Common Questions: Restraining Orders in Florida
November 23, 2021
Whether you want to file a petition for a restraining order or you have been served, it is essential to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. Read on to learn everything you need to know about restraining orders in Florida.
What are Domestic Violence Injunctions?
Anyone who has been the victim of any act of domestic violence or has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of any act of domestic violence can file a petition for a domestic violence injunction, also known as a restraining order. A petitioner may seek restraining orders for protection from:
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence between “family or household members,” which is defined as spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family, or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.
- Repeat Violence: Repeated acts of violence or stalking need two independent instances, one of which must have occurred within the previous six months, directed at the Petitioner or the Petitioner’s family members.
- Sexual Violence: Sexual battery, lascivious actions perpetrated on or in the presence of a person younger than 16, luring or tempting a child, sexual performance by a child, or any other forceful felony in which a sexual act is committed or attempted are all examples of sexual violence.
- Dating Violence: Violence between individuals who have or have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the consideration of the following factors:
- A dating relationship must have existed within the past 6 months;
- The nature of the relationship must have been characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between the parties; and
- The frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship must have included that the persons have been involved over time and on a continuous basis during the course of the relationship.
- The term does not include violence in a casual acquaintanceship or violence between individuals who only have engaged in ordinary fraternization in a business or social context.
- Stalking: The repeated following, harassment or cyberstalking of one person by another is known as stalking.
How to file restraining orders in Florida?
You can file the Petition for Injunction at any courthouse location. You do not need to hire an attorney to file restraining orders in Florida. However, it is best to hire an attorney to assist you with the procedure as the Court cannot offer legal advice.
Where can I find the forms for domestic violence?
Forms for petitioners and respondents are available through the Clerk of Court. The forms can also be found on the Self-Help Forms page of the Florida Supreme Court.
What happens after I file the petition for a restraining order?
The process begins as soon as you file a petition for an injunction. The courthouse staff will assist you in completing all required papers, which a judge will then review. If the judge determines that the sworn claims in the paperwork match the legal standards for an injunction under Florida law, they will issue a Temporary Injunction that will last for 15 days. Within 15 days, a hearing will be scheduled, and the Sheriff’s Office will seek to personally serve the injunction paperwork on the individual against whom the injunction is being sought.
The respondent may be ordered to have no contact with the petitioner, remain away from the petitioner’s home and workplace, vacate a shared house, grant temporary custody of young children, or surrender firearms under the Temporary Injunction. Before these safeguards take effect, the respondent must be served.
If the respondent has been served, the judge will decide whether to grant a Permanent Injunction after hearing from the parties and witnesses and considering any evidence provided during the court hearing. If the judge grants a Permanent Injunction, it will remain in effect until the judge changes or ends it at either party’s request, after notice and hearing, or until a certain date designated by the judge.
The respondent may be ordered to have no contact with the petitioner, to stay away from the petitioner’s home and employment, to award custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and to surrender firearms under the Permanent Injunction. The respondent may be ordered to attend a batterers’ intervention program, and victims and children may be referred to support organizations and counseling as part of the Permanent Injunction.
Do I have to pay any costs in order to obtain a restraining order?
No. Petitioners for restraining orders in Florida do not have to pay any filing fees.
What is the duration of an injunction?
The length of an injunction varies depending on the circumstances. Make sure you read and comprehend your injunction (temporary or final) order thoroughly. You can ask for an extension of your injunction by submitting a motion for an extension before it expires.
What to do if the respondent fails to comply with the injunction order?
If the respondent fails to comply with the court order, report the violation to 911 and request immediate assistance. You can also submit the Injunction Violation Affidavit at any courthouse location.
What is an injunction violation?
Injunction violation occurs in the event that the respondent refuses to leave and/or stay away from a place of residence, goes to the petitioner and/or any designated family or household member, commits domestic abuse against the petitioner, commits any other violation against the petitioner through a deliberate unlawful threat, word, or act of violence, or refuses to dispose of or surrender any firearms.
How can I get an injunction lifted or dismissed?
The petition will be dismissed, and no final injunction will be awarded if the petitioner fails to appear for the final hearing after an interim injunction has been ordered. You, as the petitioner, have the option to dismiss the petition voluntarily. You will have the opportunity to express your case at the hearing if you are the respondent. A Petitioner or Respondent may apply to dissolve a final injunction at any time after it has been imposed.
How can I change/modify the injunctive order's custody, visitation, and/or child support provisions?
You must file an appropriate motion if your circumstances have changed since you received your injunction, and you want the judge to consider altering any of the injunction’s requirements, such as custody, visitation, and/or child support.
A notice of injunction and hearing was just served on me. What do I do now?
It is advisable to read and follow the terms of the injunction and get in touch with an attorney immediately. You will have a right to present evidence and defend against the injunction at the hearing date which is contained in the order. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible to give him or her sufficient time to help you prepare for the hearing. Make sure you attend any court appearance stated in the injunction and order, because if you do not appear the court may enter a permanent injunction against you even if you are not there.
Get the Protections You Need with Legal Eagles
An injunction is frequently based on a criminal offense. Because both criminal and family law issues are involved, it is critical to select an attorney who is well-versed in both. Legal Eagles attorneys are experienced in all aspects with a combined experience of over 45 years. We have the ability and resources to handle complex disputes, including complicated restraining order issues. Contact us to learn more.
