Prepare your documents for Repeat Violence Injunctions in Florida

This website helps prepare the forms required for Repeat Violence Injunction Order in Florida.

An overview of Injunctions at is here

Start

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 repeat 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 repeat 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 Repeat Violence Injunction in Florida?

Gathering evidence strengthens your case when filing for a Repeat Violence Injunction. While your personal testimony is crucial, supporting evidence can greatly improve your chances of obtaining protection under Florida law.

The following are accepted types of evidence for a Repeat Violence Injunction in Florida:

Evidence Type 1: Prior Injunctions or Protective Orders
If there have been previous injunctions or protective orders against the respondent for acts of violence, harassment, or stalking, including copies or case numbers will support your petition for repeat violence.

Evidence Type 2: Documentation of Two or More Acts of Violence or Threats

To qualify for a Repeat Violence Injunction, you must show at least two incidents of violence or threats that occurred within a 6-month period. Provide detailed written descriptions or affidavits describing each act, including dates, times, locations, and what happened.

Evidence Type 3: Photos of Injuries, Damage, or Threatening Messages

Photos showing injuries, property damage, or screenshots of threatening texts or social media messages help establish repeated violent behavior by the respondent.

Evidence Type 4: 911 Call Records

Include records of 911 calls related to repeated incidents of violence or threats. Provide date, time, who called, summary of the call, dispatcher details, and case or incident numbers.

Evidence Type 5: Police Reports from Multiple Incidents

If law enforcement responded to multiple incidents involving the respondent, submit copies of all related police or arrest reports. These documents support the pattern of repeat violence necessary for the injunction.

Evidence Type 6: Medical Records Documenting Multiple Injuries
Provide medical records that show treatment for injuries sustained from separate acts of violence or abuse within the relevant timeframe.

Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements
Written statements from family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or others who witnessed more than one incident of violence or threats. Include detailed descriptions with dates, times, and what was observed.

Step 2

You: Take Online Screening

Determine if your situation is roughly suitable for applying for a repeat 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 repeat violence injunction (RVI), 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 Repeat Violence

Step 4

You: E-file with the court. How to file a Repeat Violence Injunction in Florida

Florida allows you to file a petition for a Repeat Violence Injunction either in person or electronically, depending on your county.

While some forms are available online, official filing must be done with the Clerk of Court in the county where you, the respondent, or where the violence occurred.

To formally ask the court for protection, 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)

You can go directly to the courthouse in your county to file your petition with the Clerk of Court. Many courthouses have dedicated staff to assist with injunction filings, especially in the Family or Civil Division.

Online (available in some counties via E-portal)

Some Florida counties allow e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This system lets you file your petition online at any time, including nights and weekends.

Step 5

Judge Issues a Temporary Injunction

Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Florida may issue a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence on the same day you file. This type of order, also known as an ex parte order, is designed to give you immediate protection until a full hearing can be held.

If your petition clearly shows that there have been two or more separate acts of violence or threats, and you are in danger of future harm, the judge may grant the temporary injunction right away.

In cases that appear less urgent or include limited documentation, the judge may take a few days to review your petition and decide whether to issue the temporary order.

If the judge finds that there is not enough legal basis, your petition is incomplete, or the court does not have jurisdiction, the request for a temporary injunction may be denied. However, the judge may still schedule a court hearing where both you and the respondent can appear, present testimony, and submit additional evidence.

This hearing gives both parties a chance to explain their side before the court decides whether to grant a final injunction.

Step 6

Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Injunction to the Respondent

Once a judge issues a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, it must be formally delivered to the respondent (the person you’re filing against) before it becomes legally enforceable. After service, any violation of the order can result in arrest or criminal charges.

Step 7

You, Respondent: Attend Court Hearing

After a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence is issued and served, the court will schedule a final hearing, usually within 15 days. Both you (the petitioner) and the respondent (the person you filed against) will have the opportunity to attend the hearing and present evidence or testimony.

During the hearing, the judge will review:

Evidence submitted by both parties
Witness testimony, if provided
Any updates or incidents that occurred since the temporary injunction was issued

The hearing allows both sides to fully explain their version of events. The respondent has a legal right to appear and respond to the allegations.

If the judge finds clear and convincing evidence that at least two incidents of violence or threats occurred and that future violence is likely, they may issue a Final Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence. This final order may:

Remain in effect for a set period (e.g., 1 year)
Be extended or modified later
Be issued indefinitely, depending on the severity and pattern of behavior

If the judge finds insufficient evidence or that the legal requirements are not met, the temporary injunction may be dismissed and no final order will be issued.

Step 8

You: Collect the Final Injunction Order

If the judge issues a Final Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence after the hearing, you will receive an official, signed copy of the order. This document outlines the terms of protection and any restrictions placed on the respondent.

Be sure to collect a paper copy of the final injunction before leaving the courthouse. This copy is your proof of legal protection and may be needed for law enforcement or to show others (such as employers, schools, or landlords) if necessary.

Keep the order in a safe but accessible place, and consider making extra copies in case of emergency or future legal needs.