In most cases it is.  In Florida, mediation is included within the Rules of Civil Procedure and recommended as a viable early resolution of a case.  Judges will normally require it in their trial orders.

Yes, what is said in mediation is confidential and should remain confidential.   Information received by the mediator from either party, outside the present of the other, shall remain confidential unless the party consents to the sharing of that information.

Any communication made in mediation regarding evidence that is intended to be used at trial may not be considered confidential.  Also, information that the parties agree to disclose because of its probative value at trial may not be considered confidential.  A good rule of thumb is to err on always considering mediation communications as confidential.

The role of the mediator is to be neutral between two opposing parties. The mediator assists the parties in understanding the strengths and weaknesses in their case. The mediator assists the parties in making informed and intelligent decisions rather than emotionally driven decisions. The mediator has no interest in the outcome of the case and simply serves for the parties to negotiate the claim freely, openly, and honestly with an understanding of the merits and pitfalls of the case. The mediator also serves to remind the parties that at mediation the parties control the narrative. At trial, the jury decides the outcome.

If the parties enter into a settlement agreement at the mediation and both parties sign the settlement agreement, then yes.  Either party can motion the court to enforce the settlement in the event of non-compliance of any of the terms.