How to Obtain a Domestic Violence Injunction in Palm Beach County
If you are in an unsafe situation at home, you do not have to wait for things to get worse before taking action. Florida law gives victims of domestic violence the ability to seek legal protection through a civil injunction, sometimes called a restraining order. Knowing how that process works in Palm Beach County can help you take that first important step toward safety.
Who Can File for a Domestic Violence Injunction in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 741.30, any person who is a victim of domestic violence, or who has reasonable cause to believe they are in imminent danger of becoming a victim, has the right to file a verified petition for an injunction for protection. Domestic violence can include assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, and other criminal offenses committed by one family or household member against another. You do not need to have a police report in hand or have already been physically hurt to qualify. The threat alone may be enough to get the process started.
Where and How to File in Palm Beach County
Filing is free. There is no filing fee for a domestic violence injunction in Palm Beach County. You can begin the process at the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Domestic Violence Department, which is located on the third floor of the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach, as well as at branch offices in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade. You can also file online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
One helpful note: the Palm Beach County Office of Victim Services is available at each courthouse location and will assist you in completing the required paperwork at no charge. Filing before noon gives a judge more time to review your petition the same day. The process is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Palm Beach County.
When you go to file, it helps to have the following with you:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Any police reports or referral cards from law enforcement, if you have them
- The name and address of the person you are filing against
- Information about any prior attempts to obtain an injunction
What Happens After You File?
A judge will review your petition and decide whether to grant a temporary injunction, deny it but schedule a hearing, or deny it entirely. If a temporary injunction is granted, it goes into effect right away. The Clerk’s office will then send it to the Sheriff’s Office to be personally served on the respondent.
If a temporary injunction is granted, a hearing to determine whether a final injunction is warranted will be scheduled within 15 days. At that hearing, both sides have the opportunity to present their case. If the court issues a final injunction, it can include a range of protections, such as requiring the respondent to stay away from your home, workplace, or school; prohibiting any contact; awarding temporary custody of any children involved; and requiring the respondent to surrender any firearms.
Speak With a Boca Raton Domestic Violence Lawyer Before or After Filing
Navigating this process on your own can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with so much. Whether you have questions before you file or need support heading into a hearing, having experienced legal guidance makes a real difference. At Schwartz | White, our Boca Raton domestic violence attorneys understand how much is at stake and are here to advocate for your protection every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out to us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Your safety matters, and we are ready to help.
Source:
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2025/741.30
