Prepare your documents for Stalking Injunctions in Florida

Gather evidence to support your case—your personal testimony alone is considered evidence. However, the more supporting material you provide, the stronger your request for an injunction will be.

The following are considered as evidence of stalking under Florida law:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case

Judges are more likely to issue a stalking injunction if there is an ongoing criminal case related to stalking or harassment. Be sure to mention any active criminal investigations or charges when seeking a temporary injunction.

If a judge sees that law enforcement or the State Attorney’s Office is pursuing criminal charges, it may strengthen the belief that stalking behavior occurred.

Evidence Type 2: Photos of Surveillance, Tracking Devices, Vandalism, or Other Harassment

Photos can include evidence of damage to property, images showing the respondent following or watching you, or photos of any items left behind that caused you fear or distress (e.g., threatening notes, unwanted gifts, etc.). Pair these images with descriptions of the incidents they relate to for a stronger case.

Evidence Type 3: Print outs of messages, emails or transcripts of voicemail

Stalking often involves repeated, unwanted communication. You can submit screenshots of harassing text messages, emails, or transcripts of voicemail messages. While digital files are generally not accepted, printed versions or saved PDFs/images of these communications can be included.

Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls

Rather than just stating that you contacted emergency services or a support hotline, strengthen your case by including:

• The number dialed (e.g., 911 or a stalking/domestic violence hotline)

• The date and time of the call

• Who made the call

• What was reported

• Any relevant details about the person who answered (e.g., male/female voice, operator ID if known)

Evidence Type 5: Medical Records.

If stalking incidents caused you physical or emotional distress that required medical attention, attach medical records or documentation of any related visits. Records from your patient portal (e.g., MyChart) showing diagnosis or treatment details are also helpful.

Evidence Type 6: Police reports

Include copies of any police reports you’ve filed regarding stalking, harassment, or threats made by the respondent. These can significantly support your claim and show the ongoing nature of the behavior.

Evidence Type 7: Testimony

Statements from witnesses—such as neighbors, friends, co-workers, or even bystanders—can support your claims. These should be written accounts describing what the witness observed, with as many specific details as possible (e.g., dates, times, actions).

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 stalking injunction (spo), 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 Stalking

ased on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Florida may issue a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking on the same day you file your petition. This is also known as an ex parte order, and it is designed to offer immediate protection from stalking until a full court hearing can be held.

In cases that appear less urgent or have limited supporting evidence, the judge may take a few days to review the petition and issue a temporary order.

If the judge finds that:

• There are no legal grounds for a stalking injunction,

• The petition is incomplete, or

• The court lacks jurisdiction (for example, the respondent does not reside in Florida),

then the request for a temporary injunction may be denied. However, the judge may still schedule a hearing so that both you and the respondent have the opportunity to appear in court and present your sides of the case.

After the Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking is issued and properly served, the court will schedule a final hearing, typically within 15 days. Both you (the petitioner) and the respondent (the person you're seeking protection from) have the opportunity to attend the hearing and present evidence or testimony.

During this hearing, the judge will consider:

• Evidence submitted by both parties

• Witness testimony, if any

• Any new incidents or updates since the temporary order was issued

If the judge determines there is sufficient evidence that stalking has occurred, or that there is a real and continuing threat of future stalking, they will issue a Final Injunction for Protection Against Stalking.

This final order may:

• Be issued for a specific period (e.g., one year), or

• Remain in effect indefinitely, depending on the circumstances

Failure to attend the hearing may result in the case being dismissed (for the petitioner) or the Final Injunction being issued without your input (for the respondent).