Online Mediation by Zoom Across Florida

How it works

A full mediation, on a secure video call

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Iron City ADR conducts mediations by Zoom for parties in every Florida county and judicial circuit. Online mediation follows the same steps as an in-person session: an opening, a chance for each side to be heard, private meetings with the mediator, and, if the parties reach one, a written agreement. Many parties find it easier to schedule, and it removes travel time and cost for people who live far apart or out of the area.

Private breakout rooms

Each party and its attorney or adjuster gets a private breakout room. When the mediator steps into your room, no one else can hear the conversation. The mediator moves between rooms just as he would walk between conference rooms in an office, and brings the parties back together when that is helpful.

Sharing documents and signing the agreement

Estimates, photos, contracts, and other documents can be shared on screen with only the people you choose. If the parties settle, the agreement is drafted during the session, reviewed on screen, and signed electronically, so everyone leaves with a signed copy.

Court-ordered cases

Under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, remote participation in a court-ordered mediation must be authorized, for example by court order or the parties' agreement, and the people with full settlement authority must take part (Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.700 and 1.720). If your case is in court, check the order of referral or ask your attorney.

What you need

• A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone (a phone works in a pinch)
• A reliable internet connection and a charger
• A quiet, private room where no one else can overhear
• Your documents saved where you can open them quickly

For a step-by-step checklist, read How to Prepare for an Online Mediation in Florida and our general preparation guide.

Fees

Zoom sessions are billed at the same hourly rates as in-person sessions, in 15-minute increments, with no travel costs. See Fees & Policies.

Prefer to meet in person? In-person sessions are available in Sarasota County and Manatee County.