CLAIMS PROCESS · MEDIATION

Florida’s DFS Mediation Program: What It Is and How It Can Resolve Your Claim

By Nelson Avila, Licensed Florida Public Adjuster (License G332385) · Florida Certified Contractor
Homeland Public Adjusters · Last reviewed: October 2026

Infographic explaining Florida’s DFS Mediation Program: what it is, how the process works, and why it can help resolve a disputed property insurance claim

How Florida’s free DFS Mediation Program works for a disputed claim

Florida runs a state mediation program, under Fla. Admin. Code R. 69J-166.031, built specifically for disputes between homeowners and their property insurer. It’s available for residential property claims — not auto, flood/NFIP, or commercial policies (commercial residential has its own separate rule) — and either the homeowner or the insurer can request it once the dispute is $500 or more.

What makes it worth considering

It costs the policyholder nothing — the insurer pays the full $350 fee regardless of outcome. It’s non-binding, so nobody is forced to settle, and if a settlement is reached, the homeowner can still rescind it within 3 business days as long as no check has been cashed. Mediation discussions are also confidential and can’t be used against either side later in litigation. There’s very little downside to trying it on a claim where the dispute is over the dollar amount, not whether the loss is covered.

How it works

A request goes to the Department of Financial Services, which gives the parties 21 days to resolve the dispute directly before assigning a mediator. The conference is typically held within about three weeks of assignment, generally within 15 driving miles of the property. Both sides attend with full settlement authority and must bring the policy and complete claims file.

Mediation only works as well as what you bring to it. It’s a negotiation, not a hearing — there’s no judge weighing evidence. How the loss is documented, how the estimate is built, and what number is actually put on the table are what decide whether the conference produces a fair settlement or a stalemate.

Where this fits with everything else

With the 2022–2023 changes making litigation costlier for homeowners (see our article on the law changes), a free, insurer-paid, non-binding mediation option is a genuinely useful middle step between accepting a lowball offer and filing suit — and it’s often the step that resolves the dispute before either side needs to think about court at all.

Call Homeland before requesting mediation, or before a conference the carrier has already scheduled. How the claim is built going in is most of what decides how it comes out.

Homeland represents policyholders at DFS mediation in Miami, West Palm Beach and Tampa.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Florida DFS mediation cost the homeowner?

Nothing. The insurer pays the full $350 mediation fee regardless of the outcome.

Is DFS mediation binding?

No. Nobody is forced to settle, and if a settlement is reached the homeowner can rescind it within 3 business days as long as no settlement check has been cashed.

Which claims qualify for Florida DFS mediation?

Residential property claims with a dispute of $500 or more. Auto, flood/NFIP and commercial policies are not eligible; commercial residential has its own separate rule.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.

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