How to File for a Florida Injunction for Protection
Filing for an injunction in Florida is designed to be done without a lawyer and without paying a fee. This is the full process, in order — from choosing the right petition to your final hearing — so you know exactly what happens at each stage and what to bring.
Before You File
What to know — and do — before you go to the clerk
You do not need a lawyer, and there is no charge to file an injunction for protection in Florida or to have the sheriff serve it. §741.30(2)(a) Before you start, take a few minutes to prepare:
- Identify the right injunction. Domestic, repeat, dating, sexual violence, or stalking — each has its own petition. See the five types of injunctions.
- Write down the facts. Dates, places, what was said and done, any injuries, witnesses, and prior incidents. Specifics matter more than adjectives.
- Gather details about the respondent. Full name, address, physical description, vehicle, workplace — anything that helps the sheriff serve them.
- Make a safety plan. A certified domestic violence center can help you plan confidentially. Call 1-800-500-1119.
If you are in immediate danger, do not wait to file. Call 911. You can also go to your county courthouse in person — most have advocates and family-law intake staff who help with injunction paperwork at no cost.
The Process
Filing an injunction for protection — step by step
Choose the correct petition for your situation
Select the injunction that matches your relationship to the respondent and the type of harm: Domestic Violence 12.980(a), Repeat Violence 12.980(f), Dating Violence 12.980(n), Sexual Violence 12.980(q), or Stalking 12.980(t).
Complete the petition in detail
Type or print in black ink. Describe each incident with dates and specifics, state why you are afraid, and explain the relationship between you and the respondent. The petition is sworn — everything in it is made under oath. If you need more room, you can attach a Supplemental Affidavit 12.980(g).
Sign before a notary or deputy clerk
Your petition must be signed under oath in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk of court. Do not sign it in advance at home. The clerk’s office can notarize it for you at no cost when you file.
File with the Clerk of the Circuit Court — free
File in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred. You may file in person or, in most counties, through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented petitioners are not required to e-file.
The judge’s same-day (ex parte) review
A judge reviews your petition the same day, usually without the respondent present. If the judge finds an immediate and present danger, the judge signs a temporary injunction effective as soon as the respondent is served, and sets a hearing date. If the judge does not find immediate danger, the judge can still set a full hearing so you can present your case.
Service on the respondent by the sheriff
The clerk sends your petition, the temporary injunction, and the hearing notice to the sheriff for personal service on the respondent — at no charge to you. The order does not protect you against the respondent until they have been served, so keep your certified copy with you and call 911 if it is violated.
Attend the full hearing
Both you and the respondent may testify and present evidence — photos, texts, medical records, and witnesses. Bring everything that supports your petition. If the judge grants it, a final injunction is entered, which may last for a set time or have no expiration date.
After the final injunction is entered
Get certified copies from the clerk (free for injunctions). Keep one on you at all times and give copies to your workplace, your children’s school or daycare, and trusted neighbors. The injunction is entered into a statewide and national database so any law enforcement officer can verify it.
At the Hearing
How to prepare for your injunction hearing
The final hearing is your chance to tell the judge, directly, why you need protection. A little preparation goes a long way:
- Organize your evidence in date order and bring at least two printed copies of everything
- Bring witnesses who saw or heard the incidents, if you have them
- Write a short outline so you do not forget key facts under stress
- Arrive early, dress as you would for an important appointment, and ask the clerk where to wait so you do not have to sit near the respondent
- Ask the court or a victim advocate about safety accommodations, separate waiting areas, and appearing remotely if available
A certified domestic violence center can often send an advocate to court with you — for support, not legal advice — at no cost. Call 1-800-500-1119 to ask.
This article provides general information about filing a Florida injunction for protection under §741.30, §784.046, and §784.0485, Florida Statutes. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. JusticeXpressFlorida.com is a document preparation service, not a law firm. For advice specific to your situation, consult a Florida-licensed attorney or a certified domestic violence advocate.