An injunction is a court order, also referred to as a restraining order, that directs a person not to have any contact with you.

It will take the petitioner approximately 1 to 1½ hours to fill out the paperwork in the Domestic Violence division.

No, there is no fee associated in filing a restraining order.

To obtain a Restraining Order, you may eFile your pleadings utilizing the ePortal filing system or appear in person at one of the following locations mentioned above.

Think of a temporary injunction as an emergency measure. A judge can grant it quickly based only on your written petition to provide immediate protection if you’re in danger. It’s a short-term solution that lasts until the final hearing. A final injunction, on the other hand, is granted only after a full court hearing where both you and the other person have a chance to present evidence and testimony. If the judge grants it, this order is long-term and can remain in effect indefinitely unless the court decides to change it.

Yes, both you and the other person are required to attend the final hearing, and you will likely be in the same courtroom. I know this can be incredibly stressful, but it’s important to remember that court is a controlled and secure environment. A judge and bailiffs are present to maintain order and safety. Having an attorney with you can also provide a buffer and help you present your case calmly and effectively without having to interact directly with the other person.

First, take it very seriously. Even if the claims are untrue, you must follow every rule in the temporary order to the letter. Do not contact the other person for any reason. Your next step should be to gather any evidence you have that contradicts their claims, such as text messages, emails, or names of witnesses who can support your side of the story. It is highly recommended that you speak with an attorney immediately to prepare for the final hearing and protect your rights.

A final injunction doesn’t have a standard expiration date. When a judge grants a final injunction, they can either set it for a specific period or leave it in place indefinitely, meaning it lasts until one of you formally asks the court to change or dismiss it. It does not simply go away on its own over time. To end the order, the person it was filed against must file a motion with the court and prove that it’s no longer necessary.

Absolutely not. This is a critical point that can be confusing. While the person who filed the petition (the petitioner) won’t get arrested for contacting you, their actions could be used as evidence to argue that the injunction is no longer needed. However, if you respond in any way—even just to say “leave me alone”—you are violating the court order. The responsibility to follow the no-contact rule falls entirely on you, the respondent. Any violation on your part can lead to your arrest.

Criminal eFiling- Effective January 6, 2014, electronic document filing (E-Filing) service for the following divisions will be mandatory on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: Circuit and County Criminal; Criminal and Civil Traffic; Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency; Criminal Appeals. To register as a new eFiling user go to www.myflcourtaccess.com For Clerk of Court eFiling assistance, direct your inquiry to: eFiling@browardclerk.org. [The case type and 'reference number' must be included in the subject line.]

The Clerk of Court staff is not able to provide assistance with ePortal related issues and inquiries. For ePortal technical support, attorneys may contact the Florida Courts eFiling Portal via email support@myflcourtaccess.com, or call the Florida Courts eFiling Portal Support Desk at 850-577-4609.

After an E-Filed petition has been accepted, the Petition is forwarded to the judge for ruling. The decision is made the same day, and Petitioner/counsel is responsible for obtaining a copy of the ruling along with all associated documents.

The Self Help Unit provides local and Florida Supreme Court approved Family Law Forms for a fee to those who choose to represent themselves or cannot afford an attorney. The pro se self-help staff does not provide legal advice.

If the respondent violates the restraining order, you should call law enforcement and report the incident. Also, appear in person at one of the following Domestic Violence Service Locations to file a Petition for Violation of Injunction.

No, you do not need an attorney to file for a restraining order. You may file on your own. However, if you wish to have legal representation, it is your responsibility to hire an attorney. The Court does not provide free lawyers in domestic violence, family or civil cases. You may also contact Legal Aid for assistance at (954) 736-2400.

Yes, childcare assistance is available only for Domestic Violence court proceedings and filings. A separate agency located within the courthouse provides childcare services from 8:30 AM– 5:00 PM for children ages 6 months — 13 years old.

Important:

• A referral is required in advance from the Broward County Clerk of Courts Domestic Violence Division.
• Walk-ins are not accepted.

No. Children are not permitted in courtrooms or hearing rooms unless a prior court motion has been granted allowing them to be heard, or if there is a court order permitting them to testify.

Important:

Children may not be left unattended anywhere on courthouse premises – under any circumstances.

However, for Domestic Violence-related court proceedings and flings only, childcare services are available through a separate agency located within the courthouse.

Childcare Details:

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ages served: 6 months — 13 years
• Referral Required: Must be obtained in advance from the Broward County Clerk of Courts Domestic Violence Division
• No walk-ins accepted

Assistance is provided upon availability.

It’s easy to misunderstand the purpose of an injunction. Many people think it can be used simply to avoid someone after a messy breakup or a disagreement. However, Florida law reserves injunctions for situations where you are in immediate danger of becoming a victim of violence. It is not a tool for managing difficult personal relationships or hurt feelings. The court requires evidence that you have a reasonable fear for your safety based on the other person’s actions, such as threats, violence, or stalking. This high standard ensures that injunctions are used for their intended purpose: protecting people from credible harm.

After a judge signs a temporary injunction, the other person (THE RESPONDENT) must be officially notified. This legal notification is called “service of process,” and it’s a critical step. You cannot serve the papers yourself. The local sheriff’s office or local police department will handle serving the respondent with a copy of your petition and the temporary injunction, informing them of the restrictions and the date and time of the final hearing. This ensures the respondent is aware of the order and has an opportunity to appear in court. The temporary injunction is not enforceable until the respondent has been officially served, so this step is essential for your protection.

The final hearing is your opportunity to present your case to the judge in person. You should bring all the documentation you gathered, including photos, text messages, police reports, and medical records. It’s also important to bring any witnesses who have firsthand knowledge of the events. Make sure your witnesses can attend in person, as their live testimony is much more impactful.

During the hearing, you will have the chance to explain why you need a final injunction. The respondent will also have an opportunity to present their side of the story.

For an injunction to be legally binding, it must be properly enforced. This process begins when the respondent is officially served with the court order, a step usually handled by the local Sheriff’s office or Police Department. Once served, the respondent is legally required to follow every condition listed in the injunction. If a temporary injunction is issued before the final hearing, its rules are effective immediately upon service. Any contact or violation before the hearing should be reported to law enforcement right away. Police officers have the authority to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe the respondent has willfully violated the order. This ensures that the protections granted by the court are actively upheld.

If an injunction is nearing its expiration date and the petitioner still fears for their safety, they can ask the court for an extension. This isn’t an automatic process; you must formally request it by filing a motion. The court will need to see a continued and credible threat or a valid reason why the protection is still necessary. According to Florida’s procedural rules, either the petitioner or the respondent can file a motion to modify an injunction at any time. For an extension, the petitioner must demonstrate that the original circumstances that warranted the injunction still exist, making the continued protection essential for their safety and well-being.

An injunction isn’t always permanent. Life changes, and the circumstances that led to a protective order can change, too. Whether you are the petitioner who needs continued protection or the respondent who believes the order is no longer necessary, Florida law provides ways to modify, extend, or terminate an injunction. The key is to follow the correct legal procedures and present a compelling case to the court. Attempting to handle this on your own can be tricky, as the court needs to see a significant change in circumstances to justify altering its original order.