Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Domestic Violence Protection in Florida
Open-data reference.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. You can also visit thehotline.org. The filing process below is informational reference data, not a substitute for immediate safety help.
Filing a domestic violence protection in Florida costs free of charge. The typical timeline is Temporary injunction same-day; full hearing within 15 days, and no mandatory waiting period applies.
Physical assault, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence
What This Means for Your Domestic Violence Protection Filing in Florida
Filing for domestic violence protection in Florida costs free of charge at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Free. Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. Beyond the filing fee, no mandatory waiting period applies, and the typical case timeline is Temporary injunction same-day; full hearing within 15 days. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Florida lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: Not required. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Physical assault, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Free. Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence.
Key Requirements
- Describe incidents
- File at Circuit Court
- Free filing
- Victim advocates available at courthouse
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File petition at Circuit Court
- 2
Judge reviews same day
- 3
Temporary injunction if granted
- 4
Respondent served
- 5
Full hearing within 15 days
- 6
Permanent injunction issued
Important Notes
Free to file. Estimated. Verify with local court.
Grounds / Eligibility
Physical assault, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- Free
- Residency
- Not required
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- Temporary injunction same-day; full hearing within 15 days
Official Resources
Compare All States
See Domestic Violence Protection requirements in all 10 states
State Comparison →Other Civil Processes in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for domestic violence protection in Florida?
The filing fee for domestic violence protection in Florida is Free. Free. Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence.
How long does domestic violence protection take in Florida?
Temporary injunction same-day; full hearing within 15 days
Do I need a lawyer for domestic violence protection in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for domestic violence protection in Florida, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Florida resources.
Is there a waiting period for domestic violence protection in Florida?
There is no mandatory waiting period for domestic violence protection in Florida.
What are the residency requirements for domestic violence protection in Florida?
Not required
What documents are needed for domestic violence protection in Florida?
Key requirements include: Describe incidents; File at Circuit Court; Free filing.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Florida court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |