Domestic Violence
If you are a victim of any act of domestic violence or have reasonable cause to believe that you are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, you can ask the Court for a protective order prohibiting domestic violence, also called an injunction.
Per Administrative Order 16-06, the cutoff time for filing any injunction paperwork is 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding official court holidays and/or emergency office closures.
Types of Injunctions
- Domestic with children – must have a minor child or children in common with the other party whether or not you have been married or have ever lived together.
- Domestic without children – must be related to the other party by blood or marriage or if an extended family member must be living in the same dwelling as a family and have NO CHILDREN in common. This includes any family or household member by another who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit.
- Repeat violence – must have had two (2) acts or threats of violence against you or an immediate family member, one of which must have been within the past six (6) months.
- Sexual violence – must be a victim of sexual violence, be cooperating with law enforcement and have filed a report or have an active on-going investigation regarding the incident.
- Dating violence – must have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the other party within the past six (6) months.
- Stalking violence – repeated following over a period of time for no legitimate purpose, harassment or cyber stalking of one person by another causing emotional stress.
Pro Se litigants will need to complete the form as a Notice of Change of Mailing Address or Designated Email or a Request To Be Excused From Email Designation.
How to File a Restraining Order
TurboCourt is similar to TurboTax in that, it allows you to walk through a questionnaire which then creates the court forms you need for Restraining Orders/Injunctions. There is no fee for obtaining these forms.
Request assistance as early in the day as possible, preferably before 3pm, to allow sufficient time to complete paperwork and for the Court to review your paperwork.
If an injunction is needed after business hours, weekend or holidays, please call 911.
Community Resources
If you need assistance with completing your petition for protection against violence, the following community resources are available at no charge to you:
Shelter House, Inc.
Fort Walton Beach:
Crestview:
Hours:
- Monday – Friday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services provided to victims of domestic violence:
- 24-hour hotline (850) 863-4777 or 1 (800) 44-ABUSE (442-2873)
- Safe shelter
- Individual counseling and support groups
- Assistance in filing an injunction for protection
Military Victim Advocate Services
Eglin AFB:
Eglin Domestic Abuse 24-hour Hotline:
Hurlburt AFB:
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.
Fort Walton Beach:
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday
- 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Services Provided:
- Assistance in filing an injunction for protection
- Legal representation for victims of domestic violence at the injunction
Additional Assistance
Please remember that you have the right to an attorney to represent you during all court proceedings.
Cope Center Crisis Line:
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline:
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
The Hope Card
Effective October 1, 2024, Florida Statute 741.311 allows a Petitioner who has been granted a Final Judgment of Injunction to obtain a Hope Card in the county where the petition was granted. The Clerk will provide a digital card to a person in Florida who is issued a final injunction for protection against Domestic Violence, Stalking, Repeat Violence, Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, or Abuse or Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult who applies for a free Hope Card.
Complete this form and return to a Deputy Clerk for processing.