Jack Ford Law, PLLC offers Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediation services throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. County court mediation provides a fast, affordable, and confidential way to resolve civil disputes — including debt claims, contract disputes, and other civil matters — without going to trial. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator, Jack Ford is authorized to mediate civil cases in county courts throughout Florida, including cases involving claims up to $50,000.
What Is County Court Mediation?
County court mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) used to resolve civil cases filed in Florida’s county courts. Florida courts routinely order mediation in county civil cases before allowing them to proceed to trial. A county court mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between the parties to help them reach a voluntary, mutually acceptable agreement — the mediator does not decide the outcome.
Types of Cases Covered
- Debt collection and unpaid balances
- Breach of contract disputes
- Landlord-tenant disputes (non-eviction civil claims)
- Property damage claims
- Small business disputes
- Personal injury claims within county court jurisdiction
- Civil claims up to $50,000
Why County Court Mediation?
- Save time — Resolve your dispute in one session rather than waiting months for a trial date.
- Save money — Mediation costs a fraction of trial preparation and court appearances.
- Stay in control — The parties reach their own agreement rather than having a judge decide.
- Confidential — Statements made in mediation cannot be used in court if the case proceeds.
- High success rate — The majority of mediated cases reach full or partial settlement.
Jack Ford: Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator
Jack Ford holds dual mediation certifications from the Florida Supreme Court — as both a Certified Family Law Mediator and a Certified County Court Mediator — qualifying him to mediate both family law cases and county-level civil disputes statewide. His background as a licensed Florida attorney gives him a thorough understanding of the legal issues that arise in county civil cases. Learn more about his family law mediation services or view all attorney services.
The County Court Mediation Process
- Referral or voluntary scheduling — The court may order mediation, or parties can agree to mediate voluntarily.
- Pre-mediation preparation — Each party gathers relevant documents and evidence.
- Mediation session — Jack Ford facilitates structured discussion aimed at resolution.
- Settlement agreement — If parties agree, a written settlement is signed and submitted to the court.
- Case resolution — The court enters the agreement as a consent judgment, avoiding trial.
Areas Served
- Duval County — Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach
- Clay County — Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Oakleaf, Green Cove Springs
- Nassau County — Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan
- St. Johns County — St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee
- Putnam County — Palatka, Interlachen
- Alachua County — Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua
- Bradford County — Starke, Brooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Is county court mediation required in Florida?
Florida courts frequently order mediation in county civil cases before allowing a case to go to trial. Parties may also agree to mediate voluntarily at any time.
Do I need an attorney for county court mediation?
No. Parties may represent themselves. Jack Ford, as the neutral mediator, does not represent either party.
Is a mediated settlement agreement legally binding?
Yes. A signed mediated settlement agreement is a binding contract. When filed with the court, it is typically entered as a consent judgment with the full force of a court order.
What happens if we don’t reach an agreement?
The case returns to court for further proceedings or trial. Nothing said in mediation can be used against either party — the process is fully confidential.
Contact Jack Ford Law to schedule a county court mediation session or consultation.
Jack Ford Law PLLC 