Dear Anonymous, It depends. In some cases the mediator will create a mediator's report that will be forwarded to the judge or court staff to be incorporated into a court order. In other cases, such as small claims, a settlement may be arrived at that both parties will agree to. In still other cases, in which the parties were not able to agree, the case continues as if no mediation had been attempted. This is called an impasse.
The following is posted on the website for the First Judicial Florida Circuit and refers to family mediation:
"Mediation opens lines of communication and allows parties to explore all settlement options in order to resolve disputes. Everything said during mediation is confidential and (except as provided by law) may not be repeated to anyone other than the other party and/or the party’s attorney. Mediation gives parties more control over the outcome of their case, normally allows the case to be resolved sooner, and can save on the overall expense involved in the case."