Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee for filing an injunction?
There is no filing fee.
Do I need an attorney?
You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you, but it is not required.
Can I file an injunction for protection if I did not report the violence to the police?
Yes. However, acts of violence should be reported to the Police Department or Sheriff’s Office.
Can I file an injunction for protection on behalf of my child who is under eighteen years old?
Yes. Persons under 18 years old cannot file an injunction for protection without a parent or guardian present.
Can I request to have the Final Judgment modified, extended or dropped?
Yes, we have forms you may fill out. The Motion to Vacate, Modify or Extend will be forwarded to the judge for a decision.
How do I notify the courts of my new address?
You may file a Notice of Current Address. You may find this form at the Florida State Courts website or the Law Library at the courthouse.
What happens if I fail to appear in court?
The judge has several options, which he may take, to include dismissal of the case or holding you in contempt of court or enter a Final Judgment.
Can I dismiss the injunction before the hearing?
No. You must appear before the judge and ask for a dismissal.
How does the person I file against get notified of the hearing?
After the hearing has been set, we send copies to the Sheriff’s Office for service on the respondent.
How does the Sheriff serve the respondent?
Based upon information provided in your petition. Therefore, at a minimum you should include in your petition the respondent addresses, date of birth, and places the respondent may frequent.
What happens if the respondent violates the injunction?
You should immediately contact the Washington Sheriff’s Office and file a report. Once you have received a copy of the Sheriff’s Report, you should contact the State Attorney’s Office or call (850) 638-6150.
Tips for Staying Safe
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger
- Your abuser may monitor your internet use. If you have reason to believe your computer is not secure, you may wish to use a computer your abuser does not have access to. If your abuser has access to your computer, follow these steps to delete your browsing history.
Forms
- Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence with Child(ren)
- Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence Without Children
- Petition for Innjunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence
- Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence
- Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence
- Petition for Injunction for Protectioin Against Stalking
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisidicton and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit
For advocacy or safety planning, call
Florida’s Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-500-1119
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE
U.S. National Teen Dating Violence Helpline at 1-866-331-9474
Hope Card Program
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) proudly announced the implementation of the Hope Card Program in Clerk of the Circuit Court offices statewide beginning October 1, 2024.
This new program offers individuals who have been issued a final injunction for protection the opportunity to apply for a free, standardized “Hope Card” that can be used to verify with law enforcement that a protective court order covers them.
For further details on the Hope Card Program or to obtain a card, please visit www.FLClerks.com/HopeCardProgram
