What DFS mediation is
Fla. Stat. 627.7015 establishes state-sponsored property insurance mediation. A neutral mediator from a DFS-approved panel facilitates negotiation between the policyholder and the carrier. Non-binding (either side can walk), low-cost (the carrier pays ~$350), and typically resolved in one session of 2–4 hours.
When it applies
Residential property insurance disputes where the dispute is fundamentally about amount or a specific coverage element. Not every claim is eligible; DFS screens requests.
Who's there
- Policyholder (you or your representative, or both)
- Carrier representative: someone with settlement authority
- Mediator: assigned by DFS from approved panel
- Attorneys or public adjusters if retained
The day-of flow
Opening (15–30 min)
- Mediator explains the process
- Each party gives a brief opening statement
- Policyholder presents their case and documentation
- Carrier presents their position
Private caucuses (varies, typically 60–120 min)
- Mediator separates the parties
- Discusses positions with each privately
- Explores settlement possibilities
- Shuttles between rooms with offers/counter-offers
Resolution or impasse (30–60 min)
- If settlement possible, written agreement drafted and signed
- If impasse, mediation ends without prejudice to further action
How to prepare
Complete claim file
- Policy, declarations, endorsements
- All carrier correspondence
- Your own documentation (photos, Xactimate, expert reports)
- Carrier's estimate and any denial letters
- Timeline of events
Settlement range analysis
- Floor: below which you won't settle
- Target: realistic resolution number
- Ceiling: your fully-documented scope
Set these before the mediation so you don't over-concede in the moment.
Opening statement
3–5 minutes covering:
- What happened
- What's been done in the claim
- What you're asking for
- Why you're asking for it (facts and statute)
Supporting documents
Bring physical copies (the carrier will have them electronically but physical aids the mediator).
What mediators do and don't do
Do:
- Facilitate dialogue
- Help identify common ground
- Share observations about case strengths/weaknesses
- Propose settlement frameworks
Don't:
- Decide who's right
- Order either side to settle
- Provide legal advice
- Appear as a witness later
Typical outcomes
Industry data suggests 60–70% of DFS mediations result in settlement on the day. The settlement amount typically falls between the carrier's pre-mediation offer and the policyholder's documented claim.
If settlement isn't reached
Mediation doesn't prejudice your right to:
- Continue negotiating
- File a supplemental claim
- Invoke appraisal
- File a CRN
- Pursue litigation
Mediation exposure doesn't preclude any subsequent path.
When mediation is the wrong tool
- Coverage is disputed (mediation is better for amount disputes)
- Bad-faith pattern exists (CRN may be better)
- Carrier is genuinely immovable (appraisal may be needed)
How Ocean Point supports mediation
- Pre-mediation documentation push
- Settlement range analysis
- Opening statement preparation
- Attendance with policyholder at the session
- Real-time negotiation