Domestic Violence Injunction (Restraining Order) in Liberty County, Florida
Petitions for protection against domestic violence are filed in circuit court under § 741.30, Florida Statutes. There is no filing fee, and the clerk's office must assist petitioners with the forms.
Where this case is heard in Liberty County
- Court: Second Judicial Circuit Court · Second Judicial Circuit (Circuit 2)
- Filing: e-file through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com or in person with the Liberty County Clerk of Court.
- Local bench: 1 judges verified for Liberty County — check the assigned judge's practice preferences before any hearing.
The procedure, step by step
1. File the petition — no fee, clerk assistance required
Section 741.30(2), Fla. Stat. bars any filing fee and directs the clerk to provide simplified forms and assistance. Related injunction types exist for repeat, dating, and sexual violence (§ 784.046) and stalking (§ 784.0485).
2. The judge reviews for a temporary (ex parte) injunction
If the petition shows an immediate and present danger, the court may enter a temporary injunction the same day without notice, effective up to 15 days pending the full hearing (§ 741.30(5), Fla. Stat.).
3. The return hearing
A full hearing is set within the temporary injunction period; both sides may present evidence, and the court decides whether to enter a final injunction, which can include no-contact terms, exclusive use of the home, and temporary custody/support provisions.
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to file for a domestic violence injunction in Florida?
- No. Section 741.30(2)(a), Florida Statutes prohibits charging a filing fee, and clerks must help petitioners complete the paperwork.
- How fast can I get protection?
- If the sworn petition shows immediate and present danger, a judge can issue a temporary injunction ex parte — often the same day — lasting up to 15 days until the full hearing (§ 741.30(5), Fla. Stat.).
Governing authority
- § 741.30, Fla. Stat. (domestic violence injunctions)
- § 784.046 (repeat/dating/sexual violence); § 784.0485 (stalking)
Procedural information only — not legal advice and not a substitute for an attorney. Statewide rules are summarized with citations; local practice varies by division and judge, so verify deadlines with the LibertyCounty clerk and review the assigned judge's verified preferences on the Liberty County page.