How Long do Restraining Orders last in Florida

In Florida, the length of a restraining order—also called an injunction for protection—can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and what the judge decides.

Temporary Restraining Order (Temporary Injunction) – typically 15 days

A person gets a Temporary Injunction for Protection in Florida after filing a petition with the court, asking for a restraining order. The petition describes the recent incidents of violence, stalking, threats, or harassment that made them feel unsafe. It also outlines the relationship between the petitioner and the person they’re seeking protection from. The petitioner doesn’t need a lawyer, and there’s no fee to file.

Once the petition is submitted, a judge reviews it the same day or very shortly after. This happens privately without the petitioner or other person (the respondent) present—it’s called an ex parte hearing. The judge reads the petition and decides whether it shows that the petitioner is in immediate danger of becoming a victim of violence or ongoing harassment. If the judge believes there is enough risk, they will issue a Temporary Injunction right away.

The temporary order typically includes protections like requiring the respondent to stay away from the petitioner’s home, work, or school, and forbids any contact—calls, texts, social media, etc. It may also include temporary custody of children or pets, depending on the situation. The order goes into effect as soon as it’s signed and served to the respondent by law enforcement or a process server.

This Temporary Injunction usually lasts until a full court hearing is held, which is scheduled within 15 days. At that hearing, both the petitioner and the respondent have the opportunity to speak, present evidence, and bring witnesses. The judge will then decide whether to issue a Final Injunction, which lasts longer or indefinitely.

(Full) Order lasts typically… 1 to 5 years or even forever

After the hearing, if the judge decides a final injunction is necessary, they will determine how long it should last. Some final injunctions are issued for a specific period of time, such as one or five years, while others are permanent, meaning they do not have an expiration date and will remain in effect unless modified or dissolved by the court.

A final injunction doesn’t automatically expire unless the judge includes an end date in the order. Either the petitioner or the respondent can ask the court to change or cancel the injunction by filing a formal request. If that happens, the court will typically schedule another hearing to decide whether the order should be modified or lifted.

The duration of the restraining order (injunction) depends on the specific type.

1. Domestic Violence Injunction

This is for people who have lived together as a family or share a child, including spouses, former partners, and close relatives. A temporary injunction can be issued immediately if the judge believes the petitioner is in danger, and it lasts until the full hearing (within 15 days).

If the judge grants a final injunction, it can be set for a specific period—like 1 year or 5 years—or it can be permanent. Permanent injunctions are common in serious domestic violence cases and remain in effect until the court changes or cancels them.

2. Dating Violence Injunction

This covers people who were in a romantic or intimate relationship within the past six months. The duration works similarly to domestic violence injunctions. If a final injunction is issued, it may last for a set time or indefinitely, depending on the facts and risks involved.

3. Repeat Violence Injunction

This applies when someone has been the victim of at least two incidents of violence or stalking by someone they don’t necessarily have a domestic or romantic relationship with (like a neighbor, co-worker, or acquaintance).
The final injunction in these cases often has a specific end date, typically 1 to 5 years, but it can also be extended or made permanent if the court sees ongoing risk.

4. Sexual Violence Injunction

This type is for victims of sexual battery, a lewd act on a minor, or similar offenses—whether or not the person was arrested.
A temporary order is issued if the judge believes there’s immediate danger. The final injunction can be permanent or for a specific number of years, based on the situation and whether there’s ongoing concern for the petitioner’s safety.

5. Stalking (Including Cyberstalking) Injunction

Anyone who has been followed, harassed, or cyberstalked can request this injunction.
Temporary orders are often granted due to the invasive nature of stalking. A final injunction might be issued for a few years, or it may be permanent if the stalking has been ongoing or severe.

In all cases, the person who asked for the injunction (the petitioner) or the person it’s filed against (the respondent) can go back to court and ask for it to be modified or dissolved, and the court will hold a hearing to consider the request.