Overview

A Florida “Repeat Violence” injunction is a civil court order designed to stop a person (the respondent) from committing further violence or stalking against you (the petitioner) or your immediate family. Florida law defines repeat violence as two incidents of violence or stalking directed at you or an immediate family member, with at least one incident occurring within six months of filing. “Violence” is defined broadly to include assault, battery, sexual assault or battery, stalking or aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and other criminal offenses resulting in physical injury or death. The process is standardized statewide: you file a verified petition using Florida Supreme Court–approved forms, a judge may issue a same-day temporary (ex parte) injunction if there is an immediate and present danger, the sheriff personally serves the respondent, and a full evidentiary hearing is held promptly (temporary orders generally last no more than 15 days unless continued for good cause). Filing is free; the clerk must provide simplified forms and clerical help, and law enforcement can enforce the order in any county. These protections apply regardless of whether you have a criminal case, and you do not need a lawyer to file.

Who Can Apply (and Practical Eligibility)

You can petition for a Repeat Violence injunction in the circuit court if you are the victim of repeat violence or the parent/guardian filing on behalf of a minor who lives at home. To qualify as repeat violence, you must allege two separate incidents of violence or stalking, and at least one must have happened in the last six months. You do not need to be related to the respondent, live together, or be dating; repeat violence is distinct from domestic or dating violence injunctions and is available when the relationship does not fit those categories. The petition is verified (signed under penalty of perjury) and should set out specific facts—dates, places, behaviors, injuries, threats, and any witnesses or police reports. The clerk is required to provide simplified forms and clerical assistance; there is no filing fee, and no bond can be required. If a temporary injunction is granted, the court schedules a full hearing and the order is effective statewide once served, with law enforcement authorized to arrest for violations.

Benefits of Understanding the Timeline

Knowing the sequence and deadlines is the difference between quick protection and weeks of avoidable risk. The process is event-driven: (1) you file a verified petition; (2) the judge reviews it the same day or next business day and may issue a temporary (ex parte) injunction if there is an “immediate and present danger”; (3) the sheriff or process server personally serves the respondent with the petition, notice of hearing, and any temporary order; (4) the court holds a full hearing before the temporary order expires (generally within 15 days unless continued); (5) if the petition is proven by competent, substantial evidence, the judge enters a final injunction for a fixed term or until modified/dissolved. By mapping your proof and logistics to those gates, you reduce continuances, missed service windows, and incomplete packets that can leave you unprotected. Filing is fee-free and clerk-assisted, but the strength of your petition—specific facts and timely incidents—drives whether you get immediate relief. Align your timeline with safety planning: bring photos, messages, call logs, medical notes, 911 CAD logs, and witness declarations to the hearing; arrange childcare and time off for the hearing; and plan safe service addresses if you need confidentiality.

Step 1: Decide the Correct Injunction Type and Confirm “Repeat Violence” Fits Your Facts

Florida offers several injunction types: Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, Repeat Violence, and Stalking. Choose the one that matches your relationship and conduct. Use Repeat Violence when the respondent is not a family/household member (domestic) and you are not in a qualifying romantic relationship (dating), yet there have been two incidents of violence or stalking against you or your immediate family, with at least one incident in the last six months. If you have one severe sexual violence incident, consider the sexual violence injunction (which has unique prerequisites like reporting/cooperation or an incarceration trigger). If conduct is primarily stalking (including cyberstalking), the stalking injunction may be a better fit. If the relationship is a spouse, former spouse, relative by blood/marriage, cohabitant, or co-parent, domestic violence may apply. Getting the type right matters because the statutory elements and forms vary; judges will evaluate your petition against the specific definitions in the governing statute, and mis-classification can delay relief.

Confirm your facts align with the statutory elements. For repeat violence, verify that the two incidents are distinct events, that they constitute “violence” or “stalking” under Florida law, that one is within six months, and that the conduct was directed at you or an immediate family member. Gather dates, locations, screenshots, voicemails, police incident numbers, and witness names. Avoid generalities—“harasses me often”—and use specifics—“On April 3 at 8:12 PM outside my apartment, respondent grabbed my arm; on August 15 at 7:40 AM, respondent followed me in a car and threatened to ‘finish it’ at the corner of 3rd and Pine; both incidents reported under case #23-12345 and #23-67890.” If you do not have two qualifying incidents, filing for a different injunction type (e.g., stalking) may be more appropriate; do not try to stretch the definition, as vague petitions are less likely to result in temporary relief and may be dismissed without prejudice at hearing.

