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Domestic Violence & Protection Orders
Florida Injunctions for Protection — How to Get Safe
Florida courts issue injunctions for protection in domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking cases. Filing is free. You do not need an attorney. This guide walks through every step — from the petition to the hearing.
Types of Injunctions
How to File
Temporary Injunctions
The Final Hearing
What the Order Covers
If You Were Served
Florida Resources
Types of Injunctions
How to File
Temporary Order
The Final Hearing
What It Covers
Safety Planning
If You Were Served
Florida Resources
Protection Orders in Florida
Florida’s Five Types of Injunctions for Protection
Florida law provides five distinct types of civil protection orders. The type you need depends on your relationship with the person and the nature of the conduct. All five are free to file and can be obtained without an attorney.
Domestic Violence Injunction
Who Qualifies
Spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, people living together as a family, parents of a child together, or people who have lived together in the past. §741.28
What Triggers It
Any act of domestic violence or a reasonable belief that domestic violence is imminent. Includes physical assault, sexual violence, stalking, and credible threats.
✓ Free to file
Repeat Violence Injunction
Who Qualifies
Any person who has been the victim of two or more incidents of violence or stalking by the respondent — regardless of their relationship. Neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances.
What Triggers It
At least two incidents of violence or stalking, one of which occurred within the last six months. §784.046
✓ Free to file
Dating Violence Injunction
Who Qualifies
People who have or have had a continuing and significant romantic or intimate relationship — but who do not qualify under the domestic violence definition (e.g., never cohabited).
What Triggers It
Any act of violence or a reasonable belief that violence is imminent within the context of the dating relationship. §784.046
✓ Free to file
Sexual Violence & Stalking Injunctions
Sexual Violence
Available to victims of sexual violence regardless of relationship. Does not require two incidents — one qualifying sexual offense is sufficient. §784.046
Stalking
Available to victims of stalking or cyberstalking — a pattern of conduct causing substantial emotional distress. §784.0485
✓ Free to file
Not sure which type applies? When you go to the courthouse to file, the clerk or a victim advocate can help you identify the correct petition form. If you describe your situation, they will direct you to the right type. You cannot get this wrong and be turned away — the clerk’s office is accustomed to helping petitioners choose the correct form.
Filing Your Petition
How to File for a Florida Injunction for Protection
Filing is free, does not require an attorney, and can be done at your county courthouse clerk’s office on any business day. In many counties, advocates are available at the courthouse to assist you through the process.
✓ There is no filing fee for any injunction for protection in Florida. The court cannot charge you to file. If anyone asks you for money to file a petition for protection, contact the clerk’s supervisor immediately.
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1
Go to your county courthouse clerk’s office
You can file in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred. If you have fled your home for safety, you can file in the county where you are currently located. You do not need to return to your home county.
🛡️ You can also file at a domestic violence center — many Florida centers can help you complete and file the petition without you going to the courthouse.
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2
Complete the petition form — describe what happened in your own words
You will be given a Petition for Injunction form. Write clearly and specifically: dates, locations, what the respondent did or said, injuries sustained, witnesses present. Judges read many petitions — specific facts are more persuasive than general descriptions.
Include: any prior police reports or incident numbers, prior injunctions, whether the respondent has or has access to firearms, and whether children are involved.
💡 “On October 3, 2025, at our home at [address], respondent punched me in the face with his fist, breaking my nose. I went to Baptist Hospital that evening.” is far more effective than “He has been violent with me for years.”
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3
File with the clerk — your petition goes to a judge the same day
Florida law requires the judge to review your petition on the day it is filed, or the next business day. §741.30(5)(a) You do not have to wait days or weeks — the system is designed for emergency response.
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The judge issues a Temporary Injunction — or schedules a hearing
If the judge finds sufficient grounds, a Temporary Injunction is issued immediately, without notice to the respondent. If the petition does not establish sufficient grounds on its face, the judge may schedule an emergency hearing at which both parties can appear.
🛡️ If a temporary order is denied, you can request a hearing — do not give up. You will have the opportunity to testify and present evidence.
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5
The respondent is served — a final hearing is scheduled
The Sheriff’s Office serves the Temporary Injunction and notice of the final hearing on the respondent. The temporary order remains in effect until the final hearing. The final hearing must be held within 15 days of the temporary order. §741.30(5)(b)
What to bring when you file: Any photographs of injuries or property damage. Police report numbers or copies. Medical records if you sought treatment. Screenshots of threatening messages (print them if possible). Names and contact information of any witnesses. The respondent’s full name, date of birth, and address if you know it.
Temporary Protection
The Temporary Injunction — Immediate Protection
A Temporary Injunction (also called an ex parte order) is issued the same day you file, without the respondent being present. It provides immediate legal protection while the case moves toward a final hearing.
What a Temporary Injunction Does
A Florida Temporary Injunction for Protection immediately:
Prohibits the respondent from committing any acts of violence against you
May order the respondent to immediately vacate your shared home
Prohibits contact — in person, by phone, text, email, or through third parties
May establish temporary custody of children
May prohibit the respondent from possessing firearms
May award you exclusive use of a shared vehicle
⚠️ A Temporary Injunction is a court order. The respondent violating any provision — including contacting you after being ordered not to — is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by up to one year in jail. Call 911 if the respondent violates the order. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
If You Must Share a Residence
If the court orders the respondent out of the home but you are concerned they will not leave, contact the Sheriff’s Office. They can accompany you or enforce the order. You should not be the one who leaves your home — the court order protects your right to remain.
The Final Hearing
Preparing for Your Final Injunction Hearing
The final hearing is your opportunity to present evidence and testimony to make the injunction permanent. The respondent will also be present. Being prepared makes a significant difference in outcome.
What Happens at the Hearing
The final hearing is typically before a circuit court judge. Both parties may testify and present evidence. Witnesses can testify. The hearing usually lasts 30–60 minutes. The judge will issue a ruling at the end of the hearing or shortly thereafter.
You do not need an attorney — but having one helps, particularly if the respondent has an attorney. Many domestic violence centers offer free legal representation for final hearings. See Florida resources below →
Evidence That Strengthens Your Case
- Police reports from any incidents — even if no arrest was made
- Medical records or photographs of injuries
- Screenshots or printouts of threatening messages, texts, social media posts, voicemails
- Witnesses — neighbors, family members, coworkers who saw violence or its aftermath
- Prior injunctions or protective orders from Florida or other states
- A journal or diary documenting incidents with dates, times, and descriptions — kept contemporaneously
- Children’s statements through a licensed counselor, if applicable
Your Testimony
You will testify under oath. Speak directly to the judge, not to the respondent. Answer questions factually and specifically — not generally. If you become emotional, take a breath. Judges understand this is difficult. Do not exaggerate or speculate — credibility matters enormously.
If the respondent denies everything: That is expected. The judge has seen this before. Corroborating evidence — photos, records, witnesses — is what tips the balance. Your testimony alone can be sufficient if it is credible and specific, but supporting documentation strengthens your case significantly.
Duration of a Final Injunction
A Final Injunction for Protection has no automatic expiration date — the judge sets its duration, which may be for a specified period or permanently. §741.30(6)(a) You can return to court to extend, modify, or dissolve the injunction as circumstances change.
If the Respondent Doesn’t Appear
If the respondent was properly served and does not appear at the final hearing, the judge may issue the final injunction by default. You still present your evidence — do not assume the judge will simply grant it without your testimony.
Scope of Protection
What a Florida Injunction for Protection Can Include
A Florida Final Injunction is highly customizable. At the hearing, you can specifically request each provision that applies to your situation. The judge may grant some or all of what you request.
Prohibit any contact — in person, by phone, text, email, social media, or third parties
Require the respondent to vacate and stay away from your home
Establish a minimum distance the respondent must maintain from you
Prohibit the respondent from your workplace, children’s school, place of worship
Award temporary custody of minor children
Establish temporary child support
Award exclusive use of a shared vehicle
Require respondent to surrender firearms and ammunition
Prohibit the respondent from acquiring firearms
Require the respondent to attend a batterers’ intervention program
Firearms — Federal Law Also Applies
Under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8)), a person subject to a qualifying domestic violence injunction is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This is a federal criminal offense, separate from Florida’s state law. If you know the respondent has firearms, tell the judge.
Children and the Injunction: If you have minor children with the respondent, the court can establish temporary custody and visitation within the injunction. If custody is a contested or complex issue, you may also need to file a separate family law case. The injunction judge can address immediate safety — longer-term parenting arrangements may require the family division.
Safety Planning
Safety Planning — Before, During, and After Filing
A protection order is a legal tool — it is not a physical barrier. Safety planning is equally important. The period immediately after filing or serving an injunction can be the most dangerous time.
