Rates and Policies

Garcia Mediation uses the highest quality technology in our conference rooms to include a 4k UHD video conference system for our virtual meetings. We offer services across Florida using ZOOM for your convenience so you can remain in the comfort of your own location.

Mediation time will be charged at the rate of $550.00 per hour*. Each party is expected to pay one-half of the total rate, which is $275.00 per hour, per party for two party mediations. “Parties” to the mediation, as used herein, refers to the named parties to the litigation as well as any interested parties or representatives in attendance. Parties shall divide mediation fees equally, unless otherwise agreed to.

Rates for multiple parties are:

3-Parties - $225 per hour, per party
4-Parties - $190 per hour, per party
5-Parties - $175 per hour, per party

The mediator is entitled to compensation for all time spent on the case including but not limited to preparation time, telephone conferences, attendance at the mediation conference, follow-up, collection efforts (including but not limited to attorney fees and costs), preparation of the parties’ agreement and the Mediation Report to the Court.

Parties agree to waive any part of a Court order inconsistent with the afore-mentioned hourly rates.

Please note that these fees include reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the mediator such as administrative support, postage costs, etc., but we reserve the right to charge for extraordinary expenses.

There is a three and one half (3.5) hour minimum charge for all mediations unless agreed to by the mediator. If a full day is reserved, there will be a seven (7) hour minimum charge.

Pro se parties (those not represented by attorneys) must pre-pay a non-refundable deposit 14-days prior to the scheduled mediation. The amount to be determined based on the appointment hours requested but no less than the minimum charge.

For in-person mediations not scheduled in our office, charges for travel time will be determined on a case-by-case basis (please contact Garcia Mediation for further information).

*Rates applicable to County court & cases involving FL § 720.311 will be billed at $270 per hour ($135 per hour, per party for two party mediations).

Arbitration Services Fee Schedule

Arbitration time will be charged at $550.00 per hour and may require a retainer upon engagement.

Arbitration services will be booked in full-day increments and are charged at a 7-hour minimum. The Arbitrator is entitled to compensation for all time spent on the case including but not limited to: Administrative costs, attendance at the meeting, preparation for and follow-up to the meeting, including telephone and electronic communications, collection efforts (including but not limited to attorney fees and costs) and reasonable travel accommodations and transportation if applicable.

Additional charges may apply for special accommodation including evening and weekend appointments.

If the arbitration is cancelled less than 14 days before the date of scheduled hearing, the retainer fee will be forfeited to cover the preparation time and costs.

***Rates effective 3/1/2025 and are subject to change

BOOKING TIME: Half day morning mediations begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. Half day afternoon mediations begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Full day mediations begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Garcia Mediation prefers to conduct Mediation Conferences virtually using our state-of-the-art video conferencing system. You are welcome to schedule an in-person appointment at the Mediation Office located at 3602 W. Euclid Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629, or at the offices of counsel. If those options are not possible, Garcia Mediation may obtain space for the Mediation Conference (typically, a court reporter’s office). Thus, when completing the Reservation Form , please indicate in the Preferred Location field whether counsel (a) have agreed to use one of their offices for the Mediation Conference and, if so, which office; or (b) alternatively, will need Garcia Mediation to provide office space for the Conference.
MAKING A RESERVATION: In order to book a mediation, please link to our NADN calendar here.
CONFIRMATION: Mediation services are not considered booked until our office confirms the reservation via email. The confirmation email will typically be sent within 2 business days of submitting a online NADN form, however in some cases, confirmation emails may take longer to arrive.
GENERAL: The Mediator is entitled to compensation for all time spent on the case including but not limited to: Administrative costs; Attendance at the mediation conference; Preparation for and follow-up to the mediation, including telephone and electronic communications • Collection efforts (including but not limited to attorney fees and costs) • Preparation of the parties’ agreement and the Mediation Report to the Court • Reasonable travel accommodations and transportation • Parties agree to waive any part of a Court order inconsistent with these terms.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The Mediator in this case has been engaged to conduct this mediation. As such, we are accepting this engagement to the exclusion of scheduling other work for the day and the time which has been reserved. Due to the difficulty of scheduling a new case when there is a cancellation, the time and expenses already incurred in scheduling and preparing of the cancelled conference, and the positive effect a scheduled conference can have in settlement negotiations, the following policies have been adopted: In the event this mediation is cancelled less than 7 days of the scheduled conference, there will be a three (3) hour minimum charge divided by all parties. Unless the parties in the case agree on who should pay the cancellation fee, all parties, through their attorneys, if any, shall be financially responsible for their share. All cancellations should be done so in writing, email, or fax with the agreement of all parties and counsel, if any.

PAYMENT: Law firms and lawyers – not their clients – will be billed and are responsible for the Mediation invoice. Payment is due within 10 days of the date of the bill and is not conditioned on settlement or receipt of settlement funds. Past due bills may accrue interest at the highest legal rate and will result in additional charges for time and fees spent on collection. Pro se parties (those not represented by attorneys) must pre-pay a $500 deposit by credit card no later than the of mediation conference.

Tax ID No. 83-4202939

2025 Rates and Policies

Mediation Services Fee Schedule

Arbitration Services Fee Schedule

Policies

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