CHECKLIST FOR LITIGANTS SEEKING AN INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION
The purpose of this checklist is to provide basic information on the five different
types of protective orders available to petitioners in Florida. It is not designed to
give legal advice or be a substitute for Florida law. Information on finding an
attorney or other assistance within Florida is located at the end of this checklist.
If you are a victim of violence or stalking or fear that you are in imminent danger
of becoming a victim, you may qualify for a civil protective injunction.
Florida law provides 5 types of civil protective injunctions:
Domestic Violence,
Repeat Violence,
Dating Violence,
Sexual Violence, and
Stalking.
Domestic Violence:
To protect an adult or minor child from violence by family or household
members;
A parent or legal guardian may file on behalf of minor child living at home;
A parent may seek an injunction against the other parent of a child in
common--whether or not they ever married or lived together;
Petitioner must either be a victim of domestic violence or reasonably
believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim;
Requires the court to address child support, parenting, and time-sharing
if minor children are involved and petitioner requests it;
Requires filing of additional documents if minor children are involved so
issues regarding support, parenting, and time-sharing can be addressed.
Repeat Violence:
To protect an adult or minor child or from repeated violence or stalking;
A parent or legal guardian may file on behalf of minor child living at home;
Requires at least two separate incidents of violence or stalking;
Requires one of the incidents to have been within 6 months of filing of
petition;
Stalking requires repeated following or harassing, not just one incident;
Requires actual acts of violence or stalking, not just a threat to do same.
Dating Violence:
To protect an adult or minor child from dating violence;
A parent or legal guardian may file on behalf of minor child living at home;
