Quick answer: If you’re wondering what happens after you file an injunction in Florida, the judge reviews your petition first, may enter a temporary order in urgent situations,
and then schedules a final hearing (often within about two weeks) where you must prove your case with clear facts and organized evidence.
PAGE CONTENTS
Want the short checklist? Jump to FAQs.
Florida law uses the word injunction, but many people search “restraining order.” This page uses both terms so you can find clear answers faster.
Filing a restraining order (injunction) can feel overwhelming because the timeline moves quickly and the court makes early decisions based on paperwork.
This guide explains what happens next and how to stay prepared while your case moves toward a hearing. For the big-picture overview, start here:Restraining Orders & Injunctions in Florida.
After you file, the judge typically reviews your petition without the respondent present. Courts often call this an ex parte review.
In other words, the judge asks, “Do these written facts meet the legal requirements for this type of injunction?” Florida Courts publishes an overview of the petitioner process here:
Florida Courts: Overview for Petitioners.
If the petition shows a sufficient legal basis and urgent safety concerns, the court may enter a temporary injunction.
That temporary order can restrict contact, communication, and proximity. In contrast, when the petition does not show an immediate basis for temporary relief, the judge may deny temporary relief or require more specificity before moving forward (depending on the facts and the injunction category). Don’t panic if this happens. You still have a shot at winning.
Read your paperwork carefully and follow every term exactly. If you want to understand how the court divides cases into categories, review: the types of Florida injunctions.
Category choice matters because different statutes and proof standards apply.
Next, law enforcement typically serves the respondent with the petition and any temporary order. Service matters because it starts enforceability in most cases.
As a result, accurate addresses and reliable contact information can prevent delays.
The final hearing is where the judge decides whether to enter a final injunction, deny the request, or enter more limited relief.
Many cases move quickly, so you should prepare as soon as you file. For a plain-English walkthrough of the hearing, see:
What can I expect at the final hearing?
Florida has multiple injunction categories, and each one has different legal elements. For example, domestic violence injunctions fall under
Fla. Stat. § 741.30.
Repeat violence / dating violence / sexual violence injunctions fall under
Fla. Stat. § 784.046.
When you file under the wrong category (or leave out a required element), the court often denies the request or limits relief.
Injunction cases move fast, and the hearing record can follow you for a long time. Fighter Law helps petitioners and respondents organize evidence,
prepare testimony, and present a clear timeline that fits the statute. If you need defense help, start here:
How to fight a restraining order in Florida.
If you want a step-by-step filing overview, start here:
How to get a restraining order in Florida.
For a bigger overview of Florida restraining orders and injunctions, visit our Restraining Orders & Injunctions hub.
Even though an injunction is a civil order, it can still create serious consequences in real life (employment, housing, and more). Here is what happens after a final injunction is entered.
Learn more here: Consequences of an injunction in Florida.
You should also know what to do if the other person violates the injunction. You can learn more about that here.
Important: This page provides general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on the facts, evidence, and local court practices.
If you have an emergency, call 911.
Judges often review petitions quickly because these cases involve safety concerns. Many courts review the paperwork the same day or the next business day,
although timing varies by county and docket volume.
The respondent usually learns about the case when law enforcement serves the paperwork. However, if the court denies the petition at the initial review stage,
the respondent may never receive notice (depending on local procedures).
In most situations, the temporary order becomes enforceable once law enforcement serves the respondent. Keep a copy of the order and follow every term exactly.
Bring organized evidence (screenshots, photos, records), a clear timeline, and any witnesses you can legally present. Also bring multiple copies of exhibits if you can.
For a step-by-step overview, read: What can I expect at the final hearing?
Fill out the form below for an free evaluation of your case.
Call Now
