County Court Mediation in Florida
Mediation for Florida civil disputes of $50,000 or less, whether a judge ordered it or the parties chose it.
What counts as a county court case?
In Florida, county courts hear civil cases where the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less, not counting interest, costs, and attorney fees, for cases filed on or after January 1, 2023 (section 34.01, Florida Statutes). Disputes over $50,000 generally belong in circuit court. Small claims cases, up to $8,000, are a part of county court with their own simplified rules.
Common county court disputes include unpaid invoices and contracts, consumer purchases, landlord-tenant and security deposit disputes, smaller insurance claims, auto and PIP claims, and neighbor or HOA disagreements.
Court-ordered and private mediation
Court-ordered mediation. A judge may refer a case to mediation under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (rules 1.700 to 1.730). The order of referral sets the deadline and often lets the parties choose a certified mediator. When the parties use a private mediator, they pay that mediator's fees. Some county courts offer court-provided mediation for smaller cases.
Private mediation. Parties can agree to mediate at any time, including before a lawsuit is filed. Many people choose it to avoid the cost and delay of litigation.
Who can mediate a county court case?
The Florida Supreme Court certifies mediators by type. Jeff Nungesser is a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator (Certificate No. 45987 C), the certification for county court mediations. You can confirm any mediator's certification in the Florida Courts alternative dispute resolution resources. He is also a neutral who follows the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators.
Fees
$125 per hour, county court
Disputes up to $50,000. Billed in 15-minute increments based on the actual time of the session. Most mediations are billed at a 2-hour minimum. Unless the parties agree otherwise or a court orders a different split, each party pays its own share. Fees are confirmed in writing before the session and never depend on whether the case settles.
Full details are on Fees & Policies.
What happens after mediation
If the parties settle, the agreement is written and signed at the end of the session. In court-ordered cases, the mediator then reports to the court whether an agreement was reached, without disclosing what was said. To learn more, read What Happens During a Florida Civil Mediation?
Sessions are by Zoom statewide, or in person in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Please note: The mediator is neutral, does not give legal advice, and does not represent any party. Settlement is always voluntary and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Schedule your mediation
Pick a date on the live calendar, or reach out with questions about your case, timing, or format.