Prepare your documents for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult in Florida

Gathering strong evidence will help build your case when filing for an Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult Injunction (often called a Vulnerable Adult Protection Order) in Florida. While your personal testimony is a key part of your case, providing additional evidence can significantly improve your chances of obtaining protection.

The following are accepted types of evidence under Florida law:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case related to the exploitation (e.g., theft, fraud, or abuse of a vulnerable adult), 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, as it shows the respondent’s criminal behavior is being addressed.

Evidence Type 2: Photos or Videos of Physical Evidence
If there are physical signs of exploitation or abuse, including financial abuse (e.g., withdrawn funds, stolen items, damage to property), photos or videos can be powerful evidence. In Florida courts, attaching brief descriptions of each image or video helps the judge understand the context and severity of the situation.

Evidence Type 3: Documentation of Financial Records or Transactions

If the exploitation involves theft, fraud, or manipulation of finances, bank statements, credit card statements, or withdrawal records can serve as critical evidence. Florida courts accept documentation that shows:

• Unauthorized withdrawals or transfers of funds

• Manipulation of the vulnerable adult's financial accounts

• Documentation of stolen property (if applicable)

Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls

If the vulnerable adult or someone else called 911 during or after the exploitation incident, include:

• The date and time of the call

• Who made the call (e.g., the vulnerable adult, a family member, a caregiver)

• What was said or reported during the call

• Any dispatcher details (e.g., male/female voice)

• The case number or incident report related to the call

You can contact the Clerk of Court or law enforcement agency for a copy of the 911 call or related incident report.

Evidence Type 5: Medical Records.

In cases where the exploitation has resulted in physical harm, medical records can be key. Florida courts accept:

• ER discharge papers

• Hospital visit records

• Doctor’s notes related to injuries or trauma caused by exploitation

• Any medical records showing emotional or psychological harm that results from exploitation

Evidence Type 6: Police reports

If law enforcement has been involved and created an incident report, include a copy of that report. If an arrest was made related to the exploitation, include an arrest report as well. You can obtain these from your local sheriff’s office or police department.

Evidence Type 7: Testimony

Testimonies from individuals who witnessed or were aware of the exploitation can be vital. This includes:

• Family members, neighbors, or anyone who saw or has knowledge of the exploitation

• Caregivers or individuals who observed the vulnerable adult’s well-being being harmed

• Written statements detailing specific incidents and facts (dates, names, and descriptions of events are crucial)

Florida law does not require these to be notarized affidavits, but the statements should be specific and clear to provide a strong supporting narrative to your case.

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 exploitation of vulnerable adult injunction (VAPO), 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 Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult

Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Florida may issue a Temporary Injunction for Protection (also known as an ex parte order) for an Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult Injunction on the same day you file your petition. This temporary order is designed to offer immediate protection until a full court hearing can be scheduled.

• The Temporary Injunction is meant to protect the vulnerable adult from further exploitation or harm and may include provisions such as:

  • Removing the respondent (the accused exploiter) from the vulnerable adult’s home or property

  • Preventing contact between the vulnerable adult and the respondent

  • Prohibiting the respondent from controlling or accessing the vulnerable adult's financial accounts or resources

  • Other necessary protections depending on the circumstances

In situations where the evidence appears less urgent or is limited in nature, the judge may choose to issue the temporary order within a few days after reviewing the petition.

After the Temporary Injunction for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is issued and served on the respondent (the person accused of exploitation), the court will schedule a final hearing, typically within 15 days of the temporary order being issued. Both you (the person seeking protection) and the respondent (the accused exploiter) have the opportunity to attend this hearing and present evidence or testimony to support your case.