In Florida, mediation is governed in part by statute. See, Chapter 44 Florida Statutes which governs the use of mediation in court-appointed cases. A link to that statute is found at:

 http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?p_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0044/titl0044.htm&StatuteYear=2007&Title=%2D%3E2007%2D%3EChapter%2044 

The majority of mediations are arranged by agreement of the parties, not by court order, but ethical mediators almost without exception, adhere to the statutory provisions set forth above