Consider safety and confidentiality needs before you begin. If disclosure of your home address increases danger, Florida practice allows a confidential address filing in many circuits (often via a dedicated form referenced in instructions). Plan for safe contact methods, alternate mailing addresses, and where you will be when service occurs—temporary orders may include no-contact and stay-away terms, but the hours before service can be risky. If a child is involved and the respondent is a parent/stepparent/guardian, additional factual showings exist for petitions brought on a minor’s behalf; be ready with firsthand observations or eyewitness affidavits. Finally, remember you do not need a lawyer, and the clerk must provide simplified forms; there is no filing fee for these petitions, and the sheriff serves at no cost to you. These are statutory mandates designed to remove financial barriers and speed protection.

Step 2: Collect Evidence and Draft a Fact-Rich, Verified Petition (Form 12.980(f))

Use the Florida Supreme Court–approved Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence (Form 12.980(f)). The statewide form and its instructions tell you exactly what the judge must see: who the respondent is, where each incident occurred, what happened (in detail), dates/times, injuries or threats, police or medical involvement, and why you fear future violence. The petition is verified—you sign under penalty of perjury—so accuracy and specificity are essential. Avoid filler or legal conclusions and stick to observable facts: words spoken, actions taken, objects used, and reactions (e.g., “I cried, my hands shook, I called 911”). If you have screenshots, call logs, photos, or videos, note them in the petition and bring printed copies to court; the clerk does not always accept exhibits at filing, but the judge can review them at the hearing.

Structure your narrative chronologically: Incident #1 (date, place, conduct), Incident #2 (date, place, conduct), any intervening contact or threats, and your current fear. Ensure at least one incident is within six months. If you have more than two incidents, include them; they can corroborate ongoing danger and help establish a pattern. For stalking-flavored behavior (repeated following, monitoring, or cyberstalking), describe frequency, platforms, and impacts (lost work, changed routes). For threats, quote exact words; for physical acts, describe force and injuries, however small. If there are witnesses, list names and contact info and bring notarized statements if possible; live testimony is best, but sworn statements can help if a witness cannot attend.

Ask for precise relief in the petition: no-contact; stay-away distances (home, work, school, daycare, places of worship); no firearms or ammunition (and surrender if applicable under federal or state law); limited communications through counsel or a monitored app; exclusive use of a residence (rare in repeat violence, more common in domestic); and any other terms necessary for safety, such as no third-party contact or no social media references. Overbroad requests can be trimmed; under-requesting may leave gaps in protection. If you fear immediate harm, check the box requesting a temporary (ex parte) injunction. Judges may grant ex parte relief based on your verified petition if there is an immediate and present danger; temporary orders are typically limited to a short, fixed period and expire by statute without a hearing set on or before expiration.

Before filing, read the Instructions for 12.980(f) carefully; they reiterate clerk assistance, hotline resources, and how temporary orders work. If you need address confidentiality, complete the appropriate confidential address request referenced in many clerk packets. Keep copies of everything and use a naming convention so you can find items quickly for the hearing. The quality of your petition determines the morning review outcome—clear, recent, fact-specific petitions are much likelier to trigger ex parte protection and set a clean path to the evidentiary hearing.

Step 3: File at the Clerk’s Office (No Fee), Request Ex Parte Relief, and Get a Hearing Date

Bring your completed petition to the circuit court clerk in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred. The clerk must provide forms and clerical assistance to self-represented petitioners and cannot charge a filing fee. Many clerks also have domestic/violence intake windows with immediate access to a judge for ex parte review. After you file, a judge will read your petition the same day or next business day. If the judge finds an immediate and present danger, they can issue a temporary (ex parte) injunction without the respondent present. The temporary order takes effect upon personal service and remains in effect until the full hearing, which must be set for a date no later than the temporary order’s expiration (generally within 15 days, though courts can extend for good cause). Whether or not ex parte relief is granted, the court will set a prompt hearing and generate documents for service: notice of hearing, a copy of your petition, and any temporary order.

Ask the clerk about logistics: how service is coordinated with the sheriff, how quickly service attempts occur, and how you will receive your copies. Confirm whether your county offers remote appearance for the final hearing—many courts allow Zoom or phone testimony with advance request, which can improve safety and reduce schedule conflicts. If you requested address confidentiality, ensure the clerk processes the confidentiality form so your home address does not appear on publicly viewable dockets or service packets. If your petition references exhibits the court should see at the ex parte stage (e.g., hospital photos), ask whether the judge accepts sealed supporting affidavits at filing; policies vary, so plan to bring copies to the hearing regardless.

Finally, get your case number and the stamped copies you will need for your records. If a temporary injunction issues, read it carefully: it may include stay-away distances, no-contact terms, firearms provisions, and child-related directives. Violations are arrestable; carry a copy and provide one to building security or school administrators if relevant. If no temporary order issued, do not assume your case is weak; some judges reserve decisions for the hearing when more testimony can be taken. Your focus now shifts to service and hearing preparation—the two levers that most affect speed and safety between filing and final judgment.

