Court-Certified Mediators in Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit — 7 on the official roster

What happens at mediation in the 8th Judicial Circuit?

Facts checked against Fla. Stat. ch. 44 and Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740–12.741 on 2026-10-07 · Edited by Jeff Zorn

1. The referral

   A judge refers the contested issues to mediation. In a circuit with a family mediation program, custody, visitation and other parental responsibility issues must be referred once the court finds they are in dispute. Fla. Stat. § 44.102(2)(c)^[3]

2. Who mediates

   The order sends you to the court’s program or to a mediator. Each circuit keeps a list of Florida Supreme Court–certified mediators registered for appointment there; the certified family mediators listed on this page are on the statewide roster. Fla. Stat. § 44.102(4)^[3]

3. Cost

   The court may send you to a mediator or program that charges a fee only after deciding you can afford it. Court program fees are set by statute and depend on combined income (see Key facts). Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(c)(3)^[4]

4. In person or online

   The session is in person unless the referral, both parties or the court allow remote participation. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(b)^[4]

5. Safety

   Tell the court about any domestic violence injunction or conviction between you. The court may then waive mediation or order protective measures. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(c)(1)^[4]

6. Showing up

   If a party skips a properly noticed session without good cause, the court must impose sanctions on request, which can include the mediator’s and attorneys’ fees. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.741(b)(2)^[4]

7. Timeline

   Family mediation must be finished within 75 days of the first session unless the court orders otherwise. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(e)^[4]

8. If you agree

   Any agreement is written down, signed by both parties and filed with the court unless you agree otherwise. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(f)(1)^[4]

General information, not legal advice. The order in your case controls.