Overview

A Dating Violence Injunction is one of Florida’s most powerful civil remedies for individuals who are, or have been, in a romantic or intimate relationship and who fear violence from that partner. Petitioners often assume that pursuing this legal protection will incur significant court fees or legal expenses. In reality, Florida law deliberately removes nearly every financial barrier. Under Florida Statute § 784.046(3)(b), no filing, issuance, or service fees are charged to petitioners seeking protection against dating violence. The state assumes these costs because safety cannot depend on a person’s ability to pay.

This policy is part of Florida’s broader commitment to victim access. When an individual walks into the clerk’s office or submits Florida Supreme Court Form 12.980(n), they do so free of charge. Clerks cannot require deposits, service fees, or copy fees to process injunction paperwork. Even the sheriff’s office delivers certified copies to the respondent at no cost. By eliminating fees, the law ensures that victims can act quickly—without hesitation or financial anxiety—when their safety is threatened. This economic accessibility is as important as the legal remedy itself.

The following sections explain in detail how Florida structures this cost-free process, what incidental expenses might still arise, and how petitioners can obtain assistance if they lack resources for optional costs such as document printing, notarization, or transportation. The ten-step guide that follows covers everything from preparation to enforcement, emphasizing not only the absence of mandatory fees but also the hidden savings built into Florida’s victim-protection system.

Who Can Apply

Anyone who has been the victim of dating violence—or who has reasonable cause to believe they are in imminent danger of such violence—can apply for a Dating Violence Injunction in Florida. The petitioner must show that the relationship was continuing and significant within the previous six months and involved an expectation of affection or sexual involvement. Parents or legal guardians may file on behalf of minors. Importantly, financial status, citizenship, or residence in the county are not prerequisites. A person with no income has the same right to protection as anyone else.

Applications are accepted at the circuit-court clerk’s office in the petitioner’s county of residence, the respondent’s county, or where the violence occurred. Petitioners can appear in person, mail completed forms, or file electronically through the Florida Courts ePortal. At every point of entry, the “no-fee” rule applies—clerks must accept and process the petition regardless of a petitioner’s ability to pay. If a deputy clerk or employee requests payment, the petitioner can cite § 784.046(3)(b) and request supervisory review. The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator enforces strict compliance to prevent financial discrimination.

Advocates stationed in most courthouses help victims complete forms without cost. Many are funded through state domestic-violence grants, so their assistance—including translation, notarization, and witness coordination—is free. Petitioners who cannot afford legal representation may contact legal-aid societies for additional help; these organizations prioritize protective-order cases and rarely charge fees. The right to petition without cost thus extends beyond filing—it includes free procedural guidance through nonprofit partnerships designed to remove all economic friction from the protective-order process.

Benefits

The absence of filing fees provides more than financial relief; it ensures equitable access to justice. Victims of dating violence often face financial control, unemployment, or resource deprivation inflicted by their abuser. By guaranteeing that injunctions are free, the Florida Legislature dismantles one of the abuser’s most powerful tools—economic dependency. The moment a petitioner files, the state assumes administrative expenses for processing, service, and certified copies. The sheriff’s department serves the respondent without charge, meaning that even victims in rural areas incur zero delivery cost.

Another benefit is indirect: free filings accelerate action. Since no payment processing is required, clerks can forward petitions to a duty judge the same day, often resulting in same-day temporary injunctions. This speed can literally save lives. The cost exemption also facilitates renewals and modifications. Each time a petitioner seeks an extension or change, the motion is filed at no cost, removing the financial hesitation that might otherwise delay critical updates.

Free access also contributes to stronger community reporting. Because victims know the system is financially safe, they are more likely to engage law enforcement and courts early—before violence escalates. Moreover, the zero-fee rule aligns Florida with federal policies encouraging universal victim access under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). For petitioners, the practical effect is clear: financial status never limits safety. The benefits of this policy ripple outward, strengthening public confidence in the justice system and encouraging timely intervention in potentially lethal situations.

Step 1 – Understanding the Fee Waiver Policy

The foundation of Florida’s cost-free injunction system lies in its statutory fee-waiver mandate. Section 784.046(3)(b) directs that “the clerk of court shall not assess any filing fees or service charges for a petition for an injunction for protection against domestic, repeat, sexual, or dating violence.” This legal language binds every circuit-court clerk statewide—no local policy can override it. The rule covers the entire process: petition filing, issuance of summons, service of process by the sheriff, and provision of certified copies. Even if the respondent lives outside the county, inter-county service is coordinated through the Florida Sheriffs Association at no cost to the petitioner.

The intent behind this policy is prevention. Lawmakers recognized that victims frequently delay seeking help because they fear costs associated with court filings. A single $100 fee can be an impossible barrier for someone escaping financial abuse. By legislating absolute fee elimination, the state removes hesitation and ensures that every courthouse door remains open, regardless of personal income or credit history. This universal accessibility distinguishes Florida nationally—many states still charge nominal fees unless waived by affidavit of indigency.

Petitioners should understand the narrow distinction between “no fee” and “fee waiver.” A no-fee category means the law itself forbids clerks from charging anything; a waiver implies fees exist but can be forgiven. Dating-violence injunctions fall in the former category. Petitioners do not fill out indigency forms or request waiver approval—the exemption is automatic. If any clerk mistakenly asks for payment, quoting § 784.046(3)(b) and requesting immediate correction typically resolves the issue. Courts view unlawful fee collection in these cases as a violation of due-process access rights.

The financial scope of this exemption is wide. It includes:

• Initial filing and docketing fees
• Issuance of summons or writ
• Sheriff’s service and return of process
• Certified copies for both parties
• Clerical processing and judge-assignment costs

In total, Florida absorbs what would otherwise exceed $400 in typical civil-filing costs. Step 1 clarifies that this protection is unconditional: every qualified petitioner files completely free, immediately, and confidentially.

Step 2 – Identifying Potential Incidental Expenses

Although filing itself is free, petitioners may encounter minor ancillary expenses outside the courthouse. Understanding these helps avoid surprises and ensures complete financial preparation. Examples include:

• Printing or Copying: If you fill forms online, printing hard copies for your records may cost a few cents per page. Libraries or domestic-violence centers often provide free printing to victims.
• Notarization: While clerks can administer oaths for free at filing, some petitioners signing off-site may need a notary—typically $5–10 per signature. Advocates can usually arrange this free through certified centers.
• Transportation: Traveling to and from the courthouse or sheriff’s office may incur fuel or transit costs. Victim-services programs such as Uber Relief or VOCA grants can reimburse travel for hearings.
• Child Care or Lost Wages: Hearings are during business hours; employers must allow leave under victim-protection statutes, but unpaid time can still affect income. Planning ahead prevents last-minute hardship.

Some petitioners also incur optional document costs—for instance, requesting extra certified copies for schools or landlords beyond the free set provided. Additional certified copies cost roughly $2 each. Yet even these may be waived if requested through the domestic-violence clerk under hardship declaration. Importantly, there are no hidden government fees; every official expense directly connected to the injunction filing and service is absorbed by the state.

To minimize incidental out-of-pocket costs:

• Contact the nearest certified domestic-violence center before filing; they often cover transportation and printing.
• Use the court’s in-house notary instead of private ones.
• Ask the clerk how many certified copies are included free; typically two to three are.
• Keep digital scans—these reduce the need for multiple paper copies later.

Step 2 ensures petitioners see the full picture: the injunction itself costs nothing, and even optional logistics can be covered by free public resources when properly requested.

Step 3 – Accessing Fee Assistance Programs and Support Funds

Beyond statutory waivers, Florida maintains a network of publicly funded assistance programs that address every remaining financial need related to protective-order proceedings. Chief among them are Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) compensation programs. These reimburse victims for expenses arising directly from the violence or the legal process—transportation, medical costs, relocation, even security deposits for safer housing. Filing for compensation requires no lawyer; clerks and advocates can help complete the one-page application.

Local domestic-violence shelters manage emergency funds used for injunction-related expenses. For example, the Harbor House of Central Florida and Women In Distress of Broward County provide prepaid cards for gas, printing, or meals on court days. These funds are state-reimbursed and not taxable income. Petitioners should mention at intake that they are pursuing an injunction; advocates then trigger cost-coverage workflows automatically.

Some counties supplement these resources with clerk-administered “Victim Assistance Trust Funds.” When criminals pay fines, a percentage goes into these accounts to assist new victims. Petitioners may receive vouchers for hotel stays, protective devices, or transportation. Because programs vary by county, asking the domestic-violence clerk or advocate ensures no benefit goes unused. Step 3 reinforces that financial relief extends beyond the courthouse—Florida’s ecosystem of victim-assistance funding transforms what could be a costly, stressful process into a fully supported public service rooted in accessibility and dignity.

Step 4 – Filing the Petition at No Cost

Once you have completed Form 12.980(n)—the Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence—you can file it at your local circuit court without paying any filing fee. This zero-cost rule applies statewide, from Miami-Dade to Escambia County. Bring a valid photo ID so the clerk can verify your identity and administer the oath. The clerk’s office will timestamp your petition, assign a case number, and forward it to the duty judge immediately. You will not be asked for any deposit, payment, or processing charge. Even certified copies for service and personal retention are provided free of charge.

Florida’s judiciary has built digital infrastructure to reinforce this promise of accessibility. When you file through the Florida Courts ePortal, no credit-card fields appear; the form routes directly to your circuit’s domestic-violence unit. If you arrive in person, the clerk’s counter signage will explicitly list injunction case types with a “no-fee” note. Every clerk receives annual training emphasizing that denial or delay for non-payment constitutes a disciplinary offense. If a staff member seems uncertain, politely reference § 784.046(3)(b) and request a supervisor. Most issues resolve immediately once that statute is cited.

The filing process typically takes 20–30 minutes. Advocates stationed in the courthouse can assist with narrative refinement and evidence organization. They help ensure the facts are chronological and focus on physical acts, threats, or stalking that establish imminent danger. Petitioners may submit photographs, text messages, and police reports—none incur copying fees if printed on the clerk’s public terminals. For additional support, courthouse volunteers can notarize statements at no cost under state domestic-violence funding. Once filed, your petition is routed to a judge, who reviews it the same day or next business morning to decide whether to issue a temporary (ex parte) order.

Step 4 underscores Florida’s policy: financial hardship should never delay protection. Because no money changes hands, you can act immediately, without worrying about cost approval or waiver paperwork. This free-filing guarantee ensures that safety decisions are made based on risk, not on resources.

Step 5 – Sheriff’s Service Without Charge

After the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the court must ensure the respondent receives formal notice. Florida assigns this task exclusively to county sheriffs, and—critically—the petitioner never pays for it. Service fees that would normally range from $40 to $80 in civil cases are entirely absorbed by the state. The clerk transmits the certified copies to the sheriff’s civil-process division, which arranges personal delivery at the respondent’s residence, workplace, or other verified address. If the respondent lives in another county, the clerk coordinates with that county’s sheriff through the Florida Sheriffs Association network, again at zero cost.

Each service attempt is logged and reported back to the clerk. If the first attempt fails, deputies make repeated efforts at different hours until contact is achieved. Petitioners may request to be notified once service is complete. Because this step is state-funded, you need not purchase tracking or certified mail receipts; law-enforcement officers provide sworn proof of delivery directly to the court file. This affidavit of service triggers the injunction’s enforceability—violations can be prosecuted the moment the respondent has been officially served.

In exceptional cases—such as when the respondent cannot be found—the court may authorize alternate service via publication, but even that newspaper notice is billed to the county rather than to the victim. Step 5 demonstrates that Florida’s victim-protection model goes beyond waiving filing fees: it underwrites every procedural cost needed to make the order valid and enforceable, ensuring no gap arises due to inability to pay.

Step 6 – Free Certified Copies and Document Access

Immediately after the judge signs your injunction, the clerk will issue multiple certified copies. Florida’s administrative rule 12.610(b) directs clerks to provide at least two at no charge—one for the petitioner and one for law enforcement. Most clerks routinely produce three or more, ensuring coverage for workplaces, schools, or child-care facilities. Each bears the raised court seal and the clerk’s signature, proving authenticity for any police officer or agency that needs to verify the order.

Petitioners sometimes require additional copies months later—for example, to submit to a new employer or landlord. These supplemental copies may carry a nominal duplication cost (typically $1–2 per page), but nearly all counties waive those fees when linked to safety enforcement. Victim-services advocates can request additional free sets under the Violence Against Women Act funding mandates. Digital access is also cost-free: through the Florida Courts ePortal, petitioners can view and download PDFs of their orders at any time without paying subscription or retrieval fees.

Because certified copies can degrade over time, keeping one sealed in a protective sleeve and scanning others for digital storage is wise. Upload a copy to a secure cloud account and share read-only access with trusted allies. Law-enforcement agencies statewide can confirm your injunction through the FCIC/NCIC databases within 24 hours of issuance, eliminating the need to physically present paperwork in emergencies. Step 6 reinforces that access to official documentation—both physical and digital—is entirely free and readily available for the life of the injunction.

Step 7 – Attending the Hearing Without Financial Burden

The final-hearing phase is equally cost-free. Petitioners are not charged appearance fees, witness-subpoena fees, or court-reporter surcharges. If you require interpreters, they are provided by the court at state expense under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Many judges permit remote testimony through Zoom or phone without additional charge, reducing travel time and childcare costs. Legal-aid attorneys, when available, appear pro bono under state grants, and volunteer advocates accompany victims into court to provide emotional support. No bond, security, or deposit is required from the petitioner at any stage.

If you need time off work, Florida Statute § 741.313 prohibits employers from firing or disciplining employees who attend injunction hearings. Although wages are not reimbursed, several nonprofits issue stipends or meal vouchers to offset missed hours. Parking at most courthouses is validated for protective-order participants, and public-transit passes can be requested through victim-assistance offices. Step 7 highlights how the justice system, allied with community programs, removes every financial disincentive to appear and testify.

Step 8 – Renewal or Modification Without Fees

When an injunction approaches expiration, you can extend or modify it at no cost. The Motion to Extend or Modify Injunction forms are exempt from all filing and service charges. Even if the respondent must be served again, that cost is absorbed by the county sheriff. Petitioners who move to another county can transfer enforcement without paying record-transfer fees. The court schedules renewal hearings promptly and never conditions them on financial contribution. This cost-free continuation ensures uninterrupted protection.

If the respondent petitions for dissolution, you may appear to oppose it without incurring representation or motion fees. Public defenders represent indigent respondents, not petitioners, but victims may obtain legal-aid counsel free through VOCA funding. The practical outcome is that all parties can seek judicial review without economic imbalance—each side’s access to justice is preserved while the state bears administrative expenses. Step 8 ensures that financial neutrality continues throughout the injunction’s lifecycle.

Step 9 – Enforcement and Violation Proceedings Without Cost to Victim

If the respondent violates the injunction—by contacting, stalking, or threatening you—law enforcement will act immediately. Reporting violations is free; officers must take your statement and file a report without charging any administrative fee. Prosecution of injunction violations falls under criminal jurisdiction, where the State Attorney handles the case at government expense. Victims are not required to hire lawyers or pay witness costs. Should you need certified copies or updated documents for prosecution, the clerk supplies them gratis under the victim-rights statutes.

Courts may hold separate contempt hearings to address repeated breaches. Petitioners do not pay filing fees for contempt motions or subpoenas. If incarceration results, costs are borne by the respondent and the Department of Corrections, not the victim. This arrangement ensures that asserting your rights never becomes a financial gamble. Step 9 reinforces the fundamental principle: public safety is a state responsibility, not a private expense.

Step 10 – Long-Term Financial and Legal Assistance

Florida’s cost-free protection ecosystem extends well beyond the courtroom. Victims can continue receiving economic, counseling, and relocation assistance long after the injunction is issued. The Office for Victims of Crime compensation program covers lost wages, therapy, and medical treatment up to statutory caps. Domestic-violence centers help with rent deposits and utility payments when leaving unsafe housing. Local clerks connect victims to pro bono financial advisors who specialize in rebuilding credit and independence after economic abuse.

Statewide hotlines (1-800-500-1119) offer free guidance about continuing eligibility for grants. Some counties provide court-fee credits that apply to unrelated future civil filings—essentially a safety voucher for survivors who later need family-court relief. All these services operate on the same principle: the journey toward safety and stability should never depend on cash flow. Step 10 illustrates how Florida transforms “no filing fee” from a procedural policy into a broader social commitment to economic justice for survivors of dating violence.

Associated Costs

All statutory fees are waived. The only potential expenses are voluntary: extra certified copies, private counsel if chosen, or incidental logistics such as transportation. Every one of these can be covered by victim-assistance funds or nonprofit support. Florida thus maintains one of the nation’s few genuinely cost-neutral protective-order systems.

Time Required

Petitions are reviewed within hours. Temporary orders issue the same day and remain active for up to fifteen days pending a final hearing. Because no fee processing is involved, clerks transmit petitions immediately, compressing what could take days elsewhere into a single morning. Extensions and enforcement motions are equally fast. Overall, most cases—from filing to final injunction—resolve within two weeks.

Limitations and Cautions

While no costs exist, the petitioner must still comply with procedural accuracy. Incomplete or false statements risk dismissal. Although Florida bears financial responsibility, petitioners must personally appear for hearings and ensure current contact information. If you move, file a confidential address update; failure to receive notices can delay enforcement. The cost-free framework is powerful but must be paired with diligence to remain effective.

Authoritative References

• Florida Statute § 784.046 – Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence
• Florida Supreme Court Form 12.980(n)
• Florida Courts – Dating Violence Resources
• Florida Statute § 784.047 – Penalties for Violation