Step 4: Arrange Prompt Personal Service and Track the Clock to the Hearing

The injunction only protects you on paper until the respondent is personally served with the petition, notice of hearing, and any temporary order. Florida practice routes service through the sheriff or a process server; the clerk typically forwards the packet. Ask when attempts will begin and provide every viable address (home, work, usual hangouts) and any safety notes (weapons, dogs, access gates). If the respondent is transient, supply recent photos and vehicle details to help the server identify them. The temporary injunction becomes enforceable upon service, so rapid service is a safety priority. If the respondent is out of county or out of state, coordination is still possible but may take extra days—confirm with the clerk whether they transmit the packet to the proper sheriff automatically or whether you must do it. Keep a call log with the serving agency; polite persistence accelerates results and documents diligence if continuance is later needed.

Florida law requires that the respondent be served before the full hearing. Temporary orders generally expire within 15 days unless the court extends them and continues the hearing for good cause. If service is delayed despite diligent efforts, file a short declaration (or ask at calendar call) requesting a brief continuance of both the hearing and the temporary injunction. Judges routinely grant continuances to prevent a protection gap where the respondent is avoiding service; bring proof of attempted service (sheriff’s notes, emails, or affidavits). Conversely, if service is achieved early and you are ready to proceed, organize your evidence now so you do not waste the protection window. Make three exhibit sets (court, you, respondent), label each page, and prepare a simple witness list with phone numbers in case remote testimony is permitted.

If you fear the respondent will retaliate upon learning of the filing, update your safety plan. Change routines temporarily, alert workplace security, consider a trusted escort to and from your vehicle, and keep a copy of the order with you. If the temporary order includes firearms restrictions or surrender terms, ask the clerk or state attorney’s victim services how proof of surrender is documented in your circuit; procedures vary. Keep communications one-way and through law enforcement if necessary; do not respond to baiting texts or “apology” messages—the judge will review your behavior as well, and clean compliance strengthens your case.

Finally, track the calendar closely. Write down the hearing date, service date, and temporary order expiration. If service occurs on the eve of the hearing and you need time to prepare, request a short continuance in open court, citing the late service and the need to organize evidence and witnesses; most courts will accommodate reasonable requests while keeping the temporary protections in place. Documentation and respectful, specific requests—the date service was effected, the exhibits you must assemble, the witnesses you seek to secure—make it easy for the judge to balance due process with safety.

Step 5: Prepare for the Final Hearing—Evidence, Testimony, and What the Judge Must Find

Your goal at the hearing is to give the court clear, credible evidence of two qualifying incidents and a reasonable fear of future violence, tied to the statute’s definitions. Start with a short outline you can follow: introduction (who you are, relationship context), Incident #1 (date, place, what happened, any injuries or police/medical response), Incident #2 (same level of detail), any additional episodes reinforcing danger, and your requested terms (no-contact, stay-away, communications limits, firearms provisions, duration). Bring originals and two copies of exhibits: photos with dates, printed screenshots (with sender/receiver metadata and timestamps if possible), 911 logs or police reports, medical visit summaries, repair invoices, and witness declarations. If witnesses can attend, prep them to stick to what they saw or heard; credibility increases when testimony is specific, consistent, and confined to personal knowledge. Avoid speculation and editorializing. Judges commonly ask clarifying questions—answer concisely and directly.

Understand the legal yardsticks. The judge is assessing whether two incidents of “violence” or “stalking” occurred, one within six months, and whether an injunction is necessary for protection. Violence includes assault and battery (threats with an apparent ability to act; unwanted touching), sexual offenses, stalking, kidnapping, and similar crimes. Stalking involves willful, malicious, and repeated following, harassment, or cyberstalking. You do not need a criminal case or conviction; civil injunctions use a lower burden (“preponderance” or “competent, substantial evidence” depending on local articulation). Temporary injunctions issued ex parte cannot become final without notice and hearing; if the respondent was not served or appears late, the court may continue the matter—but will often extend the temporary order to avoid a protection gap. Temporary orders generally cannot exceed 15 days without good cause for continuance stated on the record.

When it’s your turn, speak slowly and use your outline. Refer to exhibits by label (“Petitioner’s Exhibit 3—text thread dated Aug 15, 7:38–7:45 AM”). If the respondent cross-examines, stay calm and answer only the question asked. Do not argue from counsel table; ask the judge if you can explain if a question misstates facts. If the respondent presents evidence, take notes; you will have a brief rebuttal—use it to correct inaccuracies with documents or a concise explanation. If children or family members were present during incidents, explain impacts on them but avoid asking the judge to decide custody in this proceeding; the injunction is about protection, though “no contact” may include stay-away terms for children’s locations when appropriate.

Conclude with precise relief: distances (e.g., 500 feet from home/work/school/daycare), communication channels (none, or only through a third-party app for logistical necessities), firearm/weapon conditions as authorized, and duration. Many judges grant one year or longer for serious patterns, with the ability to extend before expiration. Ask the judge to check boxes or write terms clearly on the final judgment so law enforcement can enforce without ambiguity. If the court finds the petition not proven, ask respectfully whether the case may be dismissed without prejudice to allow refiling if new incidents occur; this preserves your ability to return if the situation escalates. Either way, get multiple certified copies of the order, give one to your employer or school as needed, and keep one with you. The order is enforceable statewide, and officers can make warrantless arrests for violations.

Step 6: Attend the Hearing, Secure a Clear Written Order, and Verify Every Term Before Leaving

The hearing is where your petition becomes enforceable protection for a defined period—or, if you are unprepared, where a temporary order can lapse. Treat the hearing like a focused project milestone: arrive early, dress in a way that helps you feel confident and safe, and bring an organized binder or folder with tabbed exhibits (court copy, your copy, and one for the respondent). If the court permits remote appearances, log in 10–15 minutes early, test audio/video, and position your camera at eye level. Whether in person or remote, silence your phone, have water nearby, and keep your outline visible. Your goals at this step are three: (1) present clear, credible facts that satisfy the elements (two incidents, one within six months, and a need for protection), (2) obtain an order with precise, enforceable terms, and (3) leave the courthouse with certified copies and logistical instructions for enforcement, service of the final order (if required), and follow-up tasks.

When your case is called, the judge will confirm appearances and may begin by reviewing whether the respondent was served. If service is missing or late, you can request a brief continuance and an extension of any temporary order; be ready with proof of diligent service attempts. If service is good, the judge will place you under oath. Use your outline: identify yourself, the respondent, and your relationship (or lack of domestic/dating relationship, as repeat violence is independent of those categories). Then, present Incident #1 and Incident #2 with date, time, location, what the respondent did, what you observed, how it affected you, and any corroboration (police reports, photos, texts, witnesses). For each incident, explicitly link back to the statutory conduct—“respondent struck my shoulder with a closed fist,” “respondent followed me from work to my apartment and threatened me by saying…”—so the judge can map your facts to the legal definitions without guesswork.

Offer your exhibits efficiently. State: “Your Honor, Petitioner’s Exhibit 1 is a photo taken on [date] showing bruising to my upper arm; I took it within an hour of the incident with timestamp visible.” If the court accepts, hand it to the bailiff or share your screen if remote. Do not bury the court in cumulative exhibits; quality beats quantity. If you have witnesses, call them in a logical order, keeping each to what they personally saw or heard. If a witness cannot attend, ask the court if it will consider a sworn statement; if not, use the statement to refresh your own recollection and testify yourself. Expect cross-examination by the respondent or their counsel; answer plainly, avoid arguing, and ask the judge to repeat or clarify any confusing questions. If the respondent testifies, take notes and prepare a short rebuttal focused on contradictions you can document.

Next, articulate the specific protections you need. Judges appreciate precision: “I request no contact of any kind; a 500-foot stay-away from my home, workplace, and my child’s school; no firearms or ammunition and immediate surrender to law enforcement; and no third-party contact, including messages relayed through mutual acquaintances or social media.” If your work involves public interaction or unpredictable locations, propose reasonable alternatives: “Stay 100 feet away from me at any public location if encountered unexpectedly.” If there are children in your home but the respondent has no legal relationship to them, ask for child-related stay-away zones (school, daycare, activities) and a prohibition on contact with them. If the respondent is a co-worker or lives in your building, propose logistics to prevent unavoidable clashes (e.g., staggered shift starts, elevator etiquette, parking assignments). Concrete terms reduce later friction and make enforcement straightforward.

When the judge announces a ruling, listen for findings (two qualifying incidents, one within six months, necessity of the injunction) and for the duration. Repeat violence injunctions are often set for a defined term (e.g., one year) with the ability to extend. Ask respectfully for a length that matches your safety concerns and the pattern of conduct. If granted, the court will issue a written Final Judgment/Order of Injunction. Read it before you leave. Verify the respondent’s identifying information, distances, the list of protected places, contact prohibitions (calls, texts, DMs, tagging, third-party relays), firearm terms, and any exceptions (for example, a one-time property pickup only with law enforcement escort). If anything is missing or ambiguous, speak up immediately: “Your Honor, may we add my new workplace address that begins next Monday?” Clerks and law enforcement need precision; your safety benefits from it.

