Step-by-Step: How to Get a Restraining Order in Jacksonville (2025)

What Is an Injunction for Protection?

In Florida, a “restraining order” is generally called an injunction for protection. It is a civil court order that restricts an individual (the “respondent”) from doing certain acts, such as harassing, stalking, threatening, abusing, or contacting the “petitioner.” (CC Frontend Template)

The Florida Supreme Court’s Petition for Injunction for Protection covers multiple types (Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, Stalking). (CC Frontend Template)

1) Decide What Type of Injunction You Need

Florida has five main types of injunctions for protection: (CC Frontend Template)

1. Domestic Violence: when you and respondent are family or household members, lived together, or share children.

2. Repeat Violence: for two or more acts of violence or stalking, none necessarily domestic.

3. Dating Violence: for parties in an intimate but non-cohabiting relationship.

4. Sexual Violence: for victims of sexual battery.

5. Stalking / Cyberstalking: repeated harassment or communications.

If the person harming you is not a family or household member, you might pursue Repeat Violence or Stalking instead of Domestic Violence. (Jacksonville Area Legal Aid)

2) Where to File the Petition

You may file in Duval County (Jacksonville) if any of the following are true: (WomensLaw.org)

• You live in Duval County

• The abuse or violence occurred in Duval County

• The respondent lives in Duval County

In Jacksonville / Duval County, use the Duval County Clerk’s Office / Domestic Violence Services / Injunction Unit to file. (Duval Clerk)

Address: Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Room 2409, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

Douglas County has a Domestic Violence Post Judgment Unit in Room 2150, Window B, for follow-up or modifications. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

3) Fill Out the Required Forms

• Use Florida Supreme Court–approved forms: Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence / Repeat / Dating / Sexual / Stalking (Form 12.980) (CC Frontend Template)

• Provide your name, respondent’s name, addresses (or places they can be served), date of birth if known

• Describe recent incidents in detail: what happened, when, where, how, witnesses, threats, injuries

• You may include confidential address request if you fear retaliation

• No filing fee is required for an injunction for protection under many types (especially domestic violence) (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

You don’t necessarily need a police report to file, except in some sexual violence cases. (Jacksonville Area Legal Aid)

Bring a photo ID when filing. (Jacksonville Area Legal Aid)

4) Temporary Injunction / Ex Parte Order

After filing, the judge may grant a temporary injunction (ex parte) based solely on your petition—without the respondent present—if you show immediate danger or credible threat. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

• The temporary injunction often lasts up to 15 days until the final hearing. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

• However, it is not enforceable until the respondent is served with the order. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

5) Service of the Injunction / Notice to Respondent

• After the order is granted (temporary or otherwise), the court sends the documents to law enforcement (Jacksonville Sheriff or proper agency) for service. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• You must include sufficient information in your petition (address, last known residence, places respondent frequents) to allow service. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• Service must be completed before the temporary injunction becomes enforceable. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

6) Final Hearing & Permanent Injunction

• The final hearing is normally scheduled within 15 days of granting a temporary injunction. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

• At the hearing, both parties present evidence, witnesses, and cross-examination. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

• The judge then decides whether a permanent injunction (final order) should be issued. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

• If granted, the order becomes enforceable after service has been made. (Roelke Law, P.A.)

7) After the Order — Enforcement, Violations & Modifications

• Always carry a certified copy of the injunction with you

• If the respondent violates the injunction, call 911 and report the violation (it’s a crime) (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• You may file an affidavit of violation or request that the respondent be held in contempt of court

• You may file motions to extend, modify, or vacate the injunction before it expires. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• The Domestic Violence Post Judgment Unit (in Duval) handles post-injunction motions. Address: Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams, Room 2150, Window B. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

Evidence & Documentation You Should Bring

• Written/ sworn statement detailing who, what, when, where, how, injuries, witnesses

• Police reports / incident numbers / 911 logs

• Medical records, photos, and videos of injuries or damages

• Text messages, voicemails, emails, social media communications

• Witness statements or contact info

• Prior injunctions or criminal cases, if any

• Proof of relationship, residence, or cohabitation (for domestic violence petitions)

Local Jacksonville / Duval County Resources

Timeline Summary (Jacksonville)

1. File petition & request a temporary injunction → same day if possible

2. Judge reviews petition → may grant temporary injunction

3. Service of respondent → necessary before enforceability

4. Final hearing → usually within 15 days

5. Final injunction issued if criteria met

6. Application to enforce, extend, or modify as needed

Common Questions & Tips

• Is there a filing fee? No, you can file an injunction for protection without paying a court fee. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• Do I need a police report? Not always — except in some sexual violence cases where cooperation with law enforcement is required. (Jacksonville Area Legal Aid)

• Can I request address confidentiality? In many cases, yes — request that your address remain confidential on filing documents. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)

• What if I can’t locate the respondent? The court may extend the temporary injunction and allow additional time for service. (normanlawjax.com)

• What happens if I miss my hearing? The case may be dismissed, and your protection order may not become permanent. (4th Judicial Circuit Court)