Florida Domestic Violence and Injunction Resources
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Florida protects people experiencing violence or credible threats through civil injunctions for protection, often called restraining orders. The main statute lives in Chapter 741 of the Florida Statutes, and separate injunction types exist for dating violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
You file an injunction petition with the clerk of court in your county, there is no filing fee for a domestic violence injunction, and clerks are required to help with the paperwork. A judge reviews the petition quickly and can issue a temporary injunction the same day.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Our Florida hotline page lists free, confidential 24/7 numbers.
Official Florida protection resources
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Chapter 741, Marriage; Domestic Violence (Florida Legislature): Governs marriage licensing AND civil injunctions for protection against domestic violence (§ 741.30). The DV injunction is the primary civil protective order in Florida. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/0741ContentsIndex.html
Florida Family Law Forms (official index) (Florida State Courts System): The complete, current collection of Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms with instructions. When in doubt, start here. https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/family-courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms
Florida courts family law self-help information (Florida State Courts System): Official self-help information for Florida family cases, including where to find help in your county. https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Family-Courts/Family-Law-Self-Help-Information
Florida court locations (Florida State Courts System): Official directory of Florida courts, so you can find the circuit and courthouse that serves your county. https://www.flcourts.gov/Florida-Courts/Court-Locations
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to file for an injunction in Florida?
No. There is no filing fee for a petition for an injunction for protection against domestic violence, and the clerk's office assists with the forms.
How fast can I get protection?
A judge reviews the petition promptly, often the same day, and can enter a temporary injunction without a hearing. A full hearing on a final injunction is then set, usually within about 15 days.
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