If You Are Planning to Leave
If it is safe to do so, prepare before you leave:
- Gather important documents — ID, Social Security card, birth certificates, financial records — and keep them somewhere accessible or with a trusted person
- Pack a bag with essentials and keep it accessible or at a safe location
- Know where you will go — a shelter, family member, or friend the abuser does not know well
- Memorize key phone numbers — the National DV Hotline, a trusted contact, local shelter
- Disable location sharing on your phone; consider a new phone or account if monitored
- If you have children, arrange to take them with you — taking them is not illegal if you are their parent
After the Injunction Is Issued
- Keep a certified copy of the injunction with you at all times — give copies to your employer, your children’s school, and anyone who may need to act on it
- Call 911 immediately if the respondent violates any provision — do not try to enforce it yourself
- Document any violations with photos, screenshots, or written notes with dates and times
- Change locks if you are remaining in the home — the injunction alone does not change locks
- Update your address with the court if you move — the respondent must be served at your new address if you modify the injunction
- Consider varying your daily routine — route to work, parking, schedule
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides free, confidential safety planning assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including by chat at thehotline.org.
For Respondents
If You Were Served with a Florida Injunction
If you have been served with a Temporary Injunction, you have specific legal obligations that begin immediately and a right to contest the injunction at a final hearing.
Your Immediate Obligations
From the moment you are served, the Temporary Injunction is legally binding on you. Violating any provision — including any contact with the petitioner — is a first-degree misdemeanor. You must:
- Have no contact with the petitioner — no calls, texts, emails, social media, or through third parties
- Vacate any shared residence if ordered to do so
- Surrender firearms and ammunition to law enforcement if ordered
- Stay away from locations specified in the order
⚠️ Do not contact the petitioner to “work things out,” even if they reach out to you first. The injunction is a court order against you, not against the petitioner. Even if the petitioner contacts you, you violating the order can result in arrest. Any contact — initiated by either party — can be used against you.
Your Right to Contest at the Final Hearing
You have the right to appear at the final hearing, present evidence, testify under oath, and contest the allegations in the petition. You may also bring witnesses and present documentation. You have the right to be represented by an attorney.
If you do not appear at the final hearing, the judge may enter a permanent injunction against you by default. Attend the hearing.
Preparing for the Final Hearing
Gather any evidence that contradicts the allegations: communications between you and the petitioner that are inconsistent with the claims, witness statements, documentation of your whereabouts on dates alleged, and any other relevant records. Consider consulting a Florida attorney — particularly if children or firearms are at issue in the injunction.
Help & Resources
Florida Domestic Violence Resources
Free, confidential assistance is available across Florida — from crisis hotlines to free legal representation at your final hearing. You do not have to navigate this alone.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
24/7 · Free · Confidential · Available in Spanish and other languages · Chat available at thehotline.org · TTY: 1-800-787-3224
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Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV)
1-800-500-1119
Connects survivors to local certified domestic violence centers throughout Florida. Shelter, advocacy, legal help, and safety planning. Available 24/7.
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Florida Courts Self-Help — Injunction Forms
Florida Supreme Court–approved injunction petition forms are available free from the Florida Courts Help website. The court clerk’s office also provides forms at no charge.
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DIY Florida — Free Guided Injunction Petition
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal includes a free guided interview for domestic violence injunction petitions — walks you through the form with step-by-step questions.
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FloridaLawHelp.org — Domestic Violence Section
Free legal information for survivors, including information about injunctions, housing rights, employment protections, and divorce. Provides referrals to local legal aid organizations.
floridalawhelp.org/families-children/domestic-violence-abuse →
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Safe Link Wireless — Free Phone for DV Survivors
Florida domestic violence survivors may qualify for a free cell phone through the Lifeline program. Local DV centers can assist with applications.
ⓘ This information is for general educational purposes about Florida law only. It is not legal advice. If you are in danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. JusticeXpressFlorida.com is a document preparation service — injunction petition forms are available free from Florida Courts and we direct petitioners to those free resources first.
Need Help Now?
1-800-799-7233
National Domestic Violence Hotline. Free. Confidential. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
🛡️ Injunction filing is always free in Florida. You do not need an attorney.
Free Injunction Forms
All Florida injunction petition forms are free from the court. We link directly to the official sources.
Florida DV Centers by Region
- SafeSpace (Palm Beach) ↗
- Broward County DV Center ↗
- Bayfront Center (Tampa) ↗
- Hubbard House (Jacksonville) ↗
- Find Your County’s Center ↗