Secure certified copies (ask for at least two to three). One copy stays with you at all times; one goes to your employer/school security as relevant; one remains in your records. Ask the clerk when the order will appear in the statewide system used by law enforcement and whether the clerk automatically transmits to the sheriff. If you have a temporary order that is superseded, confirm the overlap so there is no protection gap. If the court denies relief, ask if the dismissal is “without prejudice,” preserving your right to refile if new incidents occur; also ask whether the court will keep your address confidential if you expressed safety concerns. Either way, leave with a clear understanding of what happens next: how to report violations, whether you must arrange service of the final order on the respondent (many courts serve in-court if they are present), and how to request a transcript if you need it later for related matters.

Step 7: Implement the Injunction Immediately—Safety Planning, Notifications, and Practical Logistics

A final injunction is powerful, but it only protects you fully when you implement it. Think in three lanes: people who must know, places where it must be respected, and processes that keep your world running without exposing you to harm. Start with notifications. Provide a certified copy of the order to your employer’s HR or security, your school campus safety office if you are a student, and administrators at any school or daycare your children attend. Ask them to keep a copy on file and note the stay-away distances and prohibited contact methods. If the respondent frequents your workplace as a customer or vendor, discuss a discrete plan: who to call, what code phrase to use, where you can wait safely, and how coworkers will respond without escalating risk. If you live in an apartment or gated community, give a copy to management and request that front desk or gate staff deny access or call law enforcement on sight, consistent with the order’s terms.

Update your safety plan. Change routine routes and times temporarily; park in well-lit, visible locations; and keep your phone charged with emergency numbers on the home screen. Consider a personal safety app that can quickly alert trusted contacts and record audio/video. Share the order and your plan with a small circle of people you trust—neighbors, co-workers, friends—so they can assist without putting themselves at risk. If the order restricts firearms and requires surrender, ask your local sheriff how compliance is documented and whether you can be notified once surrender is confirmed. If you move or change jobs, file an address update per your court’s confidentiality rules (many circuits have forms for confidential address changes) and notify the clerk in a way that preserves your safety.

For digital safety, tighten privacy settings across social media, disable tagging or mentions from non-friends, and consider limiting location-sharing. Save harassing messages in multiple places (screenshots with visible timestamps and handles, cloud backup, printed copies). If the respondent tries to communicate through third parties, save those messages too and note names and numbers—third-party contact is commonly prohibited. Establish one secure email for court updates and one for everyday life to reduce noise. If you share linked accounts or devices from a past relationship (streaming, cloud storage, mobile plans), change passwords and review access logs; shared logins can leak real-time data like device location or IP addresses.

At home, harden access points: check locks, consider inexpensive door/window alarms, and alert roommates or family about who is and is not allowed on premises. If the order restricts the respondent from coming within a set distance, measure that radius on a map so you can explain it clearly to law enforcement or security. Keep a printed copy of the injunction near your door, in your bag, and in your glovebox. If you rely on rideshares or public transit, identify safe pickup points with good lighting and cameras; share live location with a friend when traveling alone.

Finally, track compliance from day one. Create a simple log with date, time, location, and what happened—compliant behavior (no contact) is not logged, but any suspicious sightings, drive-bys, social media pings, or indirect messages should be captured. Include screenshots or photos when you can do so safely. If a violation occurs, do not engage: call law enforcement, show the order, and provide your log. Ask for an incident number each time; those numbers create a paper trail that supports criminal enforcement or later court motions. Remember, you are not responsible for “warning” the respondent; the court order sets the rules. Your job is to live your life safely and document any breaches so that the system can respond quickly and firmly.

Step 8: Enforce Violations—Call Law Enforcement First, Then Build a Court Record that Sticks

A repeat violence injunction is not a suggestion; it is a court command backed by criminal penalties. If the respondent violates it—by showing up, contacting you, asking others to contact you, or hovering near protected places—call law enforcement immediately. Tell the dispatcher you have a current injunction, state the case number if handy, and describe the conduct calmly: “The respondent is 60 feet from my door, in a gray hoodie, looking at me through the window.” When officers arrive, present a certified copy (or show the digital copy if your county allows it) and your photo ID. Provide your incident log and any contemporaneous evidence (texts, screenshots, video). Ask for an incident number and obtain the officer’s name and badge. Many orders authorize immediate arrest upon probable cause of a violation; do not attempt to negotiate with the respondent yourself.

