Rule 9.710 Eligibility for Mediation

Judges have the power to send a filed case to mediation if they think it might help. But some types of cases can never go to mediation, no matter what.

These off-limits cases include criminal cases and appeals after a criminal conviction. They also include most requests for extraordinary writs (a special type of court order), except for one specific kind allowed under rule 9.100(c)(2). Contempt cases, whether civil or criminal, are also excluded. So are cases involving the involuntary commitment of sexually violent predators, and certain other criminal-related appeals called collateral criminal cases.

Courts can also add more categories to this "no mediation" list through official administrative orders. If your case falls into one of these excluded groups, you can expect it to move forward through the regular court process instead of being sent to mediation.