Overview

A Florida Repeat Violence Injunction is intentionally designed to be financially accessible. The core answer to “What does it cost to file?” is simple: $0 to file. Florida law prohibits clerks from charging filing fees for petitions for protection against repeat violence, and sheriffs must serve the respondent without charging you. That means the essential court pathway—filing Form 12.980(f), judicial review for a same-day temporary order, sheriff’s service, and a prompt final hearing—carries no court-imposed price tag for the petitioner. Still, there are practical out-of-pocket items many people plan for: printing photos and screenshots for exhibits; purchasing extra certified copies of the temporary or final order for work, school, or apartment security; occasional notarization if done outside the clerk’s counter; and, if you choose (not required), private process service or courier costs to speed up logistics when a respondent is elusive or resides far away. These are controllable, often minimal, and frequently avoidable with a disciplined, cost-aware preparation plan.

This two-part guide takes you step-by-step through the process with a cost lens. You’ll see exactly where the law guarantees no fees, where minor expenses commonly arise, and how to avoid or minimize them without compromising evidence quality or safety. You’ll learn how to assemble a professional, judge-friendly packet using free tools, how to leverage clerk and victim-services resources, how to coordinate sheriff’s service efficiently (which is free), and how to convert a signed order into real-world protections without racking up bills. Each step also flags practical tactics—naming conventions, exhibit maps, remote-hearing readiness—that save both money and time. Bottom line: the system is built to be used by self-represented people at no cost; careful planning keeps any optional spending near zero while maximizing your likelihood of fast, enforceable protection.

Who Can Apply for a Repeat Violence Injunction in Florida

Under Florida Statute §784.046, a Repeat Violence Injunction is available to protect individuals who have experienced multiple acts of violence or stalking from another person, regardless of whether the parties share a domestic or dating relationship. This distinguishes it from domestic or dating violence injunctions, which require a specific type of relationship. To be eligible, a petitioner must demonstrate two distinct incidents of violence or stalking, directed either at themselves or an immediate family member, with at least one incident occurring within six months before filing. The law defines “violence” broadly—it includes assault, battery, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal act that results in physical injury or death. “Stalking” also encompasses cyberstalking when it involves willful, malicious, and repeated contact that causes substantial emotional distress.

You may file if you are: (1) the direct victim of the repeat violence or stalking; or (2) the parent or legal guardian filing on behalf of a minor who resides with you and who has suffered such violence or stalking. You do not need to be related to, live with, or have ever dated the respondent. This makes the Repeat Violence injunction appropriate for conflicts such as neighbor harassment, co-worker threats, landlord-tenant aggression, or school-related bullying that escalates into violence. If your relationship does involve a spouse, relative, cohabitant, or dating partner, you may qualify instead under other injunction categories such as Domestic Violence or Dating Violence, but the clerk can guide you to the correct petition type during intake.

Importantly, no attorney is required to file a petition. Clerks of court are statutorily obligated to provide the approved Florida Supreme Court forms (Form 12.980(f)) and basic clerical assistance in filling them out. You will not be charged any filing fees or asked to post a bond. Many courthouses also have domestic violence intake units or victim advocates available who can help explain procedural steps and offer safety-planning guidance. This administrative support ensures that victims can act quickly without the barrier of legal costs or technical complexity.

To prepare a successful petition, you must describe the incidents in concrete, factual detail. Include dates, locations, actions, injuries, threats, and, if applicable, police report numbers or witness names. The petition is a sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury, so accuracy and specificity are critical. For instance, “Respondent struck me on July 15 at approximately 6:30 p.m. outside my apartment; the police responded under case number 24-11872” is far stronger than “Respondent often hits me.” Two qualifying events must be independent—separate dates, times, or circumstances. Repeated threats in one continuous episode typically count as a single act. If you have more than two, include them; the court may find a pattern that strengthens your case.

