements)
Renewal Process
Mediators must submit CME compliance documentation to the DRC at least 30 days before their certification expiration date. Late renewals may incur additional fees. Certifications that lapse require reapplication under current requirements, including potential additional training.
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Ethics, MEAC Opinions, and Discipline
Verified against Rules 10.200 / 10.800 • Apr 2026
Three bodies govern mediator conduct in Florida. Together they define standards, interpret them in advisory opinions, and adjudicate complaints.
Standards of Professional Conduct (Rule 10.200 Series)
- Self-determination of the parties
- Impartiality and neutrality
- Confidentiality and privilege
- Conflicts of interest identification and management
- Competence and continuing education
- Quality of the process
Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee (MEAC)
The MEAC issues ethics opinions to guide mediator conduct. All opinions issued since 1995 are searchable online and organized by topic including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, ex parte communications, and fee arrangements.
Mediator Qualifications Board (MQB)
The MQB investigates complaints against certified mediators and recommends disciplinary action under Rule 10.800.
Complaint Filed → Investigation → Hearing Panel → Sanction or Dismissal
Possible sanctions: private reprimand, public reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation. Complaints must be submitted within four years of the alleged violation.
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Court Roster vs. Private Practice
Florida certification is required for court-ordered mediations but not for purely private ones. The distinction shapes who pursues certification and why.
Court-Ordered Mediation
- Certification required for all court-referred cases
- Senior judges serving as mediators must also be certified for the case type
- Mediators listed in the DRC directory by category and location
- Governed by court rules and judicial oversight
Private Mediation
- Certification not legally required by statute
- Parties may select any neutral by mutual agreement
- Most attorneys still prefer certified mediators for credibility and ethics oversight
- Professional liability and ethical standards vary
DRC Directory Listing: Certified mediators are automatically listed in the DRC's online directory, searchable by name, location, and certification category. Listings include contact information and areas of certification.
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Florida vs. Georgia and Alabama
A row-level comparison with neighboring states. Each state's full reference page links from this row.
| Criterion | Florida | Georgia | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying body | FL Supreme Court / DRC | GA Comm. on Dispute Res. | AL Center for Dispute Res. |
| Point system | Yes (100 pts) | No | No |
| Training (general civil) | 40 hr | 28 hr | 20 hr |
| CME cycle | 2 yr | 2 yr | 1 yr |
Reciprocity: Florida does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states.
Mediators certified in other jurisdictions may receive points toward Florida certification for prior
training and experience but must complete Florida-specific requirements.
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FAQs
Do I need certification to mediate privately in Florida?
No, not for purely private mediation by mutual agreement. Certification is required for court-referred mediation and is commonly preferred by attorneys and parties.
How many points do I need?
Most Florida certification categories require 100 qualification points across education, mentorship, and miscellaneous categories.
How long does the process take?
The full process often takes 6 to 18 months, depending on training schedules, mentorship access, documentation, and application review.
Can I hold more than one certification category?
Yes. Florida mediators may hold multiple certification categories if they satisfy the requirements for each category.
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