Prepare your documents for Dating Violence Injunctions in Florida
This website helps prepare the forms required for Dating Violence Injunction Order in Florida.
An overview of Injunctions at is here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which civil protection order fits your situation the best.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult an advocate for guidance when filing a dating violence injunction in Florida. Advocates can help review your case, explain your legal options, and assist with safety planning. While not required, their support can make the process clearer and less overwhelming.
4. File with the Clerk
To begin the process of obtaining a dating violence injunction in Florida, you must file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where you or the respondent lives. Filing is free of charge and can often be done in person or online through the clerk’s website.
Process
Step 1
You: Gather Evidence. What do you need to get a dating violence injunction in Florida?
Gathering evidence strengthens your case when filing for a dating violence injunction. While your personal testimony is often sufficient, providing supporting evidence can significantly improve your chances of obtaining protection.
The following are accepted types of evidence under Florida law for dating violence injunctions:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case against the respondent (the abuser), this can support your petition. Judges in Florida are more likely to grant an injunction if law enforcement or the State Attorney is already involved.
Evidence Type 2: Photos of Injuries, Property Damage, or Violence
Photos of bruises, cuts, broken property, or any physical evidence of abuse can be powerful in court. In Florida, attaching brief descriptions of what each image shows can help the judge understand the severity of the situation.
Evidence Type 3: Print outs of Text Messages, Emails, or Voicemails
You can print out or take screenshots of threatening or harassing messages and submit them with your petition. In Florida courts, these are typically submitted as printed documents or attached to your petition as PDFs.
Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
If you called 911, include:
The date and time of the call
Who made the call
What was said or reported
Any dispatcher details (e.g., male/female voice)
The case number or incident report related to the call
Contact the Clerk of Court or law enforcement agency for a record of your 911 call, if available.
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records.
Provide documentation of injuries or health visits related to the abuse. Florida courts accept:
ER discharge papers
Hospital visit records
Patient portal summaries (e.g., MyChart printouts)
Doctor’s notes related to injuries or trauma
Evidence Type 6: Police reports
If law enforcement was involved, include a copy of any incident or arrest reports. You can obtain these from your local sheriff’s office or police department.
Evidence Type 7: Testimony
Written statements from family members, friends, or anyone who witnessed the abuse can support your case. Florida does not require notarized affidavits, but the statements should be detailed and include names, dates, and specific incidents witnessed.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine if your situation is roughly suitable for applying for a dating violence injunction by taking a screening. You can being by entering your zip code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to creating the case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for a dating violence injunction (DVI), you need to fill and submit a predefined set of official Florida court forms. These have questions aimed at understanding your situation and the people involved.
The most important form is the petition, and it's called Petition For Injunction For Protection Against Dating Violence
Step 4
You: File with the court. How to file a dating violence injunction in Florida
Florida allows you to file a petition for a dating violence injunction either in person or electronically, depending on your county.
While some forms may be available online, official filing must be done with the Clerk of Court in the county where you or the respondent resides.
To formally request protection from the court, you must submit your completed petition to the Clerk. This process is called filing, and it can be done in two main ways:
In person (at the courthouse)
Online (available in some counties via E-portal)
E-filing is convenient and can be done anytime. The official date of filing is either the day you submit your petition or the next business day if you file after hours.
Dating violence injunction cases are filed at your county's Circuit Court. Some counties may refer to the office as the Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, like in Osceola County.
Once your filing is successful, a case number will be assigned to your case, which you will use for all future court documents and communications.
Step 5
You: Judge Issues a Temporary Injunction
Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Florida may issue a Temporary Injunction for Protection on the same day you file your petition for a dating violence injunction. This is also known as an ex parte order, and it is designed to offer immediate protection until a full court hearing can be held.
In cases that appear less urgent or where the evidence is limited, the judge may issue the temporary injunction within a few days.
If the judge determines that there are no legal grounds for the injunction, the petition is incomplete, or the court lacks jurisdiction, your request may be denied. However, in some situations, the court may still schedule a hearing so that both you and the respondent can present your sides.
Step 6
You: Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Injunction to the Abuser
Once a judge issues a Temporary Injunction for Protection in a dating violence case, it must be formally delivered to the respondent (the abuser) before it becomes legally enforceable. After service, any violation of the order can result in arrest or criminal charges.
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
After the temporary injunction is issued and served, the court will schedule a final hearing, typically within 15 days. Both you and the respondent (the abuser) have the opportunity to attend this hearing and present evidence or testimony.
During the hearing, the judge will review:
Evidence submitted by both parties
Witness testimony (if any)
Any updates or changes since the temporary injunction was issued
If the judge finds sufficient evidence that dating violence has occurred or is likely to occur again, they will issue a Final Injunction for Protection. This final injunction may last for a specific period or be indefinite, depending on the circumstances.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
If the judge issues a Final Injunction for Protection after the hearing in your dating violence case, you will receive an official copy of the order. Be sure to take a paper copy with you before leaving the courthouse, as you may need it for law enforcement or other legal purposes.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your dating violence documents and file your case.
Core Forms
- Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases
- Petition For Injunction For Protection Against Dating Violence
- Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence
- Notice of Related Cases
- Initial Assessment Data Sheet
- Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address
- Respondent Description Information
Proposed Orders
- Temporary Injunction For Protection Against Domestic Violence Without Minor Children
- Order Setting Hearing On Petition For Injunction For Protection Against
- Order Denying Petition For Injunction For Protection Against