What DFS mediation is
Under Fla. Stat. 627.7015, Florida residential property insurance disputes can be submitted to state-sponsored mediation. The process:
- Neutral mediator from a DFS-approved panel
- In-person or virtual session
- Non-binding unless both parties agree to settlement
- Low cost (state-subsidized; typically $350 paid by the carrier)
- Typically resolves in a single session (2-4 hours)
When mediation works well
- Dispute is about amount of loss (scope, pricing)
- Both parties have documentation
- Settlement range is apparent even if specific number isn't
- Neither party has a strong litigation posture yet
When mediation is less effective
- Coverage disputes (whether the loss is covered at all)
- Cases already in litigation
- Bad-faith claims requiring damages beyond the policy limit
- Carriers who treat mediation as delay rather than resolution
Ocean Point's role
- Pre-mediation preparation: complete scope documentation, supporting evidence, settlement range analysis
- Mediation attendance: with the policyholder, negotiating alongside the mediator
- Post-mediation: implement the settlement or plan next steps
Cost
Under Fla. Stat. 627.7015, the insurer bears the full cost of conducting a DFS-sponsored mediation conference. The policyholder does not pay the mediator's fee. The only exceptions are minor: your own travel or attendance expenses if you choose to attend in person, and a rescheduling fee if you fail to appear without good cause. (If the carrier fails to appear without good cause, the carrier reimburses your reasonable expenses and pays for the rescheduled conference.) Ocean Point's standard contingency fee applies only to any recovery actually obtained.