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This guide is designed to help non-lawyers understand what form or template you may need to get something done in a Florida restraining order (injunction) case.
Even experienced attorneys can get tripped up on which petition or order applies to a particular situation. The goal here is to make the process easier to understand—whether you’re seeking protection or defending against an injunction that you believe is unjust.
Important: Court clerks can often help with logistics and completion steps, but they are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
These statutes are commonly referenced in injunction cases and can help you understand the categories Florida uses:
Below are the forms as they appear in Florida’s family law forms system, with links to official downloads and a plain-English explanation.
Summary: Use this petition if you are a victim of domestic violence or you have reasonable cause to believe you are in imminent danger of becoming one.
Helpful tip: Review the standardized denial order first: Order Denying Petition (PDF). It lists common reasons petitions get denied.
Helpful tip: Ask the clerk about confidentiality options if a temporary injunction is not granted. Policies and processes can vary by county, so it’s worth confirming at filing.
Summary: A judge may set a hearing even if the petition does not justify immediate temporary restrictions. This form is commonly used to set the matter for a full hearing without a temporary injunction in place.
Summary: This is the standardized order a judge may sign to deny an injunction request. Reading it can help you understand what judges often look for when reviewing petitions.
Summary: If the judge believes immediate protection is needed and minor children are involved, a temporary injunction may be entered. It can include safety restrictions and temporary parenting/time-sharing provisions depending on the facts.
Related reading: If you’re worried about enforcement or “accidental contact,” see what happens if someone violates a protective order.
Summary: Similar to the form above, but used when minor children are not involved. Temporary restrictions typically become enforceable once the respondent is served.
Summary: After notice and a hearing, the judge may enter a final injunction. These outcomes can have serious consequences, including restrictions on contact, housing, and other rights.
Note: Many final injunction cases also intersect with family-law issues. If parenting/time-sharing becomes an issue, see our Family Law page for related guidance.
Summary: Final judgment form used when minor children are not involved. It is still a significant order with serious legal consequences.
Summary: This is commonly used when (1) the petitioner does not appear, (2) the petitioner voluntarily dismisses, or (3) the court holds a hearing and the evidence does not support entry of a final injunction.
Summary: A petitioner can file this to voluntarily dismiss their injunction case.
Practical caution: If you are a respondent, do not contact the petitioner just because you want the case dismissed. Even well-intentioned contact can create risk if a temporary order is in place. If dismissal is being discussed, it’s safer to communicate through counsel or the court process.
If you’re unsure which petition fits your facts—or you’ve been served and need to respond—start with our hub page: Restraining Orders & Injunctions.
You may also find these guides helpful: how to get a restraining order in Florida and how to fight a restraining order in Florida.
Do these forms apply statewide in Florida?
These are Florida Supreme Court–approved family law forms used statewide, but local clerk procedures (how you file, scheduling, required attachments) can vary by county and division. When in doubt, confirm local requirements with the clerk and the court’s self-help resources.
Does a temporary injunction become enforceable immediately?
Temporary injunctions can be entered quickly. Enforcement and arrest risk generally increase once the respondent is served and has notice. If you were served, read the paperwork carefully and follow it strictly.
Can a petition be denied even if a hearing is set?
Yes. A judge can set a hearing without issuing a temporary injunction, and the final decision is made after the court hears evidence. Preparing documents, witnesses, and exhibits matters.
Where do I find the official Florida injunction forms?
The Florida Courts website is the safest starting point for official forms. This guide links directly to Florida Courts downloads and key statutes so you can cross-check what you’re reading.
Do I need a lawyer to file an injunction?
You can file without a lawyer, but injunction cases move fast and can have serious consequences. If you can, speak with counsel—especially if there are children, firearms issues, shared housing, or potential criminal exposure.
What if I pick the wrong type of injunction?
Using the wrong petition can lead to delays or denials. If you’re unsure, review the statute categories and consider getting legal advice before filing—particularly when safety is a concern.
Disclaimer: This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and local court procedures can vary by county.
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