After law enforcement addresses the immediate risk, preserve evidence. Save voicemails to the cloud, export message threads to PDF with visible dates/times, and label files consistently (e.g., “2025-03-15_violation_texts_7-42pm.pdf”). If neighbors or co-workers saw the violation, ask them to write short, factual statements with contact information; if they are hesitant, request permission to provide their phone numbers to the state attorney or to the court if a violation hearing is set. If property damage occurred, take photos with timestamps and keep repair invoices. The more contemporaneous your evidence, the stronger your case becomes for criminal prosecution or for court modification/enforcement.

In parallel, consider court-based enforcement. Some circuits allow you to file a sworn motion for contempt or enforcement if violations persist or if law enforcement response needs court backup (e.g., pattern of drive-bys not caught in person). Keep your motion short and factual: list each date, time, conduct, exhibit, and any incident number. Ask for specific relief—clarification of ambiguous terms, increased distance, prohibition of new contact channels the respondent has used, or other tailored conditions (e.g., “no presence within my apartment building’s lobby or parking level P2”). If the court schedules a hearing, prepare as you did for the original hearing: clean exhibits, witnesses if available, precise requests, and calm testimony. Judges respond well to disciplined records; repeated, well-documented violations often lead to stronger terms and direct warnings to the respondent.

Do not fall into the trap of “mutual contact”. If the respondent reaches out with apologies or threats, do not reply. Any response can dilute prosecution or be painted as consent. The injunction is a one-way wall—its integrity is strongest when you remain consistent. If essential logistics require brief contact (rare in repeat violence cases), request that the court authorize a monitored message channel or law-enforcement standby; do not unilaterally improvise. If a third party relays messages, capture that and add it to your log—third-party contact commonly violates the order.

Finally, stay in touch with the state attorney’s victim services if a criminal case is opened. They can advise on rights, hearing dates, and restitution. Provide them with your best evidence package and keep them aware of new violations. If you change phone numbers or email addresses, tell the prosecutor so you do not miss notices. Enforcement is a team effort: you supply clear facts, law enforcement provides the immediate response, and the court/prosecutor supply consequence and deterrence. When each piece works, violations tend to stop quickly; when they don’t, your paper trail is the lever that tightens protection.

Step 9: Modify, Extend, or Dissolve—Tune the Order as Life Changes While Protecting Continuity

Injunctions are not static. You can modify terms to fit new realities, extend protection before it expires, or, if safety permits, dissolve it. The key is timing and evidence. Put your expiration date on a calendar with a 60–90 day reminder. If you still reasonably fear repeat violence as the end date approaches—or if there have been new incidents or boundary-testing—prepare and file a motion to extend. Keep it concise and evidentiary: summarize the original facts, list post-order contacts or suspicious behavior (even if not chargeable), and explain why continued protection is necessary. Attach your incident log and any new exhibits. Many courts allow extensions without a new incident if your fear remains reasonable in light of the prior pattern; others expect at least some intervening conduct. Either way, filing early avoids gaps and gives the court time to set a hearing before expiration.

Modification is appropriate when the order’s logistics need refinement. Examples: you moved, started a new job, or your child changed schools; a new coffee shop is within an old radius and keeps causing accidental proximity; or the respondent found a loophole (e.g., standing across the street to film you). File a motion specifying the problem and propose a narrow fix: add new protected addresses, expand a distance to cover adjacent sidewalks, prohibit recording within a set range, or forbid third-party contact through specified individuals. The court’s job is to balance safety and due process; precise requests grounded in real events are usually well received. Bring your updated map or photos to illustrate blind spots. If the respondent has genuinely complied for a long period and you wish to scale back contact restrictions to allow a neutral exchange of property or documents, ask for a single-event carveout supervised by law enforcement or a court-approved location; do not dilute the entire order.

Dissolution should be deliberate. If you feel secure and want to end the injunction, file a motion to dissolve and appear for a short hearing if set. Judges will ensure your choice is voluntary and informed. Consider intermediate steps first: continue the order at a shorter distance, keep no-contact but allow email via counsel, or reduce duration with the ability to extend if needed. Remember that dissolving may complicate future filings if new incidents occur shortly thereafter, because courts may scrutinize why you felt safe and then did not. If you are pressured by the respondent or mutual acquaintances to drop protection, document that pressure—coercion can itself be relevant for continued relief.

In all changes, keep service in mind. Motions to modify, extend, or dissolve must be served on the respondent per local rules; do not assume the clerk will handle it. Provide addresses and ask the clerk or the sheriff about timelines so the hearing occurs before expiration if you’re extending. If the court grants your request, obtain new certified copies and redistribute to your employer, school, and anyone else who holds a prior version. Destroy or clearly mark old copies “superseded” to avoid confusion.

