How to Become a Florida Certified Mediator

Certification in Florida is a three-part process.

First, you have to take the initial training class (approved by the Florida Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Center ("DRC")) for the type of Mediator certification you seek: Circuit Civil; County; Family; or Dependency.

Second, you have to complete a mentorship requirement, consisting of observing a number of appropriate mediations conducted by, and/or co-mediating a sufficient number of times with, an appropriately certified mediator.

Third, you have to submit an application to the DRC within two years after taking the appropriate training class. In your application, you must demonstrate that you at least meet the minimum criteria for certification: i.e., that you have enough "points" for certification (based on taking the course, meeting minimum educational prerequisites, and completing the mentorship requirement) and that you are of good moral character.

Download the DRC's explanation of this process and how points are assigned here.

Circuit Civil Mediator Certification Training

We offer the 40-hour initial Mediator Training class required for certification as a Circuit Civil Mediator in Florida. (Note: Alabama and Georgia approval in process). The classes are offered a number of times each year in various locations. For dates and locations, see our Circuit Mediation Training Registration Form.

County Mediator Certification Training

We also offer the 20-hour initial Mediator Training class required for certification as a County Mediator in Florida. The classes are offered a number of times each year in various locations. For dates and locations, see our County Mediation Training Registration Form.

Interested in Florida Family and/or Dependency Mediation Certification Training? Click here.

Continuing Mediator Education

Chris Shulman has presented Continuing Mediator Education (CME) seminars many times at the Florida Dispute Resolution Center's Annual Conference for Mediators and Arbitrators, as well as the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators' Advanced Mediation Training. By request of practitioners in the field, we will be offering CME seminars to the public.

Mediation Advocacy Training

This one-day course is designed to assist attorneys and other advocates to make the most of the mediation process. Through a mixture of class discussion and role-play exercise, participants will learn and practice mediation strategies. Topics include: pre-mediation summary; opening statement; techniques for caucus; distributive and integrative negotiation techniques; and closing the deal.