(1) Arbitrators serving under s. 44.103 or s. 44.104, mediators serving under s. 44.102, and trainees fulfilling the mentorship requirements for certification by the Supreme Court as a mediator shall have judicial immunity in the same manner and to the same extent as a judge.
(2) A person serving as a mediator in any noncourt-ordered mediation shall have immunity from liability arising from the performance of that person’s duties while acting within the scope of the mediation function if such mediation is:
(a) Required by statute or agency rule or order;
(b) Conducted under ss. 44.401-44.406 by express agreement of the mediation parties; or
(c) Facilitated by a mediator certified by the Supreme Court, unless the mediation parties expressly agree not to be bound by ss. 44.401-44.406.
The mediator does not have immunity if he or she acts in bad faith, with malicious purpose, or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property.
(3) A person serving under s. 44.106 to assist the Supreme Court in performing its disciplinary function shall have absolute immunity from liability arising from the performance of that person’s duties while acting within the scope of that person’s appointed function.
History.—s. 5, ch. 89-31; s. 7, ch. 90-188; s. 1, ch. 95-421; s. 2, ch. 2004-291.
Note.—Former s. 44.307.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 44 - Mediation Alternatives to Judicial Action
44.102 - Court-Ordered Mediation.
44.103 - Court-Ordered, Nonbinding Arbitration.
44.104 - Voluntary Binding Arbitration and Voluntary Trial Resolution.
44.106 - Standards and Procedures for Mediators and Arbitrators; Fees.
44.107 - Immunity for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Mediator Trainees.
44.108 - Funding of Mediation and Arbitration.
44.201 - Citizen Dispute Settlement Centers; Establishment; Operation; Confidentiality.
44.401 - Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act.
44.403 - Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act; Definitions.
44.405 - Confidentiality; Privilege; Exceptions.