Finally, align injunction timing with related legal matters. If you have an ongoing criminal case, coordinate with the prosecutor before making dramatic changes so you don’t inadvertently undermine bail conditions. If you are engaged in civil disputes (e.g., small claims over property damage), keep the injunction intact to prevent courtroom or hallway contact—ask the clerk for separate waiting rooms or staggered appearance times. Properly timed modifications keep your protection contemporary with life, while extensions maintain continuity so you don’t rebuild from zero each year.

Step 10: Keep Long-Term Records, Protect Privacy, and Close the Loop with Recovery and Support

The final step is about durability—building systems that keep you safe and organized long after the adrenaline of court fades. Start with a records hub. Create a secure digital folder (cloud drive with two-factor authentication) containing: your petition, temporary order, proof of service, final injunction, certified copy scans, incident logs, photos, screenshots, police incident numbers, any prosecutor correspondence, and motions for modification/extension if filed. Use clear names (“2025-02-10_Final_Injunction.pdf”; “2025-03-15_Violation_Call_Incident#43210.txt”). Mirror the most important items to an encrypted USB in a separate, safe location—fires, lost phones, or account lockouts should not erase your history. Good records reduce stress, empower law enforcement, and make future court steps quick; they also help you tell your story once rather than rehashing details every time you speak to a new officer, HR manager, or advocate.

Next, protect your privacy systematically. Review data brokers and people-search sites that may list your address or phone; many allow free opt-outs. Set calendar reminders to re-check quarterly. If you move, ask your utility providers and landlord about confidentiality options (some will list you as “resident” only). For mail, consider a P.O. box or a commercial mailbox with a street address. On social platforms, audit old posts that reveal routines or locations; tighten friend lists and disable public comments where harassment could sneak in. If you share children with the respondent (less common in repeat violence, but possible), coordinate school privacy flags and authorized pickup lists; provide the school a fresh copy of the order and introduce yourself to the registrar so they recognize you when quick decisions are needed.

Attend to your financial and digital hygiene. Change passwords regularly; enable two-factor authenticator apps rather than SMS where possible; and separate financial alerts (bank/credit emails) from your everyday inbox so a flood of messages can’t hide a critical notice. Pull your credit reports to ensure no accounts were opened in your name. If the respondent had access to shared subscriptions or cloud drives, audit every shared folder and revoke access. Keep a simple “device map” (phone, tablet, laptop, work computer) and note who can physically access them; lock down backups and turn off shared photo albums that might reveal location metadata.

Finally, invest in recovery and support. The legal win is important, but healing is a parallel process. Connect with local victim advocacy groups for counseling, safety planning refreshers, and support groups—these services help you rebuild routines and confidence. If court appearances triggered anxiety, consider brief sessions with a counselor to develop coping strategies for future dates (e.g., extension hearings). Reclaim normal rituals with small, intentional steps: coffee at a favorite shop during a safe time, a return to hobbies, reconnecting with friends in public places where you feel secure. Keep your inner circle informed of milestones—“Order renewed through next August”—so they can quietly support logistics without drama.

Close the loop with an annual protection audit. Review your injunction’s expiration, your records hub, your privacy posture, and your safety plan. Update workplace and school copies if staff turnover occurred. Revisit your emergency contacts to ensure numbers still work and people remain willing. If the respondent has been compliant and out of your life, celebrate the distance while keeping your systems in place; if they reappear digitally or physically, your audit ensures you can pivot instantly—call law enforcement, document, and, if needed, return to court with a clean, comprehensive file. The heart of Step 10 is agency: you now have a protective order, a safety infrastructure, and a recovery plan. Together, they preserve not just compliance, but your peace and momentum going forward.

Typical Costs (Self-Represented, Court-Form–Driven)

For a Florida Repeat Violence injunction, the core court costs for petitioners are deliberately minimal. By statute, the clerk must provide simplified forms and clerical help, and may not assess a filing fee to file a petition for protection against repeat violence; clerks seek reimbursement from the state instead. Sheriffs are tasked with personal service of temporary and final orders; the fee mechanics are handled between the clerk and law enforcement—not the petitioner. Practically, most petitioners pay $0 to open the case and to have the respondent served. What you may still budget for are small, practical expenses: (1) copies of exhibits and extra certified copies of the final order for employers or schools (certified copy fees vary by county but are typically a few dollars each); (2) notarization of any supporting affidavits if required by your local practice (many banks and libraries notarize for free or a nominal fee); (3) printing photos, screenshots, call logs, and maps for the hearing; and (4) optional delivery costs if you choose to overnight exhibits to a witness who cannot attend. Some counties offer free scanning at the clerk’s counter; others charge per page. If you need a hearing transcript later (for a related civil case or to support a modification), that is a separate vendor cost.

If violations occur and criminal charges are filed, there is no cost to you to report or to request enforcement; prosecutors and law enforcement handle those processes. If instead you pursue a civil motion for enforcement or clarification in the injunction case, there is typically no filing fee for such post-judgment motions in an injunction-for-protection matter, but verify with your clerk. If you retain a private process server to locate a difficult respondent before a temporary order issues (less common), you would pay that vendor directly; otherwise, let the sheriff handle service under the court’s standard workflow. Bottom line: Florida’s injunction framework is designed to remove financial barriers—expect the court pathway itself to be free, with only modest out-of-pocket costs for copies, printing, and any optional services you elect. (Authority: fee prohibition and service workflow in §784.046(3)(a)–(b); sheriff service and transmission in §784.046(8).)

Time Required (From Filing to Final Order, and After)

Florida’s timeline is intentionally fast. After you file a verified petition, a judge reviews it the same day or the next business day. If the petition shows an immediate and present danger, the court may issue a temporary (ex parte) injunction right away. By statute, a temporary injunction lasts for a fixed period not to exceed 15 days (or 15 days after the respondent’s release from jail in certain sexual-violence cases), and the court must set a full evidentiary hearing before the temporary order expires. That means many petitioners are in court for the final hearing within roughly 1–2 weeks of filing. The pacing between filing and hearing is dictated by how quickly the respondent is personally served; when service is prompt, you’ll typically be heard on the first setting, while elusive respondents may trigger a brief continuance and an extension of the temporary order so there is no protection gap.

On hearing day, most matters take 15–45 minutes, depending on witness count, exhibits, and cross-examination. If the injunction is granted, it is effective statewide once entered, and the clerk electronically transmits the order to the sheriff for statewide verification—usually within 24 hours. You should walk out with certified copies the same day. If the judge denies an ex parte request at filing, you still get a quick hearing; some judges prefer to hear live testimony before imposing restrictions. If service was late or incomplete, expect a short continuance (days, not months) and a written extension of any temporary order so protections remain in place. Post-order, enforcement is immediate upon any violation. Extensions of a final injunction are scheduled on a short calendar if you file early (aim 60–90 days before expiration). Modifications (adding addresses, clarifying distances, tightening terms) can be heard equally quickly, often on the same family/injunction docket. In short: with clean service and organized proof, many petitioners go from filing to enforceable protection in well under two weeks. (Authority: §784.046(5)–(8), (6)(c) 15-day limit and hearing scheduling; clerk transmission duties.)

Limitations & Practical Cautions

• Use the correct injunction type: Repeat violence requires two incidents of violence or stalking, at least one within the last six months, directed at you or an immediate family member. If your facts fit domestic or dating violence better, file the corresponding petition; misclassification can slow or derail relief. (Authority: definition in §784.046(1)(b).)
• Service is mandatory before the final hearing: The respondent must be personally served with the petition, notice, and any temporary order; courts can continue the hearing and extend temporary protection if diligent service is ongoing, but they cannot enter a final order without due process. (Authority: §784.046(5), (8).)
• Temporary orders are short by design: They generally cannot exceed 15 days without a good-cause continuance; plan your evidence and witnesses quickly and keep in touch with the sheriff on service attempts. (Authority: §784.046(6)(c).)
• Truth and specificity matter: The petition is verified and must contain specific facts. False statements are subject to penalties under §92.525. Bring printed, dated exhibits; vague narratives reduce the chance of ex parte relief and can undermine credibility at hearing. (Authority: §784.046(4)(b), (3)(b) bold-type verification warning.)
• Scope and clarity drive enforcement: Ask for precise distances, address lists, and prohibited channels (calls, texts, DMs, third-party contact). Ambiguity makes enforcement harder; judges can tailor terms “as the court deems necessary.” (Authority: §784.046(7).)
• Firearms terms are possible but not automatic: Courts can include weapon-related restrictions consistent with state and federal law; bring any known ownership information to support a surrender provision if warranted.
• Extensions are available: You may move to extend before expiration; file early to avoid gaps. You can also move to modify or dissolve at any time. (Authority: §784.046(7)(c).)
• This is civil, not criminal: The injunction is separate from any criminal case; violations can trigger arrest and prosecution, but your hearing uses civil standards and does not require that you have filed criminal charges. (Authority: §784.046(7), (9).)

Authoritative Links (Official Forms & Statutes)

• Florida Statutes §784.046 — Repeat, Dating, and Sexual Violence Injunctions (definitions, fees, service, 15-day temporary orders).
• Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f) — Petition (Repeat Violence).
• Florida Courts — Overview for Petitioners (which injunction type do I need?).
• Florida Senate — §784.046 (current online text and updates).