Florida’s legal design intentionally removes cost and complexity barriers for petitioners. Filing is free, the clerk assists with forms, and the sheriff handles service at no cost. Eligibility depends solely on the statutory elements: two qualifying incidents, one within six months, and the need for protective relief. You need not have filed criminal charges or obtained police reports, though such documentation helps corroborate your account. If you meet these requirements, you qualify to petition for a Repeat Violence Injunction and can proceed to request both a temporary (ex parte) order and a full hearing for a final injunction. This straightforward eligibility structure ensures that victims of repeated, non-domestic violence—neighbors, classmates, coworkers—can access the same protections as those in domestic or dating contexts.

Benefits of Understanding the Timeline

Mastering the timeline of the Repeat Violence injunction process transforms your experience from reactive to proactive. Florida’s framework is designed for speed and safety: immediate filing, same-day judicial review, quick service by law enforcement, and a full evidentiary hearing usually within 15 days. When you understand this sequence, you can make each step count and avoid gaps that compromise protection. The process begins with filing your verified petition (Form 12.980(f)). The judge reviews it the same day or next business day. If the petition shows an “immediate and present danger,” a temporary (ex parte) injunction may issue right away—effective upon personal service. That order generally lasts up to 15 days, during which the court must hold a full hearing. If the respondent has not been served in time, the court can extend the temporary order until service is complete, ensuring continuous protection.

Understanding the timing lets you coordinate evidence collection and safety logistics efficiently. Because you may have as little as one to two weeks between filing and the final hearing, you should gather witnesses, exhibits, and documentation immediately. Planning within that window avoids costly reprints, rush notarizations, or continuances that delay relief. If you know the sheriff’s service process in your county, you can follow up strategically, confirming addresses or alternate locations to speed up delivery—all free steps that accelerate your case. Align your personal schedule with the expected service and hearing dates: arrange childcare, inform your employer, and identify safe transportation for court days. A well-planned timeline ensures that you appear calm and prepared at the hearing, projecting credibility to the judge.

From a financial perspective, time management also translates to cost control. Missing hearings, failing to serve respondents promptly, or requesting continuances often leads to repeated printing, extra certified copies, and lost wages for additional court appearances. Knowing deadlines helps you avoid those avoidable costs. For example, temporary orders typically expire within 15 days, so monitoring your service progress daily ensures your case stays active without needing re-filing. Likewise, if you anticipate challenges—such as an evasive respondent—you can preemptively request the court to extend the temporary injunction and hearing date, keeping protection uninterrupted without duplicate work.

The benefits extend beyond logistics. A clear understanding of the timeline strengthens your sense of control and reduces anxiety. Instead of reacting to events, you anticipate them: you know when the sheriff will serve, when to prepare testimony, and when to expect your hearing. You can communicate confidently with the clerk, law enforcement, or victim advocates because you understand the statutory sequence. Judges also respond positively to organized petitioners who show awareness of procedure; it signals diligence and seriousness. Ultimately, the injunction timeline reflects Florida’s commitment to quick, free, and effective protection. By mastering it, you not only safeguard your safety but also save time, reduce incidental costs, and increase the likelihood that your petition will result in strong, enforceable relief the first time around.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Choose the Right Track—Your First Cost Saver

The very first decision—which injunction type—is also your first, best lever for keeping costs at zero and momentum high. Florida offers several injunction tracks: Repeat Violence (Form 12.980(f)), Domestic Violence (12.980(a)), Dating Violence (12.980(b)), Sexual Violence (12.980(j)), and Stalking/Cyberstalking (12.980(t)). Filing the correct one avoids wasted trips, reprints, and continuances that consume time (and often trigger optional spending like last-minute printing). Choose Repeat Violence when you do not have a qualifying family/household or dating relationship with the respondent and can allege two separate incidents of violence or stalking directed at you or your immediate family, with at least one incident within the last six months. If you share a child, live(d) as a family unit, or are spouses/former spouses, the Domestic track typically applies. If you have a qualifying romantic relationship (current or recent), explore the Dating track. That single sorting exercise prevents re-filings and duplicate print costs.

Next, map your facts to the statutory yardsticks in a cost-neutral way. Open a blank document and create a simple incidents table: rows for Incident #1 and Incident #2; columns for date/time, location, conduct (assault, battery, stalking), exact words (quoted), proximity (in feet), injuries/effects, police/medical numbers (if any), witnesses, and “within 6 months?” This “pre-petition matrix” doesn’t cost anything to produce but pays off repeatedly: it helps you confirm eligibility, anchors your drafting, and reduces later printing by preventing scattershot exhibits. If your second incident is older than six months, consider whether stalking or cyberstalking provides the tighter doctrinal fit (still fee-free to file) or whether you should wait to include a clearly qualifying recent episode—again, a decision that avoids multiple filings and duplicate exhibit packs.

Think about venue through a cost lens. You can file where you live, where the respondent lives, or where an incident happened. Choose the venue that maximizes free sheriff’s service efficiency—quicker service means fewer rush prints, emergency couriers, or extra trips. If disclosure of your home address increases risk, plan for the confidential address procedure (available via clerk packet) or Florida’s Address Confidentiality Program. Both are free, but doing this at filing prevents later amendments (and the reprinting and re-service that follow).

Finally, inventory resources you already have that can keep costs low. Many clerk counters provide no-cost notarization and limited copying. Public libraries often allow a small number of free prints daily. Employers sometimes offer free printing for court compliance with HR approval. Certified victim-services agencies (no cost) can help format a safety plan and may assist with light copying. Decide now that you’ll print only what a judge needs to read: legible screenshots with visible timestamps and handles; concise photos; short witness statements. Over-printing does not persuade, and it burns money. Step 1’s discipline—choosing the correct form, verifying the two-incident rule, picking the most service-efficient venue, and lining up free resources—keeps dollars in your pocket and accelerates your path to protection.

Step 2: Build a Cost-Smart Evidence Packet—Strong on Proof, Light on Printing

The goal of Step 2 is a judge-friendly packet that proves two qualifying incidents with minimal out-of-pocket spend. Start by drafting your Form 12.980(f) narrative using the matrix you built in Step 1. Keep language factual and specific—dates, times, locations, quoted words, proximity—not legal conclusions. That drafting discipline shrinks exhibit volume because you’ll print exactly what substantiates those discrete facts, not every text you’ve ever received. As you assemble exhibits, follow three money-saving principles: (1) Legibility over luxury—clean black-and-white prints are fine if timestamps, handles, and context are visible; color only when necessary (e.g., injuries where contrast matters). (2) Right-sized sets—three sets (Court, You, Respondent) of only the pages that matter; avoid redundant chat pages. (3) Organize digitally first—arrange everything in a clearly named folder (“2025-08-15_Texts_Aug15_7-41-7-49.pdf,” “2025-03-10_Photo_Bruise_with_timestamp.jpg”) so you print once, not repeatedly after last-minute edits.

For messages and social media, export threads to PDF with visible timestamps and usernames. If the platform hides timestamps, record a short screen video scrolling the thread slowly while the device clock is visible; then print a handful of stills that capture the key messages and timing. For photos (injuries, damage, license plates), ensure the creation date/time is visible in file properties or add a short statement describing when/how the photo was taken; print at half-page to conserve paper if clarity remains. For voicemails, transcribe to a one-page summary and bring the audio on your phone (on silent) in case the judge wants to hear it; you needn’t pay to burn CDs unless your division requires it (ask the clerk—most do not).

Witnesses are powerful and free. Ask neighbors, coworkers, or security staff for short factual statements (who/what/where/when) with contact info. Many will sign without a notary; if your division prefers notarized statements, use the clerk’s counter notary at no cost on filing day. If a witness can attend the hearing, even better—live testimony reduces the need for extensive printed attachments. For police involvement, call your agency’s records unit and request the incident or CAD number (usually free), then print the confirmation email or a brief call log screenshot to anchor your testimony.

Build an Exhibit Map—a single, half-page index that maps each exhibit to an element (“A: Aug 15 texts—Incident #2, within 6 months; B: Photo 03/10—injury from Incident #1; C: Garage stills—proximity and identity”). This quietly saves money: it keeps you from over-printing and helps you (and the judge) move quickly, reducing the chance of a continuance that forces another round of printing later. When you do print, use simple staples and small binder clips—no need for expensive binders unless you prefer them (the court keeps the Court set; you keep your set). Lastly, confirm your address confidentiality needs now so you don’t reprint a corrected petition later. Step 2 proves that great evidence does not require great expense—only clarity, relevance, and meticulous organization.

Step 3: File (Free), Seek Temporary Protection, and Plan Logistics Without Paying Extra

Filing day should not cost you a cent. Bring your completed Form 12.980(f) and your three exhibit sets to the circuit court clerk in the appropriate county (where you live, where the respondent lives, or where an incident occurred). The clerk cannot charge a filing fee for injunction petitions. Ask for any available intake window dedicated to injunctions; these counters often provide same-day access to a duty judge and on-the-spot notarization (free) if you still need to swear the verification. If you’re using a confidential address, present the specific confidentiality form from the clerk’s packet so your residence never appears on the public docket or service packet—doing this at filing avoids re-filing and re-printing corrected pages later.

In your petition, check the box requesting a temporary (ex parte) injunction and ensure your narrative makes the immediate-danger case in concrete terms (dates, quotes, proximity, escalation). A judge typically reviews the petition the same day or next business day. If a temporary order is granted, it is effective upon personal service and usually set to expire on or before the hearing date (typically within 15 days). Whether or not ex parte relief is issued, the court will set a prompt hearing and generate the service packet: petition, notice of hearing, and any temporary order. The clerk forwards these to the sheriff for free personal service—you pay nothing.

Before you leave, review any temporary order line by line for enforceability: specific stay-away distances (in feet) tied to named addresses; “no contact by any means,” including calls, texts, email, DMs, tagging/mentions/comments, and third-party relays; and, if warranted, firearms/ammunition restrictions with surrender and proof-of-compliance language. Ask the clerk for at least two certified copies (there may be a small per-copy charge in some circuits; many provide a few free). Keep one with you and place another with workplace or school security. Certified copies minimize friction if databases are updating when police respond to a violation.

Lock in service logistics without paying extra. Confirm with the clerk which sheriff’s civil process unit will serve the respondent and when attempts begin. Provide every viable address and time window (home, work with shift hours, usual hangouts), plus vehicle info and a recent photo if available. Start a polite service log (date/time, whom you spoke with, notes) so you can later show diligence if you need a continuance and an extension of the temporary order because the respondent is evading service—this preparation avoids repeat trips and reprinting. If your court supports remote hearings, ask now about the process and any exhibit pre-submission; electronic pre-submission (free) can reduce printing even further.

Finally, plan the next two weeks for zero-waste execution. Calendar your hearing date and the temporary order expiration. Begin your testimony practice with your Exhibit Map to prevent last-minute edits (and reprints). If you need additional certified copies for HR or school, decide the minimum necessary (often one each) rather than a stack. All of this keeps your out-of-pocket near zero, while preserving the speed, clarity, and force the statute intends. With filing completed (free), service in motion (free), and terms verified for clarity, you’re positioned to move into the hearing phase with a lean, persuasive record and minimal spend.

Step 4: Service of Process — Turning Your Petition Into Enforceable Protection

Once your petition and any temporary injunction are signed, the next critical step is service of process—the formal legal notice that transforms your paperwork into an enforceable order. Florida law requires that the respondent be personally served with the petition, notice of hearing, and any temporary injunction. This ensures that due process is satisfied and gives the respondent an opportunity to appear at the final hearing. The good news for petitioners is that this entire process is free of charge. Under §784.046(3)(a), the sheriff’s office must carry out service of protective injunctions at no cost. You do not need to hire or pay a private process server unless you voluntarily choose to do so for speed or convenience.

After the judge signs your temporary order, the clerk transmits it to the sheriff’s civil process unit. Confirm this step before leaving the courthouse. Provide every piece of locating information you have—home and work addresses, hours the respondent keeps, vehicle description, social media handles, and even photos. Many delays occur because the respondent could not be found, which risks gaps in protection. By supplying detailed and accurate information early, you reduce the time deputies spend locating the respondent and increase your safety during the short window before service is completed. The sheriff typically attempts service the same or next day, and once it is done, the order becomes fully enforceable. If you choose to hire a private process server (optional), expect to pay $40–$75, but for most petitioners this is unnecessary.

Maintain active communication with the civil process unit. Ask for the deputy’s name, phone number, and the case or reference number associated with your injunction. Keep a simple log noting the date and time of each contact or attempt. If the respondent avoids service, this documentation helps you request an extension of the temporary injunction until the respondent is located. Most courts automatically extend the order if diligent attempts are shown. Always notify the clerk if your address, phone number, or the respondent’s known locations change during this period. Providing updated information promptly avoids the cost and stress of refiling.

Once service occurs, law enforcement records the details in its database and forwards confirmation to the court. Keep a certified copy of the temporary order with you at all times; police officers can enforce it even before the databases update. Violations—such as calls, texts, or physical approach—are arrestable offenses. In short, Step 4 is where your legal rights gain real-world force. Service completes the transition from paper to protection, all at no cost to you. Your only investments are accuracy, diligence, and communication.

Step 5: Preparing for the Hearing — Organizing Proof Without Extra Expense

Your hearing is your single most important day in the injunction process. It determines whether the court will issue a final order of protection that can last for years. Preparation does not require hiring an attorney or spending money, but it does demand discipline and organization. First, review your petition and refresh your memory about the incidents you listed. The judge will focus on the two acts of violence or stalking, their dates, and how they affected your safety. Gather your exhibits into three identical sets: one for the court, one for you, and one for the respondent. Each should be clearly labeled and paginated. Most counties provide self-service printers and copiers for minimal or no charge. Ask the clerk if your circuit accepts electronic exhibit submissions—many now allow emailed PDFs, which can eliminate printing costs altogether.

Create an evidence outline that tracks each exhibit to an element of proof: date, act of violence, injury or distress, and relevance to recent danger. For witnesses, contact them early to confirm attendance. Witnesses testify for free, though if they need a formal subpoena for work reasons, you may have to pay a small mileage fee (usually under $10). Keep your testimony concise and factual. Judges value clarity over emotion. Rehearse explaining each incident chronologically, including the context and your fear of future harm. Practice responses to likely questions, such as how you know the respondent, whether you retaliated, and whether you reported the acts to police.

If you cannot attend in person for safety or health reasons, file a written request for a remote appearance as soon as possible. Most circuits permit Zoom hearings without cost if requested in advance. For visual evidence, prepare screen-shared exhibits or email them to the clerk’s office following its local procedures. When you attend the hearing, dress neatly and arrive early (or log in early). Bring your certified copies and your identification. The hearing itself is free; no appearance fee or court costs apply. If you prevail, the judge will sign a final injunction the same day, usually effective immediately upon entry. If denied, you owe nothing and can still pursue other remedies. The core principle is that preparation substitutes for money—well-organized, credible presentation carries the day.

Step 6: Attending the Hearing — What to Expect in Court

The hearing is formal but designed to be accessible to people without attorneys. You will sit at one table, and the respondent will sit at another. A bailiff or deputy will be present for safety. The judge begins by confirming both parties’ identities, explaining the procedure, and swearing in witnesses. Petitioners always speak first. Be calm, factual, and direct. Describe each incident of violence or stalking, the resulting fear, and any corroborating evidence such as photographs, texts, or police reports. Judges focus heavily on credibility and consistency. Avoid speculation or exaggeration; precision carries more weight than emotion.

The respondent may testify next, and the judge may ask clarifying questions. You will have a chance to respond briefly to any disputed points. If witnesses appear for you, they will testify one at a time about what they personally observed. The court may also consider documentary exhibits already filed. At the conclusion, the judge will rule either from the bench or shortly thereafter. If granted, a Final Judgment for Protection Against Repeat Violence issues immediately. The order is effective statewide once signed and is transmitted to law enforcement databases within 24 hours. There is no charge for the order itself or for certified copies you request at the time of issuance.

Although the process is free, time management matters. Missing your hearing or arriving unprepared can lead to dismissal, requiring refiling and another round of printing and service. Keep in mind that judges appreciate efficiency—well-organized exhibits and clear testimony help your case move swiftly. If the respondent fails to appear despite proper service, the judge may still proceed and issue a final injunction by default. In rare cases, if both parties appear and agree on future conduct, the court may accept a voluntary no-contact stipulation instead of a formal injunction. Either way, there are no costs imposed on the petitioner. Your only investment is time and composure.

Step 7: After the Hearing — Receiving and Understanding the Final Order

If the judge grants your injunction, the clerk will immediately prepare a certified copy of the Final Judgment for Protection Against Repeat Violence. Review it before leaving the courthouse to confirm all details: correct spelling of names, accurate addresses, specific stay-away distances, and clear “no contact” provisions that include phone, text, email, and social media restrictions. If something is incorrect, notify the clerk at once so it can be corrected while the judge is still available. Obtain several certified copies—one for yourself, one for your workplace or school, and one for law enforcement. Each additional certified copy typically costs only a few dollars.

The injunction takes effect immediately upon entry and remains valid statewide. It is entered into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases within one business day, making it enforceable anywhere in the country. Violating any term of the injunction—whether contacting you directly, approaching prohibited locations, or using third parties to communicate—is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest and prosecution. If the respondent owns firearms, the court’s order will direct surrender to law enforcement under §790.233.

Financially, enforcement carries no burden for you. You do not pay to report violations or request enforcement. Law enforcement acts automatically based on probable cause. However, practical organization helps: keep one certified copy on your person, store another at home, and provide copies to anyone responsible for your security (building management, HR, school administrators). If your address or contact information changes, file an update with the clerk immediately to maintain accuracy for enforcement.

The final order typically lasts one year, but the judge may extend it longer or even make it indefinite depending on the circumstances. Mark your calendar at least 30 days before expiration to consider renewal. Renewals are free—file a short motion explaining why protection is still needed, and the court will schedule a hearing before the order expires. If you later decide you no longer need protection, you can request dissolution by filing a simple motion. Neither renewal nor dissolution carries any filing cost. Understanding these post-hearing mechanics ensures your protection remains continuous without financial or procedural surprises.

Step 8: Enforcement and Respondent Violations

Once a final injunction is entered, Florida law enforcement takes responsibility for its enforcement. You pay nothing for enforcement or police response. If the respondent violates the injunction by contacting you, approaching restricted areas, or sending messages indirectly, call 911 and inform officers that you have an active Repeat Violence Injunction. Provide a certified copy or case number; they can confirm it through FCIC instantly. Violations constitute a first-degree misdemeanor and, if repeated, may rise to a felony. Officers can arrest the respondent on probable cause alone—no warrant required. Each violation can also serve as grounds to extend or strengthen your injunction.

To maintain effective enforcement, keep detailed notes of any contact attempts or sightings. Record dates, times, methods of contact, and any witnesses. This documentation supports both criminal charges and future injunction modifications. If a violation occurs after hours, many counties have on-call judges who can issue immediate orders of arrest or modify terms overnight. You do not pay any fee to request judicial assistance in such circumstances. For ongoing harassment (e.g., electronic or through intermediaries), file a motion to modify or extend the injunction; again, this is free. Bring evidence of the violation to the clerk’s office, and a hearing will be scheduled within days.

Practical cost considerations at this stage involve only optional items. You may choose to purchase additional certified copies for distribution to local police departments, apartment management, or your child’s school. Each copy typically costs $2–$5, and some counties waive this for victims. Otherwise, every enforcement and modification service is state-funded. If you move out of state, your Florida injunction remains valid under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2265), but you may wish to register it with local law enforcement—usually free of charge. Proper enforcement doesn’t depend on money but on vigilance and communication with authorities. The system is built to prioritize safety over cost.

Step 9: Modification, Extension, or Dissolution of the Injunction

An injunction is not static. Life circumstances change, and Florida law provides flexible procedures—at no cost—for modification, extension, or termination. If the respondent violates the injunction or if threats continue, you can request a modification or extension. File a short motion with the clerk explaining new incidents or ongoing fear. No filing fee applies, and the court will schedule a hearing quickly. Bring documentation of violations, such as texts, calls, or police reports. Judges often extend injunctions beyond their initial expiration when credible ongoing threats exist. Extensions can be for months, years, or indefinite durations depending on the facts.

If you and the respondent later reconcile or move to separate jurisdictions and you no longer need protection, you can request a dissolution. This too is free. File a one-page motion to dissolve, and the court may grant it without a hearing if the judge finds no remaining safety concerns. Because injunction records are public, dissolving them doesn’t erase history, but it terminates enforcement moving forward. Petitioners sometimes seek dissolution when a respondent has moved permanently out of state or years have passed without contact.

If the respondent files a motion to modify or dissolve the injunction, you will be notified and given a chance to appear and object. There are no costs for responding or attending. If you choose to retain private counsel at this stage, that expense is optional. Some legal-aid programs may offer free representation if you prefer professional advocacy. Regardless, every court action involving an injunction remains fee-exempt for petitioners. Keeping your case current costs nothing; what matters is monitoring expiration dates and acting early. Filing at least 30 days before the injunction’s expiration avoids any lapse in protection. In effect, Florida’s system ensures continuing safety without financial burden.

Step 10: Maintaining Long-Term Safety and Closure

The injunction process ends not with the judge’s signature but with your sustained sense of safety. Step 10 focuses on maintaining protection and achieving closure without unnecessary costs. Begin by organizing your documents: keep digital scans of your petition, temporary order, and final injunction in a secure cloud folder; store physical certified copies in different safe locations. Update trusted contacts—family, employer, school officials—“`html

Update your contact list—trusted family, workplace security, and local law enforcement—with your injunction’s case number and expiration date. Many victims find peace of mind by developing a safety maintenance routine: checking surroundings when traveling, keeping emergency numbers accessible, and reviewing boundaries if the respondent reappears. Should any contact or violation occur, you are legally protected to report immediately—there are no fees for enforcement or police intervention. Law enforcement treats these as high-priority responses under Florida’s victim protection framework.

Costs at this stage are minimal and entirely optional. Renewals, modifications, or certified copies remain free or extremely inexpensive (usually $2–$5 per certified document). If you move to another county or out of state, your Florida injunction retains full faith and credit across all U.S. jurisdictions under 18 U.S.C. §2265. You can register it with local authorities at no cost. Maintaining updated digital copies and reporting any name or address change to the clerk ensures uninterrupted enforceability.

For ongoing support, Florida’s network of victim advocacy centers—such as the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and local legal aid organizations—offer free counseling, housing coordination, and legal follow-up. Many counties also provide post-judgment check-ins for victims, ensuring continued compliance. Taking advantage of these resources costs nothing and strengthens your long-term safety plan.

From a broader perspective, closure means shifting from reaction to stability. Once the injunction has restored your security, focus on rebuilding daily normalcy—work, family, and peace of mind. Keep a discreet yet accessible copy of your order and retain digital backups indefinitely. Understanding the process and cost structure empowers you to maintain safety without financial stress. Florida’s injunction system is deliberately designed to be barrier-free, ensuring that every qualified petitioner—regardless of means—can access lasting legal protection. Your vigilance and documentation are your strongest investments. Step 10 represents the point where safety becomes routine, costs fade to zero, and your legal protections integrate seamlessly into your life’s renewed sense of control.

Associated Costs

Florida’s legal framework for injunctions against repeat violence is built to eliminate economic barriers for victims. The cost to file is zero. Section 784.046 of the Florida Statutes explicitly states that the clerk of court must provide all required forms and assistance without charging filing fees. Likewise, the sheriff must serve the petition, notice of hearing, and any temporary order without cost to the petitioner. This ensures that no one is denied protection because they cannot afford fees. Petitioners also receive access to in-courthouse notaries and clerical support at no charge. Victim advocates are available in many counties to help complete paperwork and explain the next steps—again, entirely free.

The only optional costs arise from convenience items: additional certified copies (usually $2 to $5 each), printing photos or text messages for exhibits, or travel to and from court. Even these can often be avoided. Many courthouses provide free printing or digital-exhibit submission. If you choose to hire a private process server to accelerate service, expect a fee of $40 to $75—but this is optional because sheriff service is already included. Renewal, modification, and enforcement filings also carry no fees. The State of Florida covers operational expenses through dedicated victim-protection funding. In short, every essential step—from petition through final order—is financially barrier-free.

If you pursue parallel remedies, such as filing related criminal complaints, those processes are also free. Legal aid organizations and domestic-violence resource centers can assist with civil representation or follow-up motions at no cost. Petitioners should therefore expect to complete the entire injunction process—filing, service, hearing, and enforcement—without paying anything beyond optional document copies or transportation.

Time Required

The Repeat Violence Injunction process moves on an expedited track to ensure immediate safety. In most Florida counties, the average time from filing to a final hearing is between one and three weeks. Judges must review petitions the same day or the next business day. If the verified allegations show an immediate and present danger, the judge issues a temporary (ex parte) injunction immediately. That temporary protection remains in place until the full hearing, which must occur within 15 days unless extended for good cause. If the respondent evades service, the court may extend the temporary order to avoid any protection gap.

The hearing itself typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes. Once concluded, the court issues a final order that becomes enforceable the same day. Most petitioners complete the entire process—filing to final judgment—within two weeks. Enforcement is instantaneous upon entry; law enforcement agencies receive electronic updates within 24 hours through the Florida Crime Information Center. Renewal or modification requests are also fast-tracked, often resolved within days. This accelerated timeline reflects the state’s public-safety mandate: victims should not wait months for protection. Because there are no filing fees, the only “cost” involved is your time—time spent preparing evidence, attending hearings, and coordinating with the clerk and sheriff.

Limitations and Key Considerations

While powerful, the Repeat Violence Injunction has well-defined boundaries. To qualify, petitioners must show two separate incidents of violence or stalking, and at least one must have occurred within the previous six months. These incidents must be distinct—not multiple threats within the same episode. Judges apply this rule strictly; if you allege only one event, the petition may be denied even if the conduct was severe. Petitioners should ensure that their narrative and exhibits clearly establish the separation in time and nature between the two acts.

The order’s protection extends only to the named respondent. It does not automatically cover the respondent’s family or associates unless they also commit qualifying acts. Orders are typically granted for one year, though they can be extended indefinitely. If you need continued protection, file a renewal motion before expiration—there is no fee for doing so. The injunction prohibits the respondent from contacting or approaching you, your home, workplace, or other specified places, and may require surrender of firearms under § 790.233. However, it cannot impose financial restitution or damages; it is a civil protective measure, not a punitive one.

Accuracy and honesty are critical. Because petitions are sworn statements, false or exaggerated claims can result in perjury charges. Courts may also deny or dismiss petitions that appear retaliatory or lack the statutory elements. The injunction should be used strictly as a tool for genuine safety, not as leverage in unrelated disputes. Petitioners who adhere to the truth and focus on safety gain the full protection of Florida’s streamlined, cost-free system.

Authoritative References

• Florida Statutes § 784.046 — Injunction for Protection Against Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence
• Florida Family Law Form 12.980(f) — Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence
• Florida Courts — Overview for Petitioners
• Florida Senate Official Statute Text (